Inside Outside isn’t just a home- it is, a muted dialogue between design and atmosphere, nestled in the city’s skyline yet untouched by its noise. It is a home that doesn’t just make a statement, but whispers one. Designed by Ar. Farukh Lokhandwalla, Founding Principal Architect of Architect Lokhandwalla F.T. (A.L.F.T.). this home is for a close-knit family spanning four generations— from a wise 80-year-old grandmother to a lively 18-year-old granddaughter. The brief called for a delicate choreography of private and collective spaces, redesigned from a 6BHK into a generous 4BHK layout that offers room for personal expression while celebrating family togetherness.
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, this approximately 3,200 sq. ft. home unfolds over a refined footprint with an expansive balcony that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. The guiding theme was multi-generational harmony— melding timelessness with personal touches that celebrate each family member’s needs, resulting in a home that feels both connected and comfortably distinct. Sharing the clients’ brief and requirements, Farukh adds, “The homeowners wanted thoughtful details that honoured tradition and modernity alike: two kitchens for different cooking styles, a tucked-in puja, a cosy gaming den, a discreet bar, and a large balcony lush with greenery. The challenge was to craft a home that felt warm and welcoming to all ages, with finishes and forms chosen for both comfort and durability.”
The living room forms the heart of this home, where family stories unfold. A flushed wall runs uninterrupted, visually binding the space while subtle niches display cherished artefacts. Nearby, a concealed bar nook offers a refined spot for entertaining, never interrupting the room’s calm flow. Ceiling heights are kept to a maximum which ends up creating a vast open and inviting atmosphere. Flowing naturally from the living, the dining area embraces togetherness with a restrained palette that invites focus on shared meals and conversations, rather than decor. “Addressing the family’s unique request for two kitchens, both were integrated seamlessly with clean lines and consistent finishes. Each kitchen accommodates different culinary traditions without disrupting the home’s unified aesthetic”, informs Farukh. Nestled in a carved niche, the puja space offers a quiet sanctuary. It holds spiritual significance artfully, tucked away just enough to create moments of reflection without overtaking daily living.
The son’s room includes a game-friendly den with warm wooden flooring and a cosy PlayStation corner—an energetic hideaway within the calm rhythm of the home. The grandmother’s room is a haven of timeless comfort with soft edges and a muted, calming palette designed for rest and ease. The daughter’s room features graceful arches and flowing lines paired with soft tropical hues and textures, bringing a vibrant yet serene energy while the master bedroom is a study in understated sophistication, marrying metal accents with a functional study and walk-in wardrobe for modern living. The son’s room reflects a youthful spirit, anchored by wooden floors and sharp yet inviting design details that balance playfulness and order. Farukh adds, “Bathrooms were created as personal sanctuaries, each crafted for comfort and practicality. The master bathroom flows openly into the walk-in wardrobe, wrapped in marble for a spa-like calm. The daughter’s bathroom is fresh and lively, with tropical colours and textured surfaces that brighten the space naturally. The son’s bathroom combines rugged rustic charm and clean lines with subtle blues, creating a simple and inviting atmosphere. The grandmother’s bathroom prioritizes safety and dignity with grab bars, anti-skid flooring, and thoughtful lighting—all while maintaining a quiet, elegant feel.
The expansive balcony invites nature in with Moroccan tiles adding vibrant pops of colour, a swing corner acting as a playful focal point, and abundant planters bringing greenery to every corner. It is a breath of fresh air, extending the home’s sense of calm and connection beyond its walls. Throughout the home, a very subtle colour palette has been used, explaining the same, Farukh says, “A soft, neutral base palette supports the home’s multi-generational spirit. This quiet canvas lets natural materials, artifacts, and colorful accents like the balcony tiles shine without overwhelming any generation’s tastes. Polished marble lends elegance and durability; metallic sheets provide a contemporary edge especially in the master suite; PU finishes deliver seamless cabinetry and flush doors that dissolve into walls. Warm wood flooring in the son’s den and Moroccan tiles enliven the balcony, introducing natural texture and colour that soften and enrich the interiors.”
Farukh further adds, “We have implemented automation throughout the home, with each room featuring a distinct lighting scheme. The living room uses a variety of track lights, defining spaces with a chandelier above the dining and another in the living area. Bedrooms have indirect lighting designed to avoid direct glare to the eyes. Sensor lights have been consciously added at all entry points. The house includes a diverse mix of lighting fixtures such as track lights, profile lights, indirect lighting, chandeliers, spotlights, and decorative wall lights to create ambience and functionality.”
The idea was to create a space that feels calm, balanced, and welcoming. The soft colours, gentle lighting, and warm materials were all chosen to bring a sense of peace and quiet luxury. Every room flows naturally into the next, with thoughtful details that make the home both beautiful and practical.
