Mumbai Houzz: This Apartment Proves That Minimum Is Maximum
Minimalist style, simple finishes and earthy tones make an impact in this home by KNS Architects
Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar
16 December 2019
Houzz India Contributor. Internationally published architecture, design and art journalist. www.mangomonk.com
Houzz India Contributor. Internationally published architecture, design and art journalist.... More
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A young, newlywed couple
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year built: 2012
Size: 75 square metres (807 square feet); 2 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms
Architectural and interior designers: Kanhai Gandhi, Neemesh Shah, Shresht Kashyap and Sarika Oza of KNS Architects
Photos by Indrajit Sathe
Clean and clutter-free are the two adjectives that best describe this 807-square-foot apartment. The clients, a newlywed couple, approached close friends and architects Kanhai Gandhi, Neemesh Shah and Shresht Kashyap, and interior designer Sarika Oza, of KNS Architects, to create a home that held a mirror to their easygoing lifestyle. “The idea was to design a shell with fluid, free-flowing spaces. We decided to give the home a rustic, unfinished look to channel a laid-back, devil-may-care vibe. The unfussy aesthetic complements the clients’ lifestyle and reflects their need to use a single space in multiple ways. We had a free hand over the look and feel of the space,” says Kanhai Gandhi, co-founder and principal architect of KNS Architects.
Who lives here: A young, newlywed couple
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year built: 2012
Size: 75 square metres (807 square feet); 2 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms
Architectural and interior designers: Kanhai Gandhi, Neemesh Shah, Shresht Kashyap and Sarika Oza of KNS Architects
Photos by Indrajit Sathe
Clean and clutter-free are the two adjectives that best describe this 807-square-foot apartment. The clients, a newlywed couple, approached close friends and architects Kanhai Gandhi, Neemesh Shah and Shresht Kashyap, and interior designer Sarika Oza, of KNS Architects, to create a home that held a mirror to their easygoing lifestyle. “The idea was to design a shell with fluid, free-flowing spaces. We decided to give the home a rustic, unfinished look to channel a laid-back, devil-may-care vibe. The unfussy aesthetic complements the clients’ lifestyle and reflects their need to use a single space in multiple ways. We had a free hand over the look and feel of the space,” says Kanhai Gandhi, co-founder and principal architect of KNS Architects.
The entrance leads into a living room steeped in muted colours, soft textures and minimalist design. A classic three-seater sofa basks in the haloed glow of recessed lights, while channelling attention to the foliage framed by the window nearby.
“The ceiling serves as the focal point of the living room. It is characterised by a form-finished concrete surface composed of uniform, evenly spaced slats. We overlaid the walls with plaster of Paris and sealed it with a melamine coat. Then, we achieved the unfinished effect by scraping the wall surface,” explains Gandhi.
The room’s organic ambience is perpetuated by hushed grey floor tiles that act as a cooling antidote to the warm and earthy walls. Bursts of colour by way of throw pillows break the monotony of the pared-back aesthetic.
Wondering whether to choose neutral or colour for your walls?
“The ceiling serves as the focal point of the living room. It is characterised by a form-finished concrete surface composed of uniform, evenly spaced slats. We overlaid the walls with plaster of Paris and sealed it with a melamine coat. Then, we achieved the unfinished effect by scraping the wall surface,” explains Gandhi.
The room’s organic ambience is perpetuated by hushed grey floor tiles that act as a cooling antidote to the warm and earthy walls. Bursts of colour by way of throw pillows break the monotony of the pared-back aesthetic.
Wondering whether to choose neutral or colour for your walls?
To the right of the window, floating shelves act as a mini library. A deep-toned wooden armchair gives the reading corner a characterful facelift.
Look for builders in the directory of Houzz professionals
Look for builders in the directory of Houzz professionals
The lighting scheme of the home comprises a melange of tones.
“We’ve used warm white as task lighting in zones that are tailored for working, and yellow in softer zones, to conjure a sense of warmth. In the living room, an LED lighting arc accentuates the ceiling, adding depth and drama,” says Gandhi.
Here are some dos and don’ts that will come in handy when selecting surround lighting
“We’ve used warm white as task lighting in zones that are tailored for working, and yellow in softer zones, to conjure a sense of warmth. In the living room, an LED lighting arc accentuates the ceiling, adding depth and drama,” says Gandhi.
Here are some dos and don’ts that will come in handy when selecting surround lighting
The living room is demarcated from the open kitchen by a bijou breakfast nook. The table, which sports a distressed finish, tips its hat to the stripped-back avatar of the living room.
“The table and chairs are foldable, so as to be accommodated as and when desired,” Gandhi says.
The kitchen brims with rich wood tones. The sparkling white counter cures the boldness of the peripheral colour palette.
Browse more dining nook ideas here
“The table and chairs are foldable, so as to be accommodated as and when desired,” Gandhi says.
The kitchen brims with rich wood tones. The sparkling white counter cures the boldness of the peripheral colour palette.
Browse more dining nook ideas here
The master bedroom walls are cloaked in the same rake finish as is seen in the living room.
“We created symmetrical grid-like recesses in the ceiling to help introduce an interesting visual dimension to the space. We also embedded spotlights to bathe the room in a soft glow,” Gandhi says.
Find your inspiration in these photos of bedrooms
“We created symmetrical grid-like recesses in the ceiling to help introduce an interesting visual dimension to the space. We also embedded spotlights to bathe the room in a soft glow,” Gandhi says.
Find your inspiration in these photos of bedrooms
The sand-hued wardrobe features three slim doors – two louvred outer doors, and a plain door in the middle. The spotlights overhead bring the wardrobe scheme to the fore, turning it into one of the room’s hero pieces.
Take a look at 6 trending finishes that can add lots of style to your wardrobe
Take a look at 6 trending finishes that can add lots of style to your wardrobe
The guest bedroom is an extension of the living room and is clad in a similar palette. A burnt-orange-hued wallpaper featuring dried bamboo motifs (out of view in this picture) injects cheer and vibrancy into the minimalist aesthetic. The muted shell directs eyes through the large window to the lush greenery outdoors.
“This space can be easily turned into a bedroom by way of a pocket door. Here, a wooden sofa works as a seating surface by day and a bed by night. We ensured that the aesthetic remained seamless and homogeneous, whether the door was open or closed,” Gandhi concludes.
Read more:
Mumbai Houzz: Art Deco Meets Contemporary in This Cosy Flat
Before & After Tour: A Sterile Mumbai Flat Comes Alive
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
“This space can be easily turned into a bedroom by way of a pocket door. Here, a wooden sofa works as a seating surface by day and a bed by night. We ensured that the aesthetic remained seamless and homogeneous, whether the door was open or closed,” Gandhi concludes.
Read more:
Mumbai Houzz: Art Deco Meets Contemporary in This Cosy Flat
Before & After Tour: A Sterile Mumbai Flat Comes Alive
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
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love that kitchen!
Wow!