Scrolling through Instagram led Zubin Sheikh to discover Ekatra Studio while searching for the perfect team to transform his 700-square-foot Mumbai home. A celebrated senior film editor in Bollywood, Zubin has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with projects like Jamtara and Bhakshak. His keen eye for detail and innovative storytelling extends beyond his work—shaping every aspect of his life, including the design of his new home. For his residence in Virar, the primary brief was to optimise every inch of space without compromising on style. The design also needed to reflect the personalities of everyone in the family—his partner, parents, and toddlers—ensuring a cohesive yet functional living environment. This vision gave birth to Raabta Residence, named after the Urdu word for 'connection'. “This name is more than just symbolic; it encapsulates the essence of the home—a seamless harmony between its elements, design, and inhabitants,” say Aditya Sheth and Manthan Rathod, co-founders of Ekatra Studio.
The design draws inspiration from the client’s philosophy, brief, and ideology, intertwined with the tranquil natural setting of the Virar wetlands forest, visible from the balcony. At the entrance, the door to Raabta sets the stage for what lies within. Crafted as a wooden jigsaw puzzle with intricate jaali shutters and curved spheres, it embodies the home’s essence—a harmonious blend of artistry and purpose. This interplay of form and function continues in the living room, where earthy tones dominate, and curved spheres subtly echo through the furniture.
The whitewashed walls serve as a neutral canvas, allowing bold accents to stand out—most notably the TV unit, a striking composition of molded black wood and natural cane. Resting on wooden spheres, it creates an illusion of lightness while anchoring the space with a dramatic presence. Completing the narrative, floral artworks by artist Sandip Prajapati punctuate the walls, infusing the space with vibrancy and freshness.
In this Mumbai home, bespoke multifunctional furniture forms the core of the design. The dining area is a prime example, effortlessly transforming from a family gathering space into an extension of the living room with simple adjustments. Featuring a folding mechanism with a railway latch system, the dining table locks securely when not in use, doubling as an art piece that enhances the room’s aesthetics. This adaptability ensures a perfect balance between functionality and visual appeal.
Despite its compact size, the kitchen is both elegant and efficient. Honey maple cabinets with fluted glass fronts and a handle-less design create a sleek, seamless look, while terracotta tiles introduce an earthy contrast. Thoughtfully integrated storage solutions keep countertops clutter-free, maximizing efficiency without compromising aesthetics. Interestingly, even transitional spaces are designed with purpose. The passage between the dining area and bedrooms—often overlooked—becomes an interactive canvas, featuring playful wall-climbing art that engages the homeowners’ toddlers. This thoughtful intervention transforms a functional corridor into a joyful and creative experience.
The master bedroom is a serene retreat, inspired by the majestic beauty of forested mountains. Muted tones, textured curtains, and a cane headboard harmonize with a hand-painted accent wall, crafting a space of understated elegance. A bespoke wardrobe, meticulously designed with natural cane, wooden frames, and white laminates, showcases intricate artistry and custom handles—adding an element of surprise and individuality. The room’s deep connection to nature is further enriched by delicate floral and leaf motifs, seamlessly bringing the outdoors in and fostering a sense of calm and balance.
“Raabta embodies the quiet drama of Bollywood—layered, nuanced, and deeply evocative,” say the designers. Every detail has been meticulously designed and custom-crafted, from intricately sculpted shutter handles and knobs to the wooden spheres adorning jali doors—each element seamlessly merging functionality with artistry. The home unfolds like a series of cinematic frames, where every space holds its own identity yet blends harmoniously into a larger narrative of connection. Here, every corner whispers a story, and every frame resonates with the essence of its inhabitants.
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