A Family Home In Mumbai That Celebrates Playfulness And Quietude
Apartment O2 designed by Purple Backyard is a playful dance of cotton hues and breezy vibes, offering a tranquil escape to a family amidst the city's relentless rhythm.
Just as air shapes the atmosphere around us, a home’s design infuses life into every space, striking the delicate balance between beauty and utility. In the heart of Mumbai’s vibrant chaos, an airy home dubbed ‘Apartment O2’ by Purple Backyard serves as a testament to this harmony. Draped in cool, neutral hues and stippled with vibrant pops, it offers both calm and vibrance in equal measure. Designed for a family of four, each corner of this home shares a story. Kumpal Vaid, principal designer of Purple Backyard explains, “From the vibrant playfulness of the children’s rooms to the sophisticated elegance of the communal areas, every corner of the home embodies a thoughtful balance of beauty, functionality, and personality.”
Walking On Thin Air
Amidst the tumultuous city life, where even the air smells busy, this oasis, crafted for a family of four, embodies the designer’s philosophy of ‘immersive simplicity.’ This philosophy is depicted through clean lines, neutral tones, and thoughtful design elements, allowing for a seamless, and immersive experience that feels both premeditated and harmonious. In keeping with this, the clients coveted a home that fostered family togetherness while reflecting individual personalities, an open sanctuary bathed in tranquillity, with thoughtful nooks for boisterous board game nights and soft coastal breezes carrying a sense of serenity.
While minimalism remains the backbone of Apartment O2, the design’s subtle accents and natural light ensure the space remains dynamic. “At every stage, the planning emphasised the importance of liveliness, connection, and adaptability, resulting in a home that is not only elegant but also warm and inviting,” explains Vaid. As a result, Apartment O2’s nifty design utilises open spaces by connecting and shrouding them at once, offering a peaceful refuge where the family can unwind away from the city’s constant energy.
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In The Pursuit Of Tranquility
At the entrance, a petite planter whispers the home’s intent of infusing a sense of calm, while a gentle breeze meanders through a rounded wall in the foyer, offering glimpses of the living area. Beyond, the colossal French windows breathe life into the formal living room, spilling effortlessly into a dining area where connections are shared over hearty meals. A feature wall adorned with art paired with the couches, pouffes and armchairs, conspires to spark connections in the living room, while a swing in on the balcony beckons gentle breezes, drifting away the bustle of city life. The artwork in the living room makes a statement in the otherwise Scandi-chic space, exuding an uncanny character to the space that narrates tales of their preferences and experiences.
Left: The living room features couches by Excella Experts paired with a Sarita Handa coffee table perched above a rug from Loops by Latika. Right: The swing in the balcony, melding boundaries is by The Rocking Chair and the art pieces are from artists Ayushi Patni and Divya Pamnani. (Image Credits: Lokesh Dang)
Flanking the dining area, the balcony initiates a seamless dialogue, inviting the coastal breeze to dine with the inhabitants. Overlooking the space is an uncanny acrylic leaf light fixture. “It features a unique dual-base design—glass on one side, and wood on the other—symbolising the balance and harmony of contrasting elements,” Vaid explains. Staying true to minimalism’s clutter-free principles, a wooden console and cabinet that houses trinkets, and framed artwork by Aditya Chadar, add a pop of colour to the space.
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“The heart of the home lies in the den and TV room,” reveals Vaid underscoring the perfect balance between its cosy and vivacious ambience. With cotton-hued walls and tan-toned furniture, this room tells personal tales through the petite tchotchkes exhibited throughout the space. Exuding a wistful air of nostalgia, it parlays the perfect hideaway spot for rolling dice on game night or watching float by, amidst the city’s bustle.
Left: The sofa cum bed is from The Rocking Chair paired with the boucle armchair from Excella Experts to transform the den into a hangout space. Right: The rustic Naga table in the den is by Sarita Handa and the rug is by Jaipur Rug, while the cushions are from Pottery Barn. (Image Credits: Lokesh Dang)
The Art of Crafting Quiet Retreats
Beyond the living area lies a poetic passage akin to a vessel for air to glide through, seamlessly linking spaces throughout the home. Along this trail, an arch—a recurring motif in the firms’ projects— juts out, framing a chic kid’s bedroom. Referencing this reimagined piece of traditional history, Vaid muses, “Its inspiration traces back to the creation of the Dori Patti object, where the idea of seamlessly weaving this form into our spaces first emerged.”
Left: The chequered patterns by ZA Artwork on the singular arch soften the sharp lines while maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic. Right: The kid’s room with hand-painted wardrobes and playful accents exudes a chic vibe. (Image Credits: Lokesh Dang)
This archway unveils a charming haven—a kid’s bedroom adorned with pin-stripped wallpaper, warm wooden flooring and a bed nestled by a window framing enchanting cityscape views. Building upon this subdued cottage-core ambience, a second bedroom emerges, embellished with an arched headboard framed by cabinets to exhibit the cute learnings. Vaid notes, “Hand-painted wardrobe panels, custom lacquer finishes, and playful details make these rooms a true reflection of youthful energy and imagination.”
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An austere master bedroom ensues, bathed in natural light from the colossal French windows and features a petite study area. “The lack of heavy wall panelling promotes natural airflow, reducing the barriers between the indoors and the external environment,” remarks Vaid. The bedrooms contain within them, petite oases, “Bathrooms across the home continue the narrative of understated luxury, featuring marble surfaces and well-thought-out layouts,” Vaid explains. While some adhere to the overall theme of minimalism, others exude an eccentric air, with paintings and dark-hued marble.
Amidst the city’s relentless buzz, Apartment O2 by Purple Backyard stands as a tranquil sigh of relief—a haven where serenity takes centre stage. In this oasis, the air becomes a muse moving through down hallways, spinning tales of connection and laughter. Designed with a focus on simplicity, the home becomes a gathering space where game nights turn into joyful marathons and the city seems distant. Sunlight gently caresses the pale walls, inviting a slower living, and offering a tranquil sanctuary for connecting, and simply being.
