This 2,600 sqft Mumbai home by We Design Studio is an all-white dreamscape

By Tasneem Merchant

Nupur Shah and Sahil Parikh of We Design Studio ace the Indian minimalist aesthetic in this all-white Mumbai home

White washed walls, light wood furniture and long-stemmed plants – when you walk into this home designed by Nupur Shah and Sahil Parikh of We Design Studio, you will probably have a hard time believing that you’re still in Mumbai. Planned for a family of four, this six bedroom, light-filled house is an example of how white interiors don’t really have to be cold and impersonal.

In fact, white walls will let you play with colourful accessories and provide the perfect backdrop to show off your art. Bright cushions, colourful rugs and dhurries and art prints can all help break the monotony.

One of the most important things while doing up your home is staying true to your personality and needs. For example, the home owners like to entertain quite often, so Nupur and Sahil outfitted the space with loose furniture that can be moved around easily to accommodate more depending on the need.

What we love the most though is how this home is a perfect example of Indian minimalism done right. Unlike minimalism as the world knows it to be, Indian minimalism takes a bit of both – warmth of Indian interiors and the sparseness of minimalism – to create an aesthetic that is minimal yet inviting. For example, brass strips inlaid in the white cement sit in harmony with Italian marble chips terrazzo floor; doors, cabinets and wardrobes in Burma teakwood rise from chevron patterned wood inlaid in passages while travel finds and souvenirs dot side boards and tables.

So if your heart yoyos from Indian to minimalist every time you say home decor, then this new yet familiar aesthetic of Indian minimalism is just the thing for your home.

In anther section of the living room, a traditional L-shaped seating arrangement is anchored by a square rug and wooden centre table. A tall, arcing floor lamp provides extra lighting.

A bright pink bench and red tree triptych offset the dull grey in this space. For a singular, break away corner in your house, try pairing contrasting colours or introducing different textures and materials. Spotlight this space with pendant lights or small chandeliers.

The living cum dining room has three distinct spaces. In one of these, a regular sofa is switched out with a fully upholstered two-seater swing. The tall, slender potted plant and abstract painting inject colour in the space.

The corridors that connect the different parts of the house are inlaid with a chevron wood pattern with a string of filament bulbs suspended overhead. This is a great idea for demarcating spaces and can even be used to create a faux entryway in your apartment.

We love the eye-catching, statement light over the dining table. While the house is occupied by only four people, the longer table can easily accommodate twice as many people, which is great in case there are guests over. For a small space, you can look at buying a table that can be extended more people.

The highlight of the master bedroom is the four-poster bed with flowing drapes. Roman blinds let in warm, diffused lighting. A low bedside table holds plants, curios and books. We love how the armchair with a delicate print adds a dash of colour to the space.

Ribbed glass panes fitted in sliding doors provide a sense of privacy, while not completely blocking off the space. Fluffy throw cushions and an equally lush bed create a sinkable seating area. If you have a small space, invest in a sofa cum bed for your TV viewing / family room.

Breaking with the rest of the house, the kitchen has a brown mosaic floor which complements the extensive use of wood in this space. Cabinets with frosted glass allow a sneak peek into what each cupboard stores. If you’re prone to forgetting where you’ve kept what, slightly ribbed or frosted glass will come in handy.

09-Apr-2018