AD Small Spaces: This 460-square-foot Mumbai rental is minimal and timeless

When it comes to rented homes, apprehension often hinders any design transformations. Yet, a Mumbai rental spanning 460 square feet challenges these inhibitions. Designed by Nishi Jain of Space.Object.Human Experience (S.O.HE) for her parents in their 50s, this space defies conventional constraints. A soulful sanctuary emerges from clean lines, subtle intricacies, and a muted, neutral palette. Reflecting the essence of Jain's philosophy, it marries functionality with aesthetics.

From Bare Shell To Artful Abode

The initial site was an old apartment with terrazzo tile flooring, smaller windows, and pockets of under-utilised space. The transformation began by breaking down internal walls, opening up windows, and creating a blank canvas. What was initially a 1BHK, now could be converted into a 2BHK. Jain says, “My parent's vision was quite simple - to make sure every need and utility is catered to with simple, humble aesthetic. Having lived in other rentals before this, they knew exactly what worked for them and what didn’t so that knowledge was helpful to use to plan the space.” Situated on the second floor, there are lots of trees and natural light which they wanted to take in as much natural light as possible. So Jain opened up the windows as per the design to make sure that they got a good amount of light and breeze.

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A Symphony of Elements

Even before you enter the house, at the entrance, an antique brass bell and black metal accents set a welcoming tone. The oak wood main door opens into the living room with an abstract artwork that doubles as a dining table. The intimate living room features an off-white sofa, fiddle fig plant, and black metal and glass coffee table, exuding comfort and sophistication. “We've incorporated lots of hidden storage in the living room, the entire stretch of wall that aligns with the sofa back wall is complete storage with sleek black handles added on to the shutters because I feel it's important to show the practical aspect while designing,” explains Jain.

Smart Solutions

Another unique and smart space solution is the dining table that uses the artwork on the wall as the tabletop while the legs of the table can be tucked into the wall, becoming an independent side table when not in use. On the opposite side is the window with storage on either side, top and bottom and a black and white stripe seating which serves as a lounging and reading corner with the floating bookshelf next to it. “An architrave has been created between the living room and the kitchen entrance, where the wall has been replaced with matte black polished teakwood French partition to make sure the kitchen doesn't feel like an isolated box and is connected to the living space. “Keeping the age factor in mind, we purposely decided to go ahead with a textured floor because of its anti-skid nature instead of a smooth polished floor,” adds Jain.

Warmth Through Neutrality

The Master bedroom is a calm oasis with the bed made in oak wood paired with oakwood vertical panelling. “We wanted to personalise the room and hence black and white framed portraits of the clients have been added above the bed. The wardrobes have been flushed in level with the walls and detailed with white PU moulding and a contrasting matte black polished teakwood border,” says Jain. A customised oval wall mirror has been placed opposite the bed, creating a cosy corner with the sand linen curtains.

The passage wall between both the bedroom oak wood doors houses a sculptural muted artwork. The Guest bedroom brings a lot of natural light into the space. The wall-mounted cushioned headboard in grey fabric with black metal rail with layers of patterned and abstract cushions adds softness to the room whilst keeping it casual and accommodating for anyone. Jain says, “The wardrobe has been crafted with black wood border and reeded glass that adds texture and openness to the room. Opposite the bed is a simple foldaway study table which gets reflected in the abstract-shaped mirror.” Within the chaos of city life, this Mumbai rental epitomizes transformative design possibilities.

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