For the renovation of this Marine Drive apartment in Mumbai, N+S Architects have embellished a Modernist shell with Art Deco interiors to create a scheme that exudes opulence, yet retains its homely comfort.
The dynamic team at N+S Architects initially began working on an already existing layout which comprised three bedrooms. The living room originally overlooked the neighbouring building, while the adjoining bedroom overlooked the ocean. As a result of the re-planning, the living and dining areas enjoy spectacular panoramas of the ocean. Meanwhile, the bedrooms have been shifted to a more private zone of the house. Their interconnected balcony overlooks the garden along the side street. The kitchen and service areas have been moved closer to the main entrance.
Windows have been resized to bring in more light and create a feeling of expanse. The window sills in the living and dining areas drop down to the floor. Outside, a planter box with wooden decking and a metal railing creates the illusion of a step out balcony. Horizontal mullions divide the long window panes. In the bedrooms, the windows have been modified to extend from wall to wall. By keeping the sills high, a comfortable privacy is achieved without compromising on the leafy view.
The material palette comprises a medley of polished dark teak, while white distressed wood and cream chenille is dotted with touches of bright velvet upholstery. The pale mushroom colour of the walls is complemented with cream marble flooring that flows through the different spaces. Antique brass hardware holds the woodwork together.
The surfaces of the doors and the mouldings surrounding the panels have a white distressed wood finish. Antique bronze handles and hinges complete the look.
An existing column divides the living area from the dining. One among a collection of many antique clocks sits poised on this column. The modern classical furniture in the living room is dressed predominantly in muted tones of beige and brown. A deep aubergine two-seater sofa is the anomaly here. The colour boldly stands its ground against an Art Deco wall unit that houses the client’s collectibles.
A large six-seater dining table with a central pedestal at its base defines the dining space. A clear lacquer finish accentuates the grain of the wood. An antique chandelier hovers immediately above. An Art Deco bar cabinet clad in rich veneer with brass inlay detailing and a circular brass handle occupies the background.
The master bedroom suite comprises an entrance vestibule, a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom and a sleeping area connected to a balcony. A headboard in grey velvet upholstery is flanked by full-length mirror panels on either side. Polished wood side tables with brass hardware sit below. Globe reading lights, a bedspread in an ethnic print, brass hardware and ivory textured paint lend a rich feel to the room.
Designed in deep blue and grey, the palette of this room is more modern. A blue and beige carpet adorns the floor. A grey sofa-cum-bed and a blue armchair form the bulk of the inventory in the room. A bright colourful painting behind the sofa adds a playful touch. A swivel cylindrical book rack in one of the corners of the room showcases the client’s love for books. Similar to the layout of the master suite, a walk-in closet and dressing area lead to the bathroom.
The palette employed in the kitchen emanates an endearing old world charm. While the floors are carpeted with patterned black and white tiles, the wall dado consists of chamfered white glazed tiles. The dark teak under-counter storage creates a striking contrast with the matte white PU finished overhead units.
The merger of modern and classical styles in this apartment on Marine Drive is subtle, yet impactful. The design meets the needs of the client, and at the same time, fits perfectly in the surroundings. For N+S Architects, architectural design is a process which involves finding the right balance between function, aesthetics and economics.
