This seafront apartment in Mumbai is a tribute to the majesty of the ocean.

On the 19th floor of a Mumbai high-rise, within striking distance of the ocean, is an apartment that could have been born from the sea. "Well, that is what inspired it," says Kunal Barve, founder and principal architect of Interface by Ar. Kunal and Mihir—were enlisted to turn the bare shell into an ocean-inspired oasis for a family of five. The bonus, admittedly for the architect, was that he was well-acquainted with the family. "I had done a home for them 15 years prior, which had even landed a magazine feature. We've always shared a comfortable working relationship, so when it came time to redesign this home, they very kindly approached me first," he says.

 

Seaside Swish

Barve, an interior designer, was tasked with creating a modern, elegant beachside home for a client with a long list of specific requests. This included converting one bedroom into a walk-in closet and adding a hidden washbasin in the dining area. To meet the client's aesthetic preferences, Barve incorporated soft, sea-themed colours, light fabrics, and brass accents into the design. In addition, Barve installed an Alexa-enabled home automation system. Despite the non-oceanic nature of this feature, it fits seamlessly into the overall design of the home.

 

Each Space to its Own

The overall colour scheme of this home is predominantly grey, but each room reflects a different aspect of the sea. The living room, with its shimmering flooring, resembles a dark beach at dusk, while the bedrooms, with their warm herringbone floors and green accents, evoke the feeling of palm trees rustling in the breeze. Despite the coastal theme, there are also modern touches such as wainscoting in the living room, comfortable armchairs in the bedrooms, and a standout storage island in the walk-in closet. According to the designer, the homeowners were particular about having large bathrooms with ample storage, so he incorporated extended under-counter cabinets. Each bedroom had its own specific requests - the grandfather's bedroom was meant to have a soft atmosphere, while the children's bedroom needed to be vibrant and safe with padded corners and plenty of play space.

For the owners, there are a few special spots. “The alcove seating in the main bedroom is a much-loved one. It always leaves an impression on guests, and it’s just so much cuter than a regular couch,” they say. Other favourites include the blue credenza in the dining area and the stone dining table. “Oh, and also the green Chesterfield sofa and the round brass shelves in the living room. There are too many favourites to choose from, and there truly is something special for each moment.”