Nikhil D'Souza's all white apartment in Mumbai is minimal yet warm

By Tasneem Merchant

The musician’s compact city home is a lesson in using white to create a flexible space that lends itself to entertaining guests

When we think about white interiors, it conjures up images of clinical, cold spaces. However, Mumbai based architect Nivedita Shinde of Udaan Studio designed musician Nikhil D’Souza’s home as a warm, cosy haven where one can unwind after a long day.

The 2BHK space was finished in 60 days. Says Nivedita, “We incorporated an intimate dining area in the living room. The seating was also kept flexible with minimal fixed furniture. This allows him to add and move pieces according to the guests.”

We like how everything is bathed in soft white light coming from the recycled lamps and illuminators, all made in Nivedita’s studio. In addition to this, the home was kept open ended so that Nikhil could keep adding to it as and when time went by. And Nivedita was vindicated in her choice of doing so, “Each time I have visited his home since its completion, I have noticed small new additions. His home grows layer by layer.”

To adopt a similar look and feel into your home, try using different types of seating arrangements ranging from sofas and armchairs to ottomans and beanbags. If you would like to have a strain of continuity, you can paint in shades from the same colour family.

Dried grass, plants and even reeds, if properly arranged can make for great décor. Store them in earthen pots or simply in large bowls as potpourri.

To open up some space in the centre of your living room, push all the furniture to the back. In the centre, you can place a dhurrie or rug and place a table on top of it. Repurpose old stools as handy side tables.

Try your hands at mix and match seating at the dinner table. Suspending low lights over the area will help create an intimate feeling.

Fill up empty consoles with brass accents. If you’re looking for something different, wrap them up in coir rope. You can also try terracotta and porcelain artefacts for an earthy feel.

If a simple, no frills aesthetic is what you’re gunning for, then work with the basics – just black and white. Pile on several cushions for a cosy bed you can sink into. Introduce cane elements for a touch of the rustic charm.

16-Nov-2017