An ingenious expansion
One of ABM’s oldest clients, a family of five, the Parekhs, wished to redesign their home in the heart of Mumbai. They were looking to alter the existing floor plan to meet their new requirements. The home originally consisted of three bedrooms plus the living, dining and bar. The challenge was to create four bedrooms, from three bedrooms, which meant that the client would have to compromise on their common spaces.
A central public core
The living and dining space is in the center of the home. The undulating bronze finished bar is the statement piece of this space. The color palette kept mostly beige, black and white, while the artwork is vibrant and adds some color to the space. While most of the furniture is neutral, a glass center table with a sculpture created by Azran Khambatta pulls focus. The powder room, located off the dining area, is designed with a black and white marble inlay floor, a floating counter, and hung mirror with a fluted glass backdrop, orchestrating effortless luxury. Foliage peaks through the glass. Hour glass-shaped lights with a custom-made towel holder descend from the ceiling. The kitchen, modular and designed to maximize storage, and the servants’ area are planned to be separated from the main home.
A tale of details
A corridor with customized art pieces, a large bevelled mirror and bespoke furniture, connects the living and dining to the bedrooms. The design of the bedrooms, each different in character, seamlessly reflects the tastes of the occupants. The son’s room is the first one down the corridor, which was designed to be simple and clutter-free. A wooden floor and a grey-and-nude colour palette with a touch of blue add to its charm. A combination of track and decorative lights are used here. The daughter’s room on the other hand, while also neutral, uses a variety of warm colours, reflected in the rug, cushions, artwork and artifacts paired with a wooden floor. The grandmother’s room, being the most compact, uses space very effectively. A single bed and a reclining arm chair in the corner are most utilitarian. Mirrored paneling behind the bed helps expand the space.
A masterful spin
The master bedroom, is the most spacious. Similar to the living room the color palette is neutral with tones of white and beige. Decoration is used sparingly, like in the subtle fluted paneling behind the bed. There are also two armchairs by the window which the couple use frequently to unwind. The long walk-in wardrobe uses mirrored glass shutters to make the narrow space seem larger.
While the challenge was to mould the space keeping the design idiosyncrasies of the occupants in mind, ABM was successful in transforming the apartment into a space that was better planned and suited to the family.
Fact File:
Location: Mumbai, India
Completed: May 2022
Area: 2600 sq ft
Design Team: Yogesh Kachole, Shweta Gaurav, Ahmed Ali
Photography Credits: Isha Shah
About the design firm:
ABM Architects is a Mumbai-based Architecture and design firm. Principal architect Alfaz Miller established ABM Architects in 1972, and the firm has evolved with the changing times, with the addition of a young force led by his daughter, Aahana Miller.
