AD Small Spaces: A clever colour palette transformed this 295-square-foot home

D + U Architects doused this small space studio apartment in a colour palette that's easy on the eyes and the budget.

28 November 2023

AD Small Spaces A clever colour palette transformed this 295squarefoot home

Multipurpose furniture and clever utilisation of space helped architects Disha Nayar and Umal Patil transform this 295-square-foot small space studio apartment into a fully functional home for a 30-something woman. Located in suburban Mumbai, the design practice D + U Architects jumped at the opportunity to design a studio that masters simplicity and light.

A breakfast counter doubles up as an entrance foyer to this studio apartment.

Yadnyesh Joshi

Linear rafters and potted greenery separate the foyer and alcove. The breakfast counter is finished in white PU with a nano-white stone top.

Yadnyesh Joshi

Though tiny, this west-facing apartment is basked in natural light during the afternoons. The homeowner was keen on transforming the space with minimal civil alterations, integrating plenty of storage, and deploying an all-white palette to create an apartment that feels far bigger than its square count.

A custom powder blue sofa forms the focal point in the living room. Checkered black and white cushions from Amazon contrast the powder-blue shade. The niche is divided into closed storage with rattan shutters and open bookshelves decorated with artefacts from Modern Quests, Amruk, Westside Home, The Bohemian Store, and IKEA.

Yadnyesh Joshi

The architects tried to infuse the homeowners’ free-spirited vibe and fondness for hosting into the spatial planning and interior aesthetic of this home. They introduced a breakfast counter, separating the alcove from the living area and doubling up as an entrance foyer to the studio.

Also read: This 1,100-square-foot Maharashtra home embraces simple living in a coastal town

A custom cane lounge chair sits beside the media unit in the living room. Accents from Amruk and Westside Home decorate the media unit.

Yadnyesh Joshi

The all-white home backdrop has a pronounced Bohemian influence, as seen in the lush potted greenery, and the tasteful inclusion of cane accents, such as the lounge chair and rattan shutters. The niches beside a large picture window in the living area were perfect to accommodate bookshelves and a puja nook. “Integrating a window seat was a no-brainer, taking in stunning views of the cityscape and sunsets whilst maximising seating in the living area,” Disha adds. The powder blue sofa, denim rug, cane accents, checkered cushions, and black metal accents help break up the all-white scheme.

Also read: AD Small Spaces: This 420-square-foot home in Kazakhstan is a colourful escape

A breakfast counter divides the alcove and living area. While the shutters are finished in a white laminate, matt black accents (pendant lights and a bar stool from IKEA) provide a refreshing contrast.

Yadnyesh Joshi

The bedroom and attached bath are located on the rear end of the studio. The platform bed eliminates the need for bulky wall cabinets, offering ample storage while keeping the room clutter-free. A custom banana-leaf-inspired wall texture graces the accent wall in the bedroom, imparting a tropical boho vibe to the space.

A textured banana leaf pattern forms the backdrop for this bedroom. The bed is dressed with neutral, textured linen from H&M Home.

Yadnyesh Joshi

Storage is integrated into the bedroom through a custom platform bed, full-length wardrobe, and loft storage.

Yadnyesh Joshi

While the architects may have optimised every square inch, this small space studio apartment remains light and easy on the eye — a joyful, comfortable sanctuary to retreat to at the end of long days.