Opting for a minimal look can make the space look bigger and keep the theme classy.

Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh of We Design Studio have a distinctive interior aesthetic that we have come to recognize and appreciate over the years. Muted tones of beige, buff and ivory, materialities that encompass wood, marble and concrete, and the natural elements of wind and sunlight playing stellar roles in shaping the visual vocabulary of the homes they design and have become mainstay of this Mumbai-based architecture and design studio. Take the case of this exquisite marble-and-wood dominated apartment located in the heart of Mumbai and you would see the unique sensibility that guides their hands, one that pays credence to the mantra of understated elegance, of less is more, and of letting the backbone of the house seep into the furnished contours of this home. Let’s take a look inside this highrise apartment.

In the Neighbourhood of Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Nupur and Saahil received an unusual brief from Maya and Sailesh Venkatesan, owners of the highrise apartment located near the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse. With natural sunlight, stunning views and the east-west orientation of the 3BHK dominating the design language, the couple had an overarching mandate: use of locally and responsibly-sourced natural materials for the furniture and material finishes of their home. We Design Studio, led by project architect Devyani Negi, rendered this brief into reality by over-indexing on teak wood, plywood infill panels and marble that form a cohesive union across every room. This is a unique home with an emphasis on sustainability, local materials and local craftsmanship.

1 /3 The living and dining room furniture has been sourced from Baro; the rug is from Shyam Ahuja; the frame is a Kalamkari fabric sourced from FabIndia The living and dining room furniture has been sourced from Baro; the passage and dining pendants have been sourced from FabIndia The living and dining room furniture has been sourced from Baro; the curtains are from Bharat Furnishing

1 /3 The bed linens are from Sarita Handa and Good Earth. The curtains are from Bharat Furnishings; the furniture in the bedroom, including the bed and the dressing table is custom designed by We Design Studio; the chair is from Baro The furniture in the bedroom, including the bed, wardrobe and side table is custom designed by We Design Studio; the rug is from Shyam Ahuja The furniture in the bedroom, including the bed, wardrobe and side table is custom designed by We Design Studio; the rug is from Shyam Ahuja

Dance Between Sunlight and Wood

Given its east-west orientation, the apartment is awash with natural light through the day, a fact that We Design Studio takes full advantage of by utilising a light colour palette of ivory throughout the house. Artificial lighting scheme that accentuates the natural rich timbers also lend a warm, cozy ambience. A light beige marble runs through the entire house and flows into the bathrooms as well. This establishes a visual connect between the main and appendage spaces. Each area is defined by a teak wood border and skirting around the marble. The kitchen and wardrobes are made with teak wood frames and plywood infill panels, finished with a linseed oil polish.

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