An Ode To Bombay

Sian Pascale

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Right in the centre of Mumbai’s touristic haven Colaba is located Abode, a hotel just overflowing with old-world charm yet infused with modern hospitality. For designer Sian Pascale and her studio Young Citizens Design, the first step in getting the historical building to shine was stripping it down to its bare bones. Pascale’s vision for the building meant unravelling the modern additions of old buildings, such as this one, and seeking the history hidden underneath.


Abode’s unique character stems from its use of quintessential Bombay-style furniture and artefacts. As part of her design process, Pascale broke down the city into four parts – the coconut grove and fisherman’s village, the British Colony and the Raj, Art Deco Bombay and contemporary Mumbai – crazy, air-conditioned covered buildings, with pipes in all directions and lots of plastic. This became her inspiration for the interiors and the ‘look’ of the hotel.


Abode’s popularity also stems from the quaint pieces dotting the hotel, making it easy on the eye. Wicker furniture, vintage electrical switches and sari fabric for upholstery shows the effort taken to maintain the period look.