This 4-bedroom apartment was crafted for a nuclear family consisting of a mother, a couple, and two children. When the client expressed a love for color and a desire for minimal veneer work, the team embraced the challenge of incorporating vibrant colors into the design.
A vibrant welcome
The apartment offers stunning views of the cityscape and, due to its elevated position, both the coastlines of Mumbai. The surrounding balconies facilitate a seamless connection to the outdoors, and the team intentionally opened the indoor spaces to maximize sunlight.
The design adhered to the basic principles of Vaastu, with the temple area positioned as a focal point upon entry. One significant challenge was creating a separate dining area distinct from the standard layout provided by the builder. Through clever realignment of the kitchen, the team transformed the long rectangular living-dining space into two distinct seating zones, including a luxurious dining nook.
The project drew inspiration from the colors and vibrancy desired by the family. During initial consultations, the family shared their favorite colors and ideas, which the team incorporated into the design. An existing frame of Lord Srinathji at the entrance, known for its vibrancy, served as the basis for the color palette.
This project offered an opportunity to create a welcoming foyer area for both homeowners and visitors. A bold fluted red panel design was implemented in the entrance foyer, forming the core of the design and earning the project the name “Project Red.”
Bespoke surfaces
Uniform flooring throughout the apartment maintains continuity and flow in the design. An interesting inlay of semi-precious stones and brass at the entrance adds a touch of elegance, complemented by a Meshmatic chandelier from Mooi hanging above the domed ceiling.
The temple area is adorned with pristine white marble and champagne leafing, featuring an intricate inlay panel of white marble and mother of pearl, executed by World of Stone. The kitchen door, opposite the temple, mirrors the temple door’s fluted glass, reflecting a similar character. The entrance to the dining area continues the theme of wallpaper and marble panels.
The dining table, sourced from Cattelan Italia, is paired with a custom-designed console by the team. Above it, a grey textured wall highlights a jewel ornament from Klove Studio. Patterned veneer panels behind the dining table conceal significant storage space. The seating areas were conceptualized as a TV zone with a drop-down screen and projector, with the TV panel featuring carved white marble and Oikos paint with leafing. The ceiling was designed in levels to enhance the space’s height, complemented by a custom chandelier from Arjun Rathi.
Custom carpets from The Weaver and a water lily painting enhance the seating area. Additional seating, also custom-designed, includes a white center table carved by Odyssey Stone, Delhi. The powder room features distressed black stone and veneer, with wall art commissioned from White Domus, Delhi.
Touch of personal tastes
The first bedroom, designated for the senior mother, is decorated in regal tones of white and aqua. The wall behind the bed features a rich damask print wallpaper, which is echoed in the pendant light from Klove Studio. Wardrobes include inlays of mother of pearl and brass, while the TV wall is clad in veneer and white Palissandro wall tiles.
The two children’s rooms reflect their individual tastes. The girl’s room features pinks and florals, with wallpaper from Arte and custom furniture. The boy’s room includes a city skyline etched on the bed’s back and intricate fluted statuario marble panels on the TV panel backdrop and storage shutters. Decorative lights in both rooms were sourced from Slamp.
The master bedroom, accessed through an entry passage, is divided into a walk-in dresser, sleeping area, and a seating zone by the window. A Flos ceiling light hangs above the seating. The room features hand-carved panels finished onsite with PU colors and back-painted gold leaf glasses. The doors throughout the apartment are not conventional veneer but are expertly shaded in ombre metallic copper tones by Colour Coats. The main balcony includes a water body used by the kids as a plunge pool, highlighted by a FRP statue of a ballerina with a skirt formed by a cascading water fountain.
The joy of expression
The design team’s approach adhered to the adage “Form follows Function,” emphasizing the design of spaces over mere decoration. Throughout the apartment, abundant storage is seamlessly integrated into what appear to be decorative panels, concealing features such as a bar, storage lofts, and air conditioning units. Every inch of the space was carefully planned and crafted by the team. Wardrobes in all rooms are designed as panels rather than standard shutters, enhancing the space’s value.
The design process was guided by client interactions and briefs. The team approached clients with a therapeutic mindset, aiming to understand what brings them joy and incorporating those elements into the design. The varied materials used throughout the apartment—wood veneer panels, stone claddings, and custom furniture—come together in a cohesive composition.
Fact file:
Name of the project: Project Red
Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai
Area: 3,000 sq ft
Type: Residential Interior Design
Design firm: RC Design Studio
Lead designer: Cherag BardolivalaÂ
Photography: Kuber ShahÂ
