Olympic Torches, Chandigarh Chairs, And Sea Views – Tour This Chic Mumbai Office
Minimalism, tactility, and a hint of glamour – this Mumbai office perfectly embodies calm amidst professional chaos! Utility and simplicity were the core underlying principles of this project, ‘Winner’s Perch’, put forward to designer Ali Baldiwala of Baldiwala Edge by his Singapore-based client. The result? An intentionally sparse and sophisticated space with material plays and muted hues that resemble a zen Japanese sanctuary. Meticulously crafted with a restrained palette, the layout is clean with the crispness of subtle wabi-sabi indulgences and textured detailing.
Upon entering the office, one is greeted by a charming warm ambience of the waiting area set-up. Centred around a scaled-back sense of design, the outdoor conference space offers unparalleled views of the city’s unmissable skyline in staggering proportions. The waiting area breaks away from all the linear forms with an Albanian stone-cladding wall from Rawsteen that culminates into a contrasting brass finish curved storage unit.
The dramatic curves of the space are seamlessly replicated into the sofa’s form which is sourced from HOF, the mid-century coffee table from Tianu as well as the ceiling, which is adorned with a translucent fabric by Barrisol – acting as an additional source of light. The jute rug from Hatsu blends in cohesively with the grey tiled flooring, while the stark Chandigarh chair from Mahendra Doshi adds to the textural complexity of the look. Cane cushions from Ikai Asai, natural flowers, and plants from Rising Gardens breathe freshness into the space.
The conference table is uniquely designed to the likeness of a ship and mimics it with one round leg cast in a conical shape in natural textured oakwood, while the other is cast in an elliptical form and finished in cement stain polish. The suspended ceiling light, Ocula Chandelier from Studio Avni in striking curves, is custom-built for the space in PVC while the vases from Ikai Asai used as decor accents add a homely personality. “Intentional and sustainable, the handcrafted oakwood furniture are not only functional but add beauty to the simple geometric forms. Varied materials like that of brass, stone, jute, wood, stone tiles, dyed veneer, textured paint and soft furnishings blend in harmoniously together as perfectly imperfect elements creating a modern environment”, explains Ali.
The cabin spaces are refreshingly minimalist with an ease of refined simplicity. Conceived in a triangular layout, the highlight of this space is the executive table placed perpendicularly to the transparent glass partition and designed in oakwood. It is a clean-lined design with a leather and metal framed apron that brings structure to the piece. A two-seater sofa from Tianu offers respite and creates a lounge-like atmosphere with quirky cushions from Kar Conscious Living, breaking free from formal cabin stereotypes. The abstract art by Ajay Patil in hues of yellow breaks up the muted tones by offering an element of surprise. The customised tables are synergised with Chandigarh chairs from Mahendra Doshi that lend a mid-century look and inspire slow living.
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A grand executive cabin forges a bond with the outdoors by borrowing the scenery from the outside; accentuating the earthiness of wood and textures, with an oakwood table with handcrafted details in the centre of the room and a massive carpet. The executive table is sourced from Bram’s Woodcrafting Studio, complemented by the sturdy leather chair from Stanley. Lending a regal touch to the table is the golden lamp from The Hesperus Store, while the hand tufted woollen rug from Obeetee reinforces the design scheme of the cabin. The ceiling is devised in mouldings that create a square grid, adhering to the geometric language of patterns that forms a leitmotif enveloping the office.
The principal design highlight of this office room is the Olympic torch display – a visual treat wherein the rhythmic pattern of famed torches is created in a corrugated format and duly finished in texture paint. The brass accents of this room exude a visual symphony and echo subdued luxury.
The inclusiveness of the workstation area enhances critical thinking for daily functioning and communal processes. The partitions in between the workstation tables are designed in an oak frame with clear glass, keeping the eye engaged yet relaxed. Crafted to perfection and commissioned to meet the site’s requirements as well as specifications – each desk is given its own luxury of space.
The coffered ceiling above the workstation desks is designed and finished in hues of terracotta; it adds a colour scheme to the otherwise muted and simple space, radiating optimism. This appealing ceiling is decked out with lighting within its grooves, leaving the design clutter-free from other light fixtures.
“Throughout the space, a love for wooden furniture is visible (evident of our affinity for it) in the ample use of executive and conference tables, workstations in natural oakwood and cement stain polish – a result of us fortuitously working with the Bram Woodcrafting Studio,” adds Baldiwala. The outside fuses into the inside with the view reinforcing a connectedness to nature paired with zenlike tranquility and naturalness that the interiors bring one while being engaged in work.
Photoshoot styling by Samir Wadekar.
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