孟买纹理与优雅之居

A Mumbai home that is an oasis of textures and sublime elegance

Located in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, this 2,100-square-foot abode by Kurafuto Works evokes nostalgia with its design.

Home office-cum-library wall embellished with Bharat Floorings tiles lends an air of opulence and grandeur to the space.

Nikita Nadkarni and Akshay Narwekar, the talented team from Kurafuto Works was inspired by mid-century Indian aesthetics when it came to designing their

home. Both artists themselves, they sought to replicate the details of the houses they grew up in old Bombay while infusing a contemporary touch in the interiors. Inspired by the nostalgia of their old home where laughter echoed through sunlit, arched corridors, they embarked on a journey to recreate the same warmth and beauty in their current abode.

As one traverses the entrance corridor, you see a captivating gallery of photographs captured by Akshay; on the right, a wallpaper by Kalakaari Haath with tropical theme pops up the space.

The design process was a bottom-up approach where the spatial character and furniture pieces in each room were designed around the personal belongings. Guided by the timeless principle of "form follows function," they left no detail unattended. “We measured every piece that we own and measured everything to the last inch to create a perfect space,” shares Nikita. “We figured what size we needed and then we figured the form around it,” Akshay adds.

The pickle jar, created by Nikita, is where a tale of treasured heritage unfolds. Etched upon its surface is her grandmother's cherished pickle recipe.

They meticulously crafted every aspect of the house, ensuring each room and piece of furniture served a specific purpose — a home that not only looks beautiful but also effortlessly accommodates their everyday needs. Mindful of their desire for a natural and

they used materials that exuded an innate allure.

The dining area exudes an air of opulence and refinement, draped in the elegance of fine wooden craftsmanship. Mirrors adorning the walls imbue the room with an illusion of boundless expanse, effortlessly extending its dimensions and bestowing a captivating sense of depth.

The kitchen with raw stone finish backsplash and strategic inclusions of fluted glass allows gentle streams of light to grace their sanctuary. Textured fabrics like linen and cotton are used for curtains and upholstery, heightening the sensory experience and emphasising a connection to touch and texture throughout the home.

Arches on the cabinets carry on the continuity and the fluted glass creates a mesmerising play of light and shadow.

Akshay, a photographer and Nikita, a ceramist, wanted a dwelling that would evoke creativity into every corner, where each room would boast its unique identity, while still enveloping them in a warm embrace at the end of an arduous day.

A turntable stand where a vinyl is displayed and a kennel for the dog underneath.

A minimalist hardware geometric art deco veneer captures the essence of the mid-century era, enhanced with delicate gold leafing, accentuating the arch.

Serene blues and vibrant oranges, gracefully entwined with

verdant green elements

create a harmony unfolding within the walls. In this visual tapestry, the interplay of elegant beiges, rich browns and curated textures weave a sublime balance that permeates every corner.

Throughout every nook and cranny, an intentional departure from mundane white walls prevails. “The idea was to work with layers,” explains Akshay. From entering the house through the

blue-framed gateway

to having shades of wooden paneling flowing through the house, it creates a visual oasis.