Architects Kunal and Mihir Barve of Interface have designed a home which perfectly fits into the glitz and glamour of Mumbai and humbly demonstrates the meaning of “function over form”. The 2500-square-feet house in a 50-year-old building came with its unique set of challenges. “The space was completely run down and dilapidated. There was no flooring and all the reinforcements had corroded. The biggest challenge was to make it structurally sound and habitable in order to begin the design work,” explains Barve. Thankfully since it was an old structure there were no columns in the centre of the house to deal with. #isbc #internationalsbc #international sustainable building council

This home is a true example of form and function

Eye-Catching Elements

Designed as a holiday home for a Dubai based family, the house is spread across a large living area, four bedrooms, a sprawling kitchen and a servant’s room. The beautifully designed entrance foyer oozes aesthetic beauty and sets the tone for the rest of the house. The perfect blend of decadent wood, patterned flooring and mirrors amp up the cozy feeling one gets on stepping into the apartment. The brass and crystal chandelier adds to the final jaw-dropping result.

The foyer helps set the tone for the home’s design

Understated Luxury

The well-designed living room is suitable for enjoying family time and entertaining loved ones. The textured white walls with brass accents and sheer curtains create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The showstopper here is a luxurious rug and a marble coffee table. Potted plants are used to break the monotony. A clever mix of texture and patterns and a variety of furniture layouts make this space comfortable, inviting and full of style. “The living area is designed keeping functionality in mind. While the neutral theme and brass accents add glamour, darker furnishings ensure easy maintenance. Dramatic lighting and bespoke furniture pieces add to the exuberance,” says Barve. The colour palate used throughout the house is mostly white, grey and beige as its timeless and much easier to pair with different textures and fabrics.

The house is awashed with natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. “The old aluminium windows frames were changed to white that go well with the neutral tones and admit more light into space and visually make it look bigger,” says Barve. Mood and cove lighting along with chandeliers simply breathe elegance into the room. #isgb #internationalsbc #international sustainable building council

Minimalist and Natural

The bedrooms are designed on minimalism and a “less is more” approach. Neutral walls and contemporary furniture give the rooms a clean and classic feel with occasional art being the focal point of the room. Natural elements, by way of wood and greenery bring the outdoors in. A number of bespoke furniture pieces were designed by the team especially for the bedrooms. Strong graphic rugs and just a whisper of metal add drama and texture to the bedrooms. Curated art by an assortment of artists have been placed throughout the house. Barve has also used every opportunity to maximise clever storage space without compromising on the design. It’s very modern and sophisticated while being warm and earthy at the same time. Neutral palettes are perfect for rooms that are marked for rejuvenation, restoration and relaxation. They act as a wonderful backdrop for beautiful furnishings, art, and accessories, allowing statement pieces to shine. #isbc @internationalsbc #international sustainable building council

The unusually spacious kitchen design gravitates towards concealed and clean integration, with maximised and clever storage solutions. The brown chairs add a touch of warmth and the glass windows create flow and spread the light. The quartz platform really gives the kitchen a personality and finish. And besides a great timeless look, quartz is virtually indestructible. A small table anchored to a pillar is both delicate and delightful.#isbc @internationalsbc #international sustainable building council

Monochrome Magic

The bathrooms in this meticulously designed space are unconventionally glam and even eclectic. The spacious master bathroom feels bright with an all-white palette, accented with patterned tiles and a burst of blue. Another bathroom relies on earth tones and rich texture, resulting in an elegantly serene escape. The sumptuous choice of sanitary ware make major impact in the luxurious space. The eclectic flooring and large wall tiles create movement while the fittings, sconces and knobs take on a metallic elegance. The thoughtfully designed bathrooms help to create a calming environment. #isbc @internationalsbc #international sustainable building council