An elegant, artistic sea-facing apartment in Mumbai

VMA Studio explores the interplay between nature, art, form and function while creating a unique and harmonious living space.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Prashant Bhat; courtesy VMA Studio

The site

This is a beautiful sea-facing, 2,700-sq-ft residence at Bandra, Mumbai.

The design intent

An artistic approach to interior design created a residence that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personalised. “The combination of wooden furniture, concrete walls, modern materials, and vibrant colours through art created a rich and sophisticated atmosphere, reflecting a balance between luxury and contemporary style,” say architects Vinod Mehra and Kartik Mehra of VMA Studio.

The intentional promotion of Indian artists and their craftsmanship, alongside international furniture and lights, showcase a fusion of cultural influences, adding a unique touch to the space. This blend of local and global elements not only supports artistic diversity but also contributes to a visually stimulating environment.

The planning

The inclusion of a walk-in wardrobe/dresser space in each bedroom not only adds a touch of luxury but also enhances the functionality of the living space. It allows the residents to have dedicated and organised storage for their clothing and accessories, contributing to a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing environment. The addition of a cosy home theatre room is a great feature, providing a dedicated space for entertainment and relaxation. It allows the residents to enjoy movies, TV shows, or gaming in a comfortable and immersive setting. The strategic planning of the kitchen with a pantry room and a separate washing area was a practical design concept. Overall, a focus on functionality and thoughtful design elements contributes to creating a residence that is not only stylish but also practical and tailored to the needs of its inhabitants.

The visual expression

The design approach aims to create a holistic and immersive experience for the residents. The incorporation of art on both walls and floors (use of Bharat flooring tiles, specially tailored to the narrative’s requirement) demonstrates a comprehensive design perspective. Each room’s individuality with subtle changes in motifs, patterns, and colour schemes tailored to its specific purpose highlights a keen attention to detail and a commitment to meeting the unique demands of each space.

The synchronisation of washroom designs with the overall theme of each room added an extra layer of sophistication. This attention to detail in every aspect of the residence, from the soft curves in design elements to the harmonious marriage of art and realism, created a visual narrative that speaks to the inhabitants’ daily lives. The creation of a home that breathes and lives, rather than just a house, suggests a commitment to making the living space not only beautiful but also functional and resonant with the occupants’ lifestyle. 

The challenges 

“Crafting a space that is out of the box implies a departure from conventional designs, which often involves taking risks with unconventional materials, layouts, or colour schemes. We embraced this challenge by incorporating a mix of wooden furniture, concrete walls, and modern materials, while also infusing vibrant colours through art,” explain the architects. This approach not only adds character to individual rooms but also contributes to a dynamic overall narrative within the residence. “Maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across diverse spaces is another challenge that we effectively addressed,” they add further. “The strategic use of common design elements, such as soft curves on doors, ceilings, and furniture, contributed to a unified visual language throughout the residence. This ensures that, while each space has its own identity, there’s a seamless flow that ties the entire home together.”

The architects’ emphasis on promoting Indian artists and craftsmanship, alongside international influences, add an extra layer of complexity and richness to the overall design. This not only contributes to the uniqueness of the space but also supports a broader narrative of cultural fusion.

The highlights

“Incorporating art into the interiors, especially with creative wall art in washrooms and hand-painted walls by artists, was a fantastic way to infuse personality and uniqueness into the space,” expounds the architect duo. “Work with artists to create thematic murals was included that reflected the interests and memories of the inhabitants including hobbies, favourite travel destinations, or even childhood memories which represent significant milestones and memories.” By infusing these personalised and artistic elements, the interiors become not just a living space but a canvas of memories and self-expression. It adds a layer of emotional connection and uniqueness that goes beyond conventional interior design. Collaborating with artists to bring these visions to life has resulted in a truly bespoke and meaningful living environment.

Fact file

Project: Residential Interiors
Location: Pali Hill, Bandra
Area: 2,700 sq ft
Principal architects: Vinod Mehra and Kartik Mehra
Design team (interiors): Neha Mehra Shukla and Purva Khanna