Niharika Saraf has transformed a once-dilapidated space into a serene modern sanctuary, seamlessly blending history with contemporary elegance. Her design creates a harmonious flow throughout the apartment, perfectly reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of its owner.
This 2,800 sq. ft. loft apartment renamed as Meherbaan is located in the heart of Mumbai’s Breach Candy neighbourhood, and is a hymn to the seamless blending of history and modern design. The project, headed by Niharika Saraf of Polka House, brought new life to a space that was once deteriorating. Originally part of an old, ocean-facing building, the apartment’s double-height ceilings gave it a natural lofty feel, but the interior had fallen into severe disrepair; completely eaten away by termites. The damage was so extensive that the space had to be stripped down to its bare bones, allowing for a complete reimagination from the ground up. What was once a fragmented, dimly lit space with an old mezzanine and bedroom, riddled with structural issues, has now been completely transformed into a modern sanctuary.
Niharika’s approach to the redesign was a deliberate and thoughtful interplay between calm aesthetics and functional harmony. The muted colour palette used throughout the loft is a visual treat offering a sense of serenity and understated elegance. With soft creams, off-whites, and subtle hues of beige, the palette provides a refreshing contrast to the bright, harsh colours of the bustling city outside. In a city like Mumbai, where the cacophony of life often spills into your day, these muted tones act as a tranquil retreat, an antidote to sensory overload.
Stripping the interiors down to its core, Niharika envisioned a reimagined design that focused on fluidity and openness, addressing the client’s desire for a space that felt cohesive and integrated yet dynamic. The concept was clear: create an environment where every corner transitions seamlessly into the next, eliminating the harsh boundaries that often define different zones in a home. The muted backdrop enhances this fluidity, letting the eyes move effortlessly from one space to another while maintaining an air of sophistication. Niharika design philosophy shines through, proving that even a small apartment can be both practical and luxurious -a canvas of modern living that subtly whispers its grandeur rather than shouting it. Her design priorities not just aesthetics but also the experience of movement through the apartment. Every surface and every piece of furniture was chosen with the intent of offering a fluid living experience. “You don’t just walk from the living room to the bedroom; instead, you flow through the space, much like a natural extension of the architecture.
The design is such that you can effortlessly lounge on the sofa, transition to sitting at the desk, and move up the staircase—all without feeling like you’re stepping into separate spaces. Even the stairs, typically a utilitarian feature, have been designed to provide a place to sit and relax, adding to the apartment’s ethos of flexibility. The staircase blends into the mezzanine, where the client can entertain guests or unwind, further expanding the multi-functionality of the space. In this way, the apartment is not simply a set of rooms; it’s an interconnected living environment where one area naturally leads into the next.” explains Niharika Saraf.
What adds to the apartment’s unique character is the thoughtful incorporation of materials and finishes that reinforce this sense of flow. A consistent vineyard wood was used throughout the apartment, ensuring that the visual and tactile experience remained cohesive. Black accents in the hardware and sliding windows lend an outline that subtly defines the space without interrupting its continuity. The minimalism of these accents contrasts beautifully with the organic elements in the design, like the use of natural light and greenery. For example, the bathroom—a space with potential privacy concerns due to the building’s proximity to neighbouring structures—was transformed into a light-filled oasis. Tall snake plants serve as a natural privacy screen, allowing sunlight to filter through while shielding the interior. Fluted glass further distorts the view from the outside, ensuring that the user’s privacy is intact without sacrificing the airy, light-filled atmosphere that the client desires. Even the rotating mirror and the bathroom counter with an embedded plant reflect the designer’s intention to blend nature with practicality, offering a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
The attention to texture in this apartment is unparalleled. Every surface, from the walls to the floors and ceilings, has been treated with a concrete-texture finish that envelops the entire loft in a unified, tactile environment. This material choice was critical in maintaining the continuity and fluidity that Saraf sought to achieve. By using a monochromatic palette with subtle variations in texture, she created a sense of being wrapped in the space. The loft feels cohesive, as though every inch of it belongs to the same narrative. Even the bed platform and other built-in elements are covered in this texture paint, ensuring that no part of the apartment feels disconnected from the rest. Complementing this are rustic, distressed beams made of repurposed wood, which add character and a nod to the building’s original structure.
Beyond its materiality, this apartment’s strength lies in its adaptability. Designed with a young, dynamic client in mind, the space serves multiple functions effortlessly. The mezzanine, with its concealed bar, offers a private escape for entertaining, while the main living area is designed to be both social and restful. If one person is working at the desk, the other person can be lounging on the sofa or bed, yet the space never feels disjointed. This multi-functionality is achieved through the careful placement of furniture and the seamless flow between each area. Each piece, from the study chair to the sofa, serves a purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the loft.
Overall, Meherbaan is not just a renovation but a re-imagination of what living in a compact urban space can be. Through her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the client’s brief, Niharika Saraf has crafted a space that defies traditional boundaries, offering a fluid, flexible, and immersive living experience that perfectly reflects the client’s lifestyle and needs.
Photographs: Credit: MK Gandhi
