In the heart of Oshiwara, Mumbai, amid its dynamic urban fabric, a serene retreat unfolds—a home designed to embrace the ebb and flow of family life while celebrating the beauty of subtlety. At 2,100-square-feet, this second home in Mumbai for a family from Ranchi is more than just a space for family gatherings; it is an experiential journey into understated luxury and textural elegance.
The client, a matriarch who desired a sanctuary where her scattered family could reconnect, entrusted Rukhsar and Saiqa Shaikh, Principal Designers and Co-Founders of Beetle Design Studio, with an almost carte blanche brief. “She met us only once at the start,” shares Rukhsar, “and after that, she gave us complete creative freedom, requesting only that the home be functional and comfortable for gatherings.” This latitude enabled the designers, along with project lead Yashvi Rathod, to craft a narrative seamlessly integrating fluid design with purpose.
The apartment, originally two three-bedroom units, was merged into a single rectangular layout, with a central living area serving as the fulcrum of the design. “We wanted the living space to feel open yet intimate,” explains Saiqa. “Rather than placing furniture against the walls, which would have felt restrictive, we created a central seating arrangement anchored by a custom-designed oval rug with a subtle embossed effect.” Custom sofas and tables echo the flowing geometry, transforming the room into a sculptural yet inviting retreat.
In fact, nearly all the furniture in the home was manufactured in-house at Beetle Design Studio’s workshop. “This approach gives us complete control over design and functionality, allowing us to tailor each piece to the space,” says Rukhsar. Even the bespoke wall panelling in the living room reflects this meticulous attention to detail, with router-cut patterns customised to mimic the soft folds of the drapery, creating a subtle yet striking continuity.
The dining area, in contrast, introduces a bolder aesthetic. Moody lighting pairs with ribbed cabinetry to create a tactile statement. The marble-topped dining table with sleek metal accents commands attention while remaining approachable. Wallpaper sourced from Kolkata-based House of Kaji infuses an artistic element, a thoughtful placeholder for large art pieces more common in primary residences. This deliberate choice underscores the home’s ethos of fluidity and adaptability.
Functionality is woven seamlessly into the design. The kitchen, once devoid of natural light, now glows with borrowed sunlight filtering through fluted glass partitions. An island further amplifies openness and redefines the kitchen’s functionality.
Each bedroom tells its own story, with unique colour palettes and design elements catering to the family’s diverse tastes. The master bedroom, created by merging two smaller rooms, is a study in balance. A floating bed with a low headboard creates a sense of space, while a dressing unit tucked behind the bed ensures functionality without intrusion. “The textures here are rich yet restrained, with a customised woven artwork, hand-tufted in Panipat, lending warmth and depth,” explains Saiqa.
The other bedrooms, while more playful, maintain the home’s overarching sense of cohesion. A striking green sofa in the TV room, converted from a bedroom, invites relaxation, while other rooms incorporate softer hues and flexible layouts to accommodate various family members. “The idea was to keep the design versatile,” Rukhsar adds. “With family members visiting sporadically, the spaces had to work for everyone, from grandchildren to the matriarch’s daughter who lives in the UK.”
The design of this home in Mumbai extends beyond aesthetics, embracing movement and interaction. The floating layout of the furniture encourages flow, making gatherings intuitive. The interplay of shapes and textures invites touch and exploration, ensuring the home resonates with every member. “It’s not stark minimalism,” Saiqa reflects. “We’ve focused on textures and details to bring in understated luxury. It’s about creating a space that feels modern yet sophisticated without being ostentatious.”
