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Mumbai Houzz: A Daughter's Reimagining of a Childhood Home
This apartment by Rasneet Anand Design is a contemporary reinterpretation of a childhood bungalow in Mumbai
When it came to designing a new apartment for her parents, architect and interior designer Rasneet Anand was clear that the home should echo the environs of her childhood. “My parents wanted a home that was warm, and equal parts functional and aesthetic. Having lived in a bungalow in Khar West [a suburb in Mumbai] for more than five decades, the size and openness of spaces was extremely important to them. The project was executed during the height of the pandemic, where people my parents’ age were being extra cautious. It was my job to make sure their transition from a bungalow to a flat was seamless, and they walked into the final home only at handover, totally surprised,” says Anand, founder and chief interior designer of Rasneet Anand Design.
Cool daylight and warm colours conjure an oasis of old-world calm.
White marble characterises the floor to imbue a sense of calm. Sand-textured walls provide an earthy backdrop for the artworks on display.
“An interplay of light and earthy textures defines the living room. All the furniture is made in natural teak wood tones and enhanced with linen upholstery and jute details. We’ve also introduced subtle hints of brass inlay at the skirting level and in the decorative lights,” says Anand, adding, “The focus was to make it a comfortable family room. The large ceramic lamps create the perfect mood in the evenings.”
“An interplay of light and earthy textures defines the living room. All the furniture is made in natural teak wood tones and enhanced with linen upholstery and jute details. We’ve also introduced subtle hints of brass inlay at the skirting level and in the decorative lights,” says Anand, adding, “The focus was to make it a comfortable family room. The large ceramic lamps create the perfect mood in the evenings.”
Anand absorbed part of the dining room to carve out a restful nook, with a swing sofa to boot.
“I reinterpreted the aesthetic influences of my childhood to create a contemporary version of our tradition-rooted bungalow. I juxtaposed soft vignettes, light colours and soothing textures with bright art and upholstery. I wanted to create a soulful living experience, and thus the palette was composed to be ever-evolving. The furnishings and materials were selected keeping our dog, Zlata, in mind,” says Anand.
“I reinterpreted the aesthetic influences of my childhood to create a contemporary version of our tradition-rooted bungalow. I juxtaposed soft vignettes, light colours and soothing textures with bright art and upholstery. I wanted to create a soulful living experience, and thus the palette was composed to be ever-evolving. The furnishings and materials were selected keeping our dog, Zlata, in mind,” says Anand.
On the wall opposite, fluted glass doors with black grilles conceal the store room.
Do you like how this interior designer has incorporated elements that are special to her family? Find an empathic interior designer on Houzz
Do you like how this interior designer has incorporated elements that are special to her family? Find an empathic interior designer on Houzz
To the left of the main door lies a dining area that channels the air of a diner-style booth. The sand-toned walls make a familiar reappearance, complemented by jute-backed chairs that add texture and rusticity to the straight-lined setting.
“The table is tucked into the corner right next to the kitchen door, allowing for easy movement to and fro. Its marble table top holds a mirror to the white wood-raftered ceiling,” says Anand. “The bench also deserves a special mention, accommodating plenty of storage in its drawers.”
“The table is tucked into the corner right next to the kitchen door, allowing for easy movement to and fro. Its marble table top holds a mirror to the white wood-raftered ceiling,” says Anand. “The bench also deserves a special mention, accommodating plenty of storage in its drawers.”
White and wood shutters are a picture of minimalism in the kitchen. The zellige tile splashback and daisy-white counter serve as a quiet connection between the upper and lower cabinets.
“The kitchen was designed [for] maximum utility while still looking pared-back. The laundry services are concealed behind the louvred shutters. As for the splashback, the zellige tiles were a deliberate choice to conjure up a touch of country charm,” says Anand.
“The kitchen was designed [for] maximum utility while still looking pared-back. The laundry services are concealed behind the louvred shutters. As for the splashback, the zellige tiles were a deliberate choice to conjure up a touch of country charm,” says Anand.
Ginger, wood and black lend a restrained vibe to the main bedroom.
“The main bedroom is designed as an extension of the living room, with the same sand-toned scheme. Form meets function here… For example, the bed incorporates hidden storage,” says Anand.
Browse more beautifully designed bedrooms
“The main bedroom is designed as an extension of the living room, with the same sand-toned scheme. Form meets function here… For example, the bed incorporates hidden storage,” says Anand.
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Louvred timber shutters show their natural grain to give the room an earthy edge.
Mint and sky tones infuse freshness into the guest room. The floor wears white cement tiles that offset the cool pops of colour. A tufted chair offers a relaxing perch on the side.
“The cosy guest room was inspired by a trip to Pondicherry. The four-poster bed and cement tiles bring back fond memories of the beautiful design language of White Town, with its French colonial estates, leafy streets and cobbled pathways,” says Anand.
Cobalt tiles and wooden furniture lend a coastal-chic flourish to the ensuite, in a hat tip to the beachside spirit of the bedroom.
For Anand’s bedroom, she chose a pale periwinkle-grey palette. An ivory-hued bed with brass embellishments takes centrestage.
Beside the bed, cane-patterned wardrobes imbue pattern and texture.
The ensuite continues the soft blue tones and brass themes of the bedroom.
Your turn
Which is your favourite area of this flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And remember to save the images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
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Your turn
Which is your favourite area of this flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And remember to save the images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great global design with this Moscow Houzz Tour: A Chic Grey Interior for a Colourful Life
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their pet dog, Zlata
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Year built: 2021
Size: 135 square metres; 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms
Interior designer: Rasneet Anand of Rasneet Anand Design
The main door opens into an open-plan living room with a linear layout. A timber crockery unit, topped by an old, up-cycled mirror, acts as the entrance console.