Those of us who sift through dozens of home interiors every day as part of our jobs have developed a unique skill set: the ability to identify a home's whereabouts from pictures alone. Many have their tells; you can single out a flamboyant farmhouse layered entirely in exotic stones and lustrous metals as a Chhatarpur classic, or a charming pastel-hued bungalow replete with old wooden details and East Indian curios as a Goan abode true to form. This Mumbai duplex, however, belies its location in the best way: it whisks you off to the shores of South India—not just through its mindful curation of furniture, infusion of colourful antiques, or the palm-filled wallpapers that line the space, but through the inherent essence of the home itself. In a city of tiny apartments that appear to be shrinking by the day, this home takes the form of a sprawling 6,000-square-foot space—complete with high ceilings, terraces, and a generous feeling of space.
A Balancing Act
This “Malabar Modern” residence was designed by Shiraz Jamali Architects, helmed by founder Shiraz Jamali and associate Mammen Paul. Jamali says, “The client's brief was very simple; all he wanted was a house inspired by his culture and traditions, a functional contemporary house that paid homage to his South Indian roots.” This succinct aesthetic brief, along with the height of the space—14' on the first level and 12' on the second level—influenced the design at every stage.
All throughout the home, a feeling of expansiveness silently but surely serves as a strong, intangible design element. Spaces that flow into each other, large windows, and outdoor spaces reinforce the home's coastal charm. A striking staircase with contemporary reinterpretations of traditional architecture along its soffit, continuing across the ceiling, adds an element of visual intrigue. At the landing, a series of domed niches punctuate the wall, housing an assortment of vases.
A neutral colour palette runs across most of the home, providing a soft base for the deep hues of red, green, indigo, and saffron—bold traditional colours in measured doses. A tactile composition of locally sourced materials such as stone, terracotta, teakwood, and brass adds a sense of warmth, and in a reverent homage to classical craftsmanship, architectural details like intricately carved columns, arches, Kerala-style wooden ceilings, and ornate panels are used generously throughout. To bring forth a visual balance, the layout remains largely open and uncluttered, flooding the space with light and fresh air.
Motifs From Malabar
In line with Jamali’s vision for a blend of modern and traditional design sensibilities, the home features a mix of antiques and new furniture pieces. The latter has been painstakingly handcrafted in repurposed teakwood, using joinery techniques that forego the use of screws or nails. “This project has been very high on detail. We’ve ensured that every element, whether design or construction, was carefully planned,” he adds.
The Mumbai duplex is brought to life through a truly striking selection of antique decorative elements, handcrafted textiles, and sculptural lighting, all of which work together to create a cohesive narrative of timelessness. Intricate carpets from Cocoon Fine Rugs and Venjara Carpets, objets d’art from Taherally’s and Chor Bazaar, and handcrafted teak furniture by Amolakh that sits alongside pieces from Dtale Modern and Gulmohar Lane find their way into the home. Soft furnishings from Magnolia and Cottons & Satins serve as finishing touches. Jamali says, “We designed this home to tell a story—of heritage and modernity coexisting in perfect harmony.”
Styled by Aakansha Millan, Studio 1mm
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