This 3 BHK apartment in Mumbai is inspired by the rich art and crafts of the Kutch region. It is designed by HBR Architects and showcases a mix of traditional art and modern design. The kids room dressed in shades of blue is so stunning you will want to scroll up and down.
Who lives here: A family hailing from Kutch
Location: Mulund, Mumbai
Type: Apartment
Size: 1,200 sq.ft, 3 BHK. Converted into a 2 BHK
Designed by: HBR Architects
Design Aesthetic: Contemporary design with a touch of traditional art
The client hails from Kutch and wanted his apartment’s architecture to be a reflection and reminiscence of his native place. Initially, a 3-BHK apartment, the brief was to convert it into a 2-BHK with two bedrooms being combined to form a large master bedroom.
The design approach called for a functional layout and a neutral color scheme for the entire house except the kids room. You will see intricate geometric patterns used throughout the house. In addition, there is a great deal of motifs, fabric upholstering and paneling using heavy embroidery that will enthrall you.
Different materials and mediums have been used to create raw texture throughout the house with stamped cement walls and concrete finished lamps and printed handmade paper.
Ornate Front Door
Volumes can be written about the ornately carved wooden door at the entrance. It is adorned with miniature temple bells as bells are associated with positive sound to usher the person in the entrance foyer.
The walls are treated with wooden panels and back painted glass. The subtle push and pull design of the panels also hides the bedroom door leading to the kid’s bedroom playing the dual role of forming an interesting visual display for the visitors and the same time answering the need for privacy for the bedroom that opens right into the entrance foyer.
Living + Dining Room
The foyer leads to a rectangular shaped living room, designed in brown and beige color palette with leather sofa and wood finished with natural polish to create a warm and soothing effect.
The living room is equipped with a projector instead of a TV unit to save on space and make it more aesthetically appealing. In line with the design, the side table has been especially designed to conceal it from the casual visitor.
A decorative mud art work inside the house is synonyms with Kutch architecture. The living room is replenished with the same, but in its own language.
The wall behind the sofa features a custom designed artwork with ropes weaved on a wall hung wooden frame to form a geometric pattern, inspired from the traditional “Khatiya”.
The wall running along the length of the room, features paneling done in heavy embroidery fabric in various colors and sizes, arranged in a rhythmic pattern. The panels have been designed in such a way that the fabric can be changed and so can the decor around when one wishes.
One other interesting concept is that there is no false ceiling to retain maximum height. Instead, a wooden joist runs across the ceiling embedded with mood led lights in tone of white and yellow to cater to the state of mind desired.
The dining table is made of solid wood finished with natural polish. The table supports are embellished with brass inlays which frames the kitchen counter side as the table slides below the counter table to open the living area and to allow the screen projection on the opposite wall.
The layout also features an open kitchen finished again in the same warm tones as in the living area. The existing apartment layout has been modified to add storage and a powder toilet accessed through the kitchen. The doors leading to the same have been camouflaged with back painted glass in the geometric pattern. A small portion of the flooring has been done with patterned tiles to introduce a play in the kitchen.
Pooja / Puja Room
The pooja room has a pedestal in marble for the deity. There is a storage cabinet underneath. This is a wonderful idea for small spaces in apartments. Velvet embroidered fabric with traditional motif sandwiches in glass forms the background for the temple. The flooring has been finished with cream colored tiles with brass square inlays in the floor and walls in line with the design philosophy of traditional look.
On one side of the wall, you can see louvers in wood with brass bells hanging in between. 
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom comprises two functional areas: an accent wall opposite the bed that houses the TV unit , and the other, a walk-in wardrobe and seating area.
The accent wall is finished with paneling of heavy in various colors and size. The toilet door also has a paneling of embroidered fabric to conceal within the feature wall.
The walk-in wardrobe and seating area is on a slightly raised pedestal to segregate the space from the bed. This has a jhoola, too, and a murphy bed to accommodate a guest overnight. The overall color scheme of brown and beige is complemented by colorful upholstery with traditional motifs and art work made from Kutch fabric for a bold statement.
The colour scheme in the master bathroom continues is in continuation with the bedroom. There is an extensive use of wood and stone materials against antique copper finish sanitary ware. The client did not want the water closet to be visible so it was treated with wooden panels; the closet lies hidden underneath the panel.
Rann of Kutch and Morocco Inspired Kids Bedroom
The kids bedroom is the masterpiece of this apartment. The bright and cheerful turquoise patches on the wall and doors will remind you of Greece.
The room has a study area in a niche that takes inspirations from the Rann of Kutch. Dressed predominantly in blue, hand-woven fabric specially curated form Kutch is upholstered for the headrest. This stands out beautifully against the white-colored walls. The wooden furniture in white veener / laminate with striations on it sport a distressed look to give the room a rustic look.
The nomadic theme continues into the toilet as well. The layout was modified to accommodate a walk in wardrobe. It is finished with Moroccan tiles in three shades of blues with shimmering white grout in between. 
Image Courtesy: HBR Architects
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