Mumbai Houzz: Reclaimed Teakwood & Pink Floors Create a Unique Home

Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: A family of three
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year built: 2020
Size: 56 square metres (600 square feet ); 2 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms
Architect & design firm: Mahek Lalan, SML Architects

Photos by Yadnyesh Joshi

The front door opens into an entrance passage that leads to a living room furnished with clean-lined pieces. The linear layout of the apartment allows for a seamless design flow and instils a sense of expanse.

At the forefront of the living room is a Chandigarh chair, the classic mid-century chair designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret and made from reclaimed teakwood and cane. Grey walls and a sofa with black piping offset the richness of the wood while the striking muted pink flooring injects a dose of ruggedness.

After experimenting with different pink hues in combination with other materials like wood and brass in their studio, SML Architects decided on this unique muted pink pigmented micro-topped flooring, which forms the material backdrop of the house. According to Lalan, the flooring material is “tough and yet gentle at the same time” and contrasts with the harshness of the busy city outside.

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An abstract artwork in monochrome hues and a tall ficus plant with its spreading canopy add to the pared-back look in this area. The black-bordered hemp rug accentuates the colour palette and ties the disparate materials together.

“There is a fixed built-in window seat in the living room to enjoy the view. It also serves as additional seating. We carved out a little bookshelf, encouraging one to read,” says Lalan.

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Next to the living room is the dining area, which is also the first space one encounters on entering the home through the passage.

The dining area comprises a circular table and three mid-century chairs by Hans Wegner. A suspended brass pendant light brings a touch subtle drama.

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One can enter the kitchen from the living room. The cabinet frames are made of teak with fluted glass infills. Exposed plywood panels with rosewood knobs enclose under-counter storage.

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Clad in square-patterned tiles, the backsplash adds depth to the decor and echoes the hushed pink hues of the flooring. The brown wooden cabinets and black granite counters provide neutral respite.

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There are two bedrooms in the house – one for the older brother and his wife and the other for the younger brother. A passage next to the kitchen leads to the master bedroom. The muted-pink flooring gives continuity to the design narrative.

A built-in window seat steals the attention and extends along the complete width of the master bedroom.

The window lets natural light stream in, lending a cheery note to the cool grey tones.

“The complete width of the master bedroom has a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. In front of the arched dressing mirror, next to the bed, is a chair in teak and rope made by the master George Nakashima,” says Lalan.

Made of fluted teak, the wardrobe shutters have a slatted design which draws visual interest and gives an illusion of height. Complemented with custom-made semi-circular rosewood handles, the wardrobe adds character and personality to the room.

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In the dual-toned master bathroom, green tiles provide a burst of freshness and balance the steel-grey micro-topping on the upper wall and ceiling. Ambient lighting from the recessed LED strip lights behind the mirror softens the mood.

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This is the second bedroom, which belongs to the younger brother, who is an avid reader. To maximise space and incorporate storage, SML Architects opted for a split-level layout. The elevation delineates the upper sleep or rest area from the rest of the room. A transitional step in grey marble connects the two levels.

The elevated part of the room comprises a platform bed with built-in storage. A vertical niche in the wall serves as a place for storing more books.

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“The lower level of the room contains the work table which can be folded back vertically when not in use, thus opening up the floor space in the room when required,” says Lalan. “We believe that post the Covid-19 pandemic, multi-functional, space-saving solutions, where furniture can transform and adapt, rather than remain static, will become key.”

This bathroom reiterates the recurrent pink-and-grey colour scheme used across the house. Square grey tiles used in the walls, shower area and built-in bench contrast with the soft pink hues behind the mirror and ceiling to bring in layers of tone and texture.

Read more:
Gurgaon Houzz: Wooden Accents & Minimalist Decor Define This Home
Mumbai Houzz: A Suburban Oasis With A Meditation Den At Its Heart

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