This was not to be a vanilla, minimalistic aesthetic. Priti Warke, owner of the two-level, 4,000-square-foot bungalow in a gated community in Thane, Mumbai, was very clear that Indian imagery is a much-favoured part of her sensibility. Even to a casual viewer, the unabashed celebration of Indian motifs in this home in Mumbai is unmistakable. Iesha Parekh Shellugar and Sneha Talati of TaP Design Inc were happy to source and execute exemplary interpretations of the warm, complex detailing which is characteristic of Indian art. What was not available off the shelf, was capably commissioned…creating a complex canvas that beckons and invites closer inspection. “The idea was to go luxe…in this project, ethnic does not mean unsophisticated,” says Iesha.
Art in this home in Mumbai is not restricted to the customary hung-on-the-wall variety. The large surfaces offered by walls and wardrobe shutters stand in for canvases, customised to depict a variety of art forms. While the home is contemporary, Iesha and Sneha don’t miss a chance to tastefully use surfaces to carry forward displays of murals and Indian motifs — both subtle and bold. The main door itself announces the aesthetic intent within, with its CNC motifs. “All the door frames are in steel which has been coated with PVC to look like brass,” says Sneha. The large motif inlaid on the floor in the foyer is in mother of pearl and abalone.
A large monochromatic Pattachitra in tones of black and beige adorns the wall of the foyer – the depicted figures bearing the characteristic extended almond-shaped eyes. “There is an exploration of indigenous art and craft—from hand painted murals featuring the Kalamkari art form to lotus motifs, floral vignettes and murals—all painstakingly created on site by our favourite mural artist, Vicky Venkatesh,” says Iesha. Further inside, the white totems are from furniture brand Creatomy.
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In the puja room, a handcrafted wooden wall panel titled Vasant depicts a new beginning with the changing of seasons — invoking spring, hope, freedom and joy. Created by the artists at Smita Moksh from Ahmedabad, its signature 3D rendition of wooden banana leaves creates visual interest. “The family believes in spirituality, without being overly religious,” says Sneha. “Another statement piece is a large wall panel in the foyer which showcases flora and fauna, created by one of our favourite artists, Nimrat Narang.”
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Throughout, lime plastered walls and ceilings are juxtaposed with flooring in wood and marble, inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone. Ceiling cornices add a regal touch. Wooden furniture in contemporary silhouettes is upholstered in luxe fabrics; the resplendent colours in plush materials are from Kosh Furnishing Studio. Lighting is from Jade Design House; in the living room, the chandelier is a dense cluster of lotus buds in pink and gold. Carpets in asymmetrical shapes continue the bespoke detailing, its plush, thick pile created from waste from the saree industry. A rug in the study has majestic elephants ambling across it. “It was designed by Vinita Chaitanya for Jaipur Rugs,” says Iesha. Other custom-made rugs are from Carpet Kingdom.
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The bathrooms are a visual delight, with their use of colour and detailing. The green tiles in the powder room are patterned with large vertical fronds reminiscent of a Jaipur haveli. The lower part of the walls bears another pattern defined by square borders, while the floor has a third patten in black and white. All three come together to create a complex aesthetic. If you think all this is a lot to take in, the adjacent wall has a floor-to-ceiling mural of storks; while adding to the surface treatments, it manages to inveigle its way into the family of tiles without being an unwanted outsider. The dull green palette is contrasted with a red counter, topped with a coppery basin bowl. The entire composition is a lesson in how to create drama and pull off bold juxtapositions. Considering powder rooms are meant to be used just briefly, this space would certainly want to make users linger and savour the visual treat on offer.
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In the master bath, the marble has dramatic veins which take over the space. The study-cum-guest bath with black motifs on the tiles exudes a more restrained but classic ambience. The ribbed shutters of the vanity are in sync with credo of detailing; the unexpected shade of icy green works – just like the mural in the powder room. The lotus-bud pendant lamp echoes those which flank the bed in the room outside. The daughter’s bathroom is a more feminine space in pink, with a blue mosaic panel bearing floral motifs behind the washbasin. The son’s bathroom is a masculine space in dark grey and tan, sans flourishes.
Iesha and Sneha’s curation of Indian arts and crafts and their fearless juxtaposition of large sweeps of contrasting colours, has created a home which invites a slow inspection of its spaces, while being enveloped by its warmth and richness.
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