HS Desiigns’ recent and complete revamp of a home speaks of modern sophistication and vernacular charm in equal parts. The best part is that the stunning masterpiece of a home, even though eye-catching is decidedly understated.
In the words of Architect Chinmay V. Asolkar, “The design of the entire apartment reflects urban elegance where the traditional and contemporary interact seamlessly. The home accommodates the needs of its inhabitants and also reflects their personality.” The predominant use of stone and solid wood gives rise to pure volumes that remain beautiful.
The furniture in the house mainly draws its personality from polished, poly coated and upholstered surfaces. “While the entire house is spread out on slabs of marble that speak a formal language, the daughter’s room rests on wooden flooring that brings in a little bit of old world charm,” informs Chinmay.
Cappachino, sepia, concrete and shades of indigo – those are the kind of colours one sees when they’re in Mumbai. Synonymous with the sea, sand, memories and elite constructions that define the city, they’re muted, faded and more of a feeling than an actual colour.
Walking right into these colours as one enters the apartment, you realize that they are subtle enough to never tire your eyes. The contrasts created by the friction of these shades create a kind of energy. The indigo on the dining chairs and winged sofas not only makes them stand out in the overall neutral palette but also adds a sense of freshness to the entire set-up as it transports you to a picture of fresh blueberries hanging off a branch.
The intricate web-like detail carved out in teak creates moments of glamour by way of the center table and dining table that is balanced by surrounding elements of calm. In fact, the architect has cleverly played up the differences between one object and another creating all sorts of juxtapositions of rough and smooth, light and dark, rustic and refined.
French by religion, a Bonifant Balloon Chair sits quietly tucked in a cosy corner of the living room. It carries the room to another period adding a different sense of style and sophistication.
It won’t be wrong to conclude that the interiors have a personal touch that renders the house its soul. The common thread that ties the different spaces together is bespoke design. The design team has not only rejuvenated a tired mid-century setup but also redeemed full points in making the penthouse look like a slice from today’s design pie.
