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This compact Mumbai home is a study in saving space ideas

  • Interior Designs for Home
Mar 10, 2023
Adjustable dining table

The founders of Vibe Design Lab share their tips on designing functional yet aesthetically pleasing homes

Founded in 2006 by the husband-wife duo of Priyal Thakker and Mallika Desai Thakker, Vibe Design Lab is a Mumbai-based interior design firm that has completed several projects across various scales in the residential, commercial, and hospitality genres. The firm intents to craft beautiful, functional, and timeless spaces that provide the right user experience. Recently, the studio conceptualised the interiors of a compact, 650 square feet, two-bedroom apartment in Chembur, Mumbai. Known as the Pastel Home, this visually arresting apartment of a young couple showcases some unique space-saving solutions. The founders take us on a tour of the flat and share tips on designing functional yet aesthetically pleasing homes.

Beautiful Homes (BH): What were the Discussions with the Client Like for the Design of the Space?

Priyal Thakker and Mallika Desai Thakker (PT and MDT): ​​The 2BHK apartment is part of a newly constructed building located in a purely residential zone. We were presented with a typical builder finish canvas to start with, and the client brief specified minimal civil changes to the shell. Being surrounded by buildings, we decided that it did not require a response to the surroundings per se hence dictating that we design inwards, thereby creating a cosy cocoon for the young family almost completely cut off from the outside bustle.


 

BH: What is the Theme of the Home?

PT and MDT: ​​The concept was to create a warm sanctuary, for first-time homeowners, within a given budget and timeframe. The home had to be functional and comfortable yet stylish and contemporary. Moreover, every inch of the home had to be used efficiently. The highlight, however, is the ease of transformation of each space and the ability to use each room in multiple ways within the apartment.

Priyal Thakker and Mallika Desai Thakker

Priyal Thakker and Mallika Desai Thakker, founders of Vibe Design Lab.

BH: The Home Features Some Unique Space Saving Solutions. Could you Please Tell Us About Them?

PT and MDT: As per the client requirements, we had to make sure that the living-dining space doubles up as a gathering space for friends and family that may visit. Given that they were not inclined towards a dedicated dining space for everyday use, we designed a built in, hidden dining table that could be folded up when not in use, creating a larger, more open, flexible living area. The loose furniture can also be moved around to create seating clusters.

 

Moreover, a multipurpose room transforms from a guest bedroom into a home office, a playroom or a puja room, depending on the need of the hour. A full-sized pull-down bed along one wall with adequate storage space, transforms this room into a comfortable second bedroom for visiting family members and friends. Additionally, the kitchen accommodates enough storage for all required appliances and comprises a bar stool in one corner for quick meals for a single person. The primary bedroom, at the far end of the apartment, is designed as a private haven exclusively for the couple.

BH: Which Part of the Space did you Enjoy Designing the Most? And Which did you Find Most Challenging?

PT and MDT: The challenge was to convert the feeling of compactness into comfort and airiness and to project a warmth integral to one’s home. Our inspiration for the Pastel Home comes from various small studio apartments and multi-use apartments from across the globe that are compact but maximise style and comfort at every level. The notion that one need not compromise on design, comfort, and functionality is the driving force behind this project. The planning, materials, and colour palette have all resulted from the idea of the end product being an open, airy, and comfortable space, irrespective of space or budget constraints. The second room had to be a bedroom, a study, a home office, a baby’s nursery, or a puja room. That in itself was both exciting and challenging at the same time.

Pastel pink multi-purpose room for recess

The multipurpose room, which transforms into a guest bedroom, a home office, a playroom or a puja room, depending on the need of the hour.

Combination of blush and pastel blue for bedroom

This home is an exercise in balancing form and function at all levels.

BH: Do you have Any Space Saving Tips for People Who have Compact Homes?

PT and MDT: ​​Our biggest learning from this project is to plan everything in advance and then stick to the plan. While it is tempting to start adding multiple elements to the space as the design evolves, it is important to keep smaller spaces clutter-free to enhance the overall look and also create a feeling of largeness. Hidden, built-in storage units (even smaller ones for knickknacks) and convertible and movable furniture are the key to maximising the square footage in compact homes. Using wall space more efficiently while leaving the floor space empty is an ideal way to enhance the space visually and physically. In regards to materials and colours, we used a lighter colour palette to make the home feel more open. However, one can also imagine the same home in warm, deeper colours to create a cosier environment, hence producing a completely differently styled home.

 

BH: What's the Future of Multipurpose Furniture and Storage Solutions in Interior Design for Homes?

PT and MDT: It is increasingly important that designers and brands start looking into innovative space-saving solutions in terms of storage and multipurpose furniture. Custom built, multipurpose furniture, apt not just for colour and material schemes but also to fit correctly into the available spaces, is the way forward. Modular storage systems can be designed and customised right at the beginning of the project to ensure that no area is being wasted or compromised.

 

BH: How can People Design Functional Yet Aesthetically Pleasing Homes?

PT and MDT: I think it is every designer’s aim to build not just a functional but also an aesthetically pleasing home. Luckily with the advent of newer materials and access to global trends and brands, it has become easier to find a balance, irrespective of space or budget constraints. It is also important to show restraint, both for the designer and the client, to know where to draw the line and be firm about decisions regarding the space in terms of planning and aesthetics, without getting carried away by current trends. Staying true to your roots, likes and dislikes, and designing to suit your personality almost always results in creating beautiful spaces that can be appreciated and enjoyed for long periods.

Two-bedroom apartment

Vibe Design Lab recently conceptualised the interiors of a compact, 650 square feet, two-bedroom apartment in Chembur, Mumbai.

Pastel home by Vibe Design Lab

Known as the Pastel Home, the visually arresting apartment of a young couple showcases some unique space saving solutions.

Efficient storage for kitchens

The kitchen accommodates enough storage for appliances and comprises a bar stool in one corner for quick meals for a single person.

Compact apartment in Mumbai

The compact apartment features a pastel colour palette and carefully curated, functional furnishings.

Warm tones

The concept was to create a warm sanctuary, for first time home owners, within a given budget and timeframe that is functional and comfortable.

Multi-purpose living and dining

The living-dining room doubles up as a gathering space for friends and family that may visit.

Adjustable dining table

The Pastel Home’s living-dining area when the dining table is in use.

Built-in hidden dining table

The designers designed a built-in, hidden dining table that could be folded up when not in use creating a larger, more open flexible living area.

Master bedroom

The primary bedroom in the compact Mumbai home designed by Vibe Design Lab.

Pastel blue three-door wardrobe

The designers ensured that every inch of the home was used in an efficient manner.

Full-size pull-down bed

A full-sized pull-down bed transforms the multipurpose room into a comfortable second bedroom for visiting family members and friends.

Office-cum study

The multipurpose room can also be used as a home office or a study for the young couple.

Interior passage with artwork

The compact apartment is a warm sanctuary for a young couple and showcases arresting artworks.

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