Cover A view of the open-plan living and dining room

A serene oasis in the busy city of Mumbai, this luxurious home by Jannat Vasi soothes frazzled nerves with its gentle palette and versatile design

If one had to choose a single word that encapsulates this commodious apartment, “luminous” would be it. Natural light imbues every part of this subtly opulent Mumbai abode with a rejuvenating glow, bringing its interior spaces to life and visually expanding its already roomy dimensions. Coupled with the liberal use of natural tones, subtle colour accents and a characterful mix of design elements, this contemporary residence is an elegant, relaxing sanctuary for the three-generational family who calls it home.

The 3,500 sq ft apartment was created by combining two adjacent units, with Jannat Vasi Interior Design conceptualising an abode that more than fulfils its occupants’ aesthetic and functional requirements. The family comprises a couple in their 40s, along with their parents and a young daughter aged six.

“As three generations occupy the home, we were briefed to create [individual] private spaces as well as a large, open space for family bonding,” says Jannat Vasi, founder of her eponymous design firm.  

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Photo 1 of 2 White oak walls and the light-wood ceiling create a cosy and airy feel
Photo 2 of 2 The dining area of the home

The homeowners love travel, fashion and food, with this global sensibility tempered by their Indian roots. Design-wise, Vasi opted to weave a rich tapestry of influences, with locally sourced stones and timber, and colourful murals, delicate pastel hues, rich textures and modern silhouettes to give the home’s largely wooden canvas a lift.

“Having travelled to the US while designing this home, I was influenced by the warm tones and subtle fusion of colour seen in West Hollywood estates,” she explains. 

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Above Indian interior designer Jannat Vasi, pictured in the den
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Above A mirrored screen adds to the expansive sense of space in the interior
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Above Geometric forms add a playful touch to the hallway
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Above The kitchen counter seen reflected in the mirrored panel in the living area

Vasi’s favourite part of the home is the cocooning den, which is replete with plush textures and suffused with soft sunlight that streams in through translucent curtains. A comfy boucle sofa set, plush carpeting and icy blue wall mural flecked with silver streaks bring a tranquil vibe to this space, with a striking contrast created by the raw-edged stone slabs that border the TV.

“I can imagine sipping a cup of coffee and binging on Netflix here,” she laughs. “It embodies much of my personality, and the juxtaposition of materials strikes the right balance for me with respect to colour, textures and layering.” 

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Above Every area in the home is as thoughtfully decorated
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Above The pattern on the wooden cabinetry are among the beautiful textured details in the home
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Above One particular design standout is the backlit cut-out silhouette of a floor lamp in a slab of pale marble. Contrasting against the smooth marble are rough-hewn stone structural pillars and wall fittings
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Above The bronze wall panels up the glamorous look of this marble-clad bathroom

A light-filled central zone is the nexus of the home, incorporating a large living room and dining area perfect for communal pursuits. Natural light floods into this space through full-height windows and bounces off the silver-grey marble floor, white oak walls and light-wood ceiling to visually expand its proportions. “There’s a lovely conversation between the veined marble and the carved timber details, with smooth curves and soft silhouettes and textures creating a beautiful balance,” says Vasi.

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Above Red accents add pops of colour to the bedroom
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Above The deep red headboard is a pleasing contrast to the calming earthy palette of the bedroom
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Above The luxurious use of marble ups the opulence of this bathroom
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Above Another view of the rosy hued bathroom

Bringing an eclectic touch to the four-bedroom abode are a diverse array of brands, as well as contemporary and traditional design influences. Dedar upholstery fabrics and bedding with whimsical prints from Australian brand Kip&Co impart colour and texture, while wall art, vases and lamps from pottery artist Lailums and art murals from Calico Wallpaper in New York lend creative flair.

Sleek, modern fixtures from brands such as Flos, Lladro, Gessi and Tom Dixon are juxtaposed with traditional fittings and accessories, including wall ceramics from Pondicherry, woven bedding from Gujarati brand Morri, and marble work by Rajasthani craftsmen. 

“My favourite material to work with is natural marble,” states Vasi; the creative application of this stone is evident throughout the home, from the bespoke furniture and the woven feature walls to the dramatic inlays with mother-of-pearl and metals such as brass and copper.

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Above This desk conceals a wall-hung bed that can be lowered when needed
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Above This lounge area can be converted into an extra bed for guests
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Practical touches also abound throughout the abode. As the building featured underslung piping, the existing bathrooms could not be extended or shifted due to possible leakage. Working with limited space for the wet areas, Vasi made the bathrooms appear larger with customised vanities and counter spaces with cleverly hidden storage.

In the bedrooms, the design firm created space-saving and multifunctional furniture to reduce clutter, while walls with punctures and concealed storage with access from both sides of rooms ensure ample space for the occupants’ possessions. 

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Photo 1 of 3 The ombre cabinetry is among the graceful details in this bedroom
Photo 2 of 3 A cosy lounge area in the bedroom
Photo 3 of 3 Another view of the ombre finish on the cabinetry

The 12-month project was completed in June this year, with the homeowners hailing Vasi’s vision, astute execution of the brief, and impeccable attention to detail. “She is an absolute pleasure to work with, and we would do it again without hesitation,” they declare. 

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Above Interior designer Jannat Vasi
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Above Gold linear motifs make the kitchen like no other

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