Houzz Tours
Mumbai Houzz: An Archetype of Neutral Decor Done Right
Studio Wodehouse creates a home with muted colours, lots of light and minimal ornamentation, exemplifying low-key luxe
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two kids
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year built: 2018
Size: 280 square metres (3000 square feet); 3 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 1 TV Room
Interior designer: Shonali Mahajan, Founder, Studio Wodehouse
Photographs by: Talib Chitalwala
This South Bombay apartment serves as the NRI client’s pied à terre (albeit one of 3000 square feet) in India as they shuttle between three continents. Says Shonali Mahajan of Studio Wodehouse, “They wanted to have a space that resonated that kind of international aesthetic and one that showcased a tone-on-tone palette consisting of shades of beige, cream and off-white.”
The design studio worked these elements into the house to a T, be it the floors, walls or furniture, paint, lacquer and veneer. As Mahajan explains, “This gives the home a cohesive feel. Moving from one room to another doesn’t feel like you’re moving through different spaces and the flow is easy and airy.” The subdued palette is interspersed with pops of colour from artefacts and paintings by Indian and Nigerian artists.
Who lives here: A couple and their two kids
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year built: 2018
Size: 280 square metres (3000 square feet); 3 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 1 TV Room
Interior designer: Shonali Mahajan, Founder, Studio Wodehouse
Photographs by: Talib Chitalwala
This South Bombay apartment serves as the NRI client’s pied à terre (albeit one of 3000 square feet) in India as they shuttle between three continents. Says Shonali Mahajan of Studio Wodehouse, “They wanted to have a space that resonated that kind of international aesthetic and one that showcased a tone-on-tone palette consisting of shades of beige, cream and off-white.”
The design studio worked these elements into the house to a T, be it the floors, walls or furniture, paint, lacquer and veneer. As Mahajan explains, “This gives the home a cohesive feel. Moving from one room to another doesn’t feel like you’re moving through different spaces and the flow is easy and airy.” The subdued palette is interspersed with pops of colour from artefacts and paintings by Indian and Nigerian artists.
An off-white L-shaped sectional makes for comfortable viewing of the TV that is mounted on an upholstered cabinet. A vintage Louis Vuitton trunk doubles as a posh side table, while full-size windows let in swathes of light.
Living room carpet: Jaipur rugs; Upholstery and curtains: Atmosphere
Living room carpet: Jaipur rugs; Upholstery and curtains: Atmosphere
The bar is set against a dark wood-panelled wall, illuminated by pendant lights. A pair of bar stools in complementing colours round off the look.
Furniture in living & dining room: Pinakin;
Furnishings through the house: Cottons & Satins; Rugs: Coccoon Carpets
Furniture in living & dining room: Pinakin;
Furnishings through the house: Cottons & Satins; Rugs: Coccoon Carpets
The TV room is connected to the living area via glass-panelled collapsible doors that can be folded when the owners are entertaining for easy flow between the two zones.
Past the entrance passage and the TV room lies a vast space that comprises the living and dining areas beyond. The living room is furnished with ample seating and in the universal palette of beiges, ivories and warm wood. The effect is one of subtle sophistication in its simplicity.
Find out why a neutral palette is evergreen
Find out why a neutral palette is evergreen
Mahajan says, “The seating arrangement is kept to the centre of the room so that there’s enough space on all sides to navigate easily between zones without having to cut across the living room.”
See more living room design ideas in Houzz photos
See more living room design ideas in Houzz photos
Memorabilia, presumably from the owners’ travels dot the living room, including a large piece of abstract art that adds a punch of colour in the subtle space.
Living room carpet: Jaipur Rugs
Living room carpet: Jaipur Rugs
The pièce de rèsistance, however, is an entire wall clad in a dark open-grained veneer that spans the living-cum-dining space. In a sea of neutrals, it adds colour, texture and warmth all at once. “We had to work with structural restrictions because of the beams to make sure that the room didn’t look small, but we used that to our advantage,” Mahajan says.
Discover more ways to create magic with wooden accents on walls
Discover more ways to create magic with wooden accents on walls
On the opposite side of the living room lies the dining area, comprising a highly polished table that is simple yet elegant, flanked by minimalist chairs with ivory upholstery.
Dining room furniture: Pinakin
Dining room furniture: Pinakin
The dining table is topped off by a chandelier with faux candles. The juxtaposition of contrasting yet neutral colours, between the dark wall and light chairs, makes for a sophisticated look.
The bedroom used by the occasionally visiting in-laws sports a mix of pastels with the ubiquitous creams and ivories. The sumptuous bed gets an extra dose of luxe with a tufted headboard finished in contrasting beading.
Furniture in bedrooms: Fusion access
Furniture in bedrooms: Fusion access
A high-gloss laminate floating table adjoining the bed doubles as a writing and vanity counter. Colour is injected in the room via a printed rug in muted shades.
The room boasts a lovely sitting area where the balcony was taken in – a perfect spot for a comfortable L-shaped sofa and a TV (not seen).
Furnishings in the bedrooms: Pure Concept
Furnishings in the bedrooms: Pure Concept
The master bedroom, while retaining the subdued ethos of the house, sports slightly brighter colours by way of the bedding. Shades of lavender against a padded headboard in dusty pink, give the space an elegant look. The headboard goes right up towards the ceiling, visually expanding the space. A floating side table with an understated lamp that melts into the background makes the most of the tiny space between bed and wall.
The kids room erupts in a burst of colours while staying true to the base palette. Twin beds in blue-and-white stripes and multi-coloured furniture are balanced by a wall of open shelves in a neutral shade. Signature tall windows ensure the room is always bathed in natural light.
Click here for exciting design ideas for kids rooms
Click here for exciting design ideas for kids rooms
Read more:
Delhi Houzz: The Power of Simplicity Is Evident In This Home
Chennai Houzz: Comfort Drawn in Lean, Clean Lines
Tell us:
Would you opt for an entirely neutral palette? Do share your thoughts in Comments below.
Delhi Houzz: The Power of Simplicity Is Evident In This Home
Chennai Houzz: Comfort Drawn in Lean, Clean Lines
Tell us:
Would you opt for an entirely neutral palette? Do share your thoughts in Comments below.
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