Completed in four months as desired by the owners, this home in Mumbai has a tribal personality and a lively collection of stories to tell
The young owners wanted a beautiful home with cosy corners, bright and open feel with a few generic materials like marble flooring, wood to add warmth. When the designer’s team started showing them references, they realised that the owners did not have a particular language that was constant throughout the space. That is where Ali’s expertise came into the picture. Instead of treating this as a limitation, he decided to evoke an eclectic feel by designing each room differently, getting various materials together and lending a vibe that has an ideal mix of elements coming together to create the desired zone.
As you enter the formal den, the wooden flooring doubles up as panelling on the wall and flows further to form a part of the ceiling. It immediately catches the eye by producing an illusion of expanse, comfort and coziness. Wooden joists on either side of the den effortlessly create stealthy surroundings that add to the tribal illusion, as well as accentuate the earthiness of the space. While natural materials enhance the room’s softness, the Cuban inspired wooden armchairs and the relaxed centre table, nonchalantly chic in onyx and wood add to the eclectic vibe.
Keeping the family’s relaxation zone in mind, the designer made space for a lounge cum bar that showcases a natural element with its cane shutters, and the earthy tones integrate the space with the living room. The cane lamp from MuseLab at a quiet corner adds a certain lightness while the two loungers in wood facing each other bring in both vintage and contemporary vibes. You can’t miss the wall that adorns MF Hussain’s and Datta Bansode’s artwork just above the relaxed seating.
Unlike the muted tones of the living room, the dining area oozes zesty colours. A vivacious corner with teal fabrics and glass dining is supported on a vertical and wooden marble base, functional yet a charmingly decorative piece which sets the tone for the space. Adding to the contemporary colour palette is the beautiful painting depicting colourful houses by artist Suresh Gulage.
Next comes the most colourful space in the house! A playful and youthful space, the kid’s room is designed by Ali keeping a growing person in mind. Taking inspiration from nature, the space is fashioned with a four-poster bed, wardrobe and study storage. The dual-purpose storage ledge that converts into a toy chest, is custom-made with geometrically patterned colour block art by Girjesh Jaiswar.
Heading to the master bedroom, we encounter a mix and match of experimental elements that create cohesiveness in the space. A sophisticated headboard in a suede angular pattern is offset with a radiant and smooth white onyx at the back. To create an airy mood, the windows were positioned directly behind the bed, designed as an extended part of the headboard – a meeting point for the two, whilst creating an imaginative elevation in the room. The marvel lies in viewing it all together, as pieces of a modernist puzzle falling in place, lending playfulness to an otherwise contemporary room.
Bringing various materials together while being stylish and careful, the major challenge for Ali was to complete the entire house in the short timeline of four months. Of course, he achieved the deadline and also his desire to achieve a home that has a tribal spirit throughout.
Image: Binisha Ajmera
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