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Apartment 15 at Regency Avenue

Year of Completion: 2019
Location: Andheri, Mumbai
Area of Construction: 1200 Sqft

This renovation project of a Mumbai living room and lobby areas was an interesting and challenging one as it required a complete overhaul while the family was living in the space. SO the planning, procuring and timelines as well as design was important and shows how building character is all about layering and details. For Studio Osmosis, character lies in contrast. We recently redesigned the 1,200-square-feet living room of a Mumbai apartment to create distinct lounge and dining areas, each with their own palette but seamlessly connected within the space. The original design of the living room was typical of the 1980s aesthetic: mahogany veneers, post-modern furniture, and a prominently placed marble temple. The first thing that the clients told us was that they wanted a complete turn-around of the space. They are very social, and they wanted the space to represent the core of who they are. This meant not just livening up the space in terms of texture and colour, but also opening it up to accommodate larger groups of people and a range of social gatherings.

The way it was originally planned, it didn’t make use of the balconies and the windows very well so we wanted to change that. We also wanted the seating to be a little bit flexible—different kinds of furniture pieces that could be easily moved around.

Concrete textured walls by Asian Paints and marble flooring with brown stone inlays set a moody ambience in the lift lobby, which is enhanced by a geometric wall light feature. However, a monochromatic utility cabinet with chevron inlay, set alongside a pastel brass-framed vintage seat set the tone for the colour and quirk that awaits within the living room.

The clients wanted to bring a sense of life into the space, and that was the driving factor for our entire colour palette. The walls and ceiling have been treated in muted shades that match the beige Dyna marble flooring, and serve as a canvas for the colourful upholstery on the furniture. The two major tones in the palette are blue and mustard—colours that are soft but striking in their contrast. The palette is then enhanced with textural elements like knots, embroidery and stone-work. Brass detailing on the furniture creates a visual connection, and adds a touch of elegance to the space. A false ceiling separates the space from the dining area, and makes the living room feel more intimate—a warmth that is accentuated by a blue tufted rug from Merge Carpets. We were also careful to build functionality into the furniture: the TV unit has been fitted with storage drawers and additional pull-out seating—all of which is concealed behind sleek wood panelling to minimise clutter. A side-table fitted with castor wheels doubles as a serving tray, and can be moved around the room as needed.

Photographs: Ishita Sitwala