Ar. Pathik Joshi and Ar. Abhilasha Porwal Joshi seamlessly blends Western functionality with Indian cultural richness. The home features bold elements, refined finishes, and a unique fusion of modern and traditional aesthetics.
Ar. Pathik Joshi and Ar. Abhilasha Porwal Joshi, Founders, Kypad Design Office LLP was entrusted with the design of this 1,250-sq ft residence located on the 53rd floor of a highrise in Mumbai. Designed for a family of four that moved back to the country after a long haul in the United States, this apartment fuses the functionality of the West with the flavours of the East, making it a blend of both worlds.
An element of drama is evident from the moment you enter this apartment. A modern chandelier above and a series of brass Indian figurines placed in the niches of a veneered wall welcome you into the home. The use of soft curves as a design language is established with the panelling that starts at the entryway and leads into the living room. Congruously merging with this is the door to the home office. Marked by a lilac palette, the office sports a large world map on the wall, reflective of the lady of the house’s work across the globe.
While the choice of the flooring is a solid, textured grey tile, the handling of it is interesting. Cut into different widths and installed with grooves, the flooring flows into all the rooms. Leaf motifs have been sprinkled across the house by embossing them in smaller pieces of the same tile. These motifs also find place as brass inlay in the living room furniture.
Set against the backdrop of this neutral grey, the living room comes alive with a melange of colours in its upholstery and artworks. A wood and cane swing with a brass chain is the piece de resistance of this space. “Interestingly, this was the first element finalized in this space and its flippable back makes it part of the seating as well as the dining arrangement. A traditional TV screen is replaced by a 10-foot, pull-down projector screen, for cosy movie nights but allowing at most times the expansive view of the city, all the way upto the sea. A bespoke media console innovatively conceals all cables, and a coffee table in an elongated capsule shape completes this area. The living area extends into the dining space, featuring a plate collection with Mughal miniature paintings above a wooden bench. The dining table is graced with a chandelier featuring various textured glass vessels adding the jazz. Handpicked Indian art in various media breathes life into its cultural spirit.” Explains Ar. Pathik Joshi.
Sharing detailing on the lighting Ar. Abhilasha Porwal Joshi, “The lighting is skillfully handled. In sync with the flooring, the ceiling also consists of grooves in which “lazer blade” fittings are placed and distributed across the room. This uniformly lights the space while being inconspicuous and keeping the ceiling clean. While the swing segregates two adjoining spaces, the grooves in the ceiling stitches them together. Converting problems into opportunities, the ceiling conceals the fire sprinklers, AC conduits, data cables etc smartly by creating three levels and using it for indirect lighting.”
The living and kitchen all get their designated areas while still being able to merge into a larger space whenever needed, with the help of deep navy blue sliding-folding doors. The kitchen includes an island with suspended lights, making it a critical element carried over from their US home to this Bombay home. The platform is a rich grey quartz complemented with a pastel pink subway tile placed in a chevron pattern. Next to the kitchen is the sleek bar area. Being the ideal spot for congregation and conversations, this corner was highlighted with an accent piece – a birdshaped light.
A hallway leads to the three bedrooms at the other end of the house. An arched doorway cutting through a fluted paneling leads one’s sight onto a mesmerizing canvas rendition of Srinathji concluding the journey along the passage, achieving the dual objective of art and spirituality for the designers and clients, respectively. Aside from merely functioning as a passage, this hallway conceals a shoe closet and additional storage. A niche has been carved into this space to create the platform for any festive additions needed throughout the year.
The daughters’ bedrooms embody distinct personalities and themes. The younger daughter’s room features an exciting oval mirror and chest of drawers against it. The wardrobes in beveled back-painted glass of dark teal contrasting with a blush pink and off-white upholstery. While this room has high contrasts, the elder daughter’s room has a more neutral palette, featuring a cane headboard and a fluted wood finish behind the desk. A free-standing mirror and a disco ball add to the spunk to the space.
Lastly, the master bedroom is a welcoming space with warm walnut wood flooring and oakwood furniture. The room features the Indian take on Western elements through the mouldings on the walls and the headboard detailing. A deep red dresser adds a bold touch to this space, along with the black tile with mismatched veins behind the television.
Overall, a refined palette of matte finishes, grey tones, motifs and fluted details, this apartment is designed around quiet luxury. With a timeless vibe of bold elements, this house brings together functionality and flavour.
