A Mumbai home that reflects the evolution of its residents

Designed by Rajiv Parekh, founding partner at reD Architects and associate architect Ruchira Pimpalkhute, the former shares the thought process behind turning the erstwhile four-bedroom apartment converted into a light-strewn, luxurious two-bedroom refuge.

Beautiful Homes: What was the brief you received from the owners?

Rajiv Parekh: The clients are friends now. Their earlier home was designed by us many years ago, so we had an understanding of how their lifestyle had changed since. The brief was partly our understanding of them and partly how their aspirations and expectations for a new home had changed over time.

BH: What were the specific requirements of the clients? In what ways have you brought them to life in the home?

RP: Specifically, they wanted enough space for their son to explore his personality and grow in this home. Allow him to be organised and yet have his things accessible.

For themselves, the couple needed a place for the whisky collection—an active bar, a space to share and create memories with their close ones. A well-lit space simple space that feels like a home to a well-read, well-travelled couple.

BH: Walk us through the home…

RP: A two-layered entrance door ushers you in via a small vestibule into a large living-dining space that leads to a casual seating in front of the bar, an alcove for drinks and intimate conversation.

The formal living is nestled by the window where a large stone table takes centre stage, flanked by seating on all sides. Soft sheers allow for an element of privacy and warmth. The living room leads to the all-white master bedroom. On the other side of the living room is a den (the fourth bedroom), outfitted with a drop-down TV and sofa cum bed.

The dining space is ensconced between the son’s bedroom on one side, and the study nook on the other. Beyond, lie the functional spaces and the backbone of the home, the kitchen and staff area.

BH: Why have you focused on a monochromatic colour palette?

RP: I personally am a little wary of the use of colour and try to use it judiciously even when I do. In this case, the simple white and grey palette paired with spots of colour and carefully curated art works, resonated with both the clients and I.

BH: Can you take us through the materials used and the thought process for choosing them?

RP: We at reD are leaning more and more towards materials that are locally sourced and inherent to our geography. We have still used some Italian limestones but mostly stuck with the cement epoxy floor and engineered wood to allow for the home to feel earthy and also to have the material age with use. We feel there is an honest charm to seeing how material that has aged well, over use, looks vs the spanking forever shiny appeal of materials that are artificially made to look like the natural materials.

BH: What did you keep in mind while selecting the furniture and décor pieces for the home?

RP: Furniture was selected in keeping with the functional and yet elegant vibe of the home. We strongly suggest that pieces have a story and relate to the clients and their collective memories as a family.