Seaside Serenity: A Minimalist Retreat That Embraces Mumbai’s Coastal Charm

In today’s whirlwind world, we yearn for equal parts calm and chaos. Yet, in the paradoxical city of Mumbai, one is not compelled to choose between the two. In this maximum metropolis, where frenetic rhythm is the norm, the symphony of waves crashing and a gentle breeze pouring through sun-drenched spaces, also finds a home. Amidst these dichotomous settings, Aditi Vora Nair of AVN Interiors perfectly captures the city’s essence, within a 4,000 sq. ft. serene home dubbed ‘Tranquility.’ Embodying the traits of its namesake, this minimalist haven for a family of three features clean lines, a muted palette and strong geometric shapes, arranging a meet-cute for the city and the sea.

Seamlessly Melding With Sea

The clients’ desire for a seaside retreat inspired Tranquillity’s narrative, which began with the beachside apartment which serenely basked in the honey-dew warmth. “To ensure that one can enjoy the sea view from all parts of the house was the biggest challenge,” reflects Aditi Vora Nair of AVN Interiors. Building on a shared scheme for making the most of the segueing views she asserts, “A modern minimal design approach was our answer to designing a space that would complement the spectacular views that change with every sunset.” She adds, “Our goal was to ensure that the view stayed at the centre stage in the house.”  Ensuing is a sun-kissed abode, positioned to offer unobstructed views and eternally enchant its residents with ASMR-esque echoes that resonate throughout.

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Manifestation Of The Maestro

The AVN team’s focus was to maximize the views which led to stripping the home bare to its structural elements, transforming every wall into a diaphanous observatory of the sea. This approach toward the tide-turner elements informed the selection of a paramount material and an open-plan layout. This layout is neatly tucked behind a fluted glass that lends straight strokes to the foyer’s Statuario Marble flooring and ceiling, reflecting the clients’ penchant for quiet luxury. This glass panel subtly diffuses the sultry breeze, while obscuring the living areas from the cosy entrance foyer.

The short stroll through the foyer slides an automatic glass door open, revealing a monochrome scene from a classic movie, with warm speckles of hues scattered across. The affable spaces spill onto a balcony corralling them, while reaching out to the sea and framing its ethereal allure through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A gentle waft escorts to a pristine white formal living area where a sleek black backdrop hides a secret—the perfect setup for movie nights. “The dining and formal area is divided by a shelving system from Rimadessio, installed between a Calcutta marble-clad column,” Vora details the open-plan layout and its translucent traits. The shelving exhibits; Jeff Koons’ balloon dog sculpture, and Maison Lalique’s Statue of Long-horned Water Buffalo sourced from Mutual Art, amidst an array of other trinkets. 

Crossing into the dining area, the theme of artistic oeuvres lingers with the dining table’s voluptuous legs, offering a chic setting for shared meals with a view of the sea. The adjacent kitchen area is a masterclass in modern functionality, featuring warm accents, a clutter-free design and an unbound design that admires the greenery. This functional space is designed to ensure a smooth movement, enhancing both efficiency and visual appeal. “The most important feature of the terrace is the six-metre-wide vertical window that allows for an uninterrupted view of the garden and beach ahead,” Vora reiterates.

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Melodies Of Modernism

A yearning for harmonious balance in both music and life informs the design philosophy.  “Every space is heavy on music systems and supporting technology,” Vora points out. She continues, “Another challenge we faced was incorporating all this technology into the interiors without making it look jarring”. Ensuing is a glass mantelpiece dividing the dining and living areas, perfectly balanced between a duet of black veneer-clad built-in speakers. Beyond this, an informal area softly whispers melodies through its paintings, extending the formal living space and serving as an elegant setting to create an elegant setting for elaborate soirées. “(Here) Two more speakers are concealed next to the Petra Antiqua’s beautiful horse marble art,” the designer notes, highlighting the interplay between the carved marble and platinum details. This synthesis of sound and art, crafts an immersive experience, where technology waltzes gracefully with the aesthetic, enhancing the space’s harmony.

A subdued informal living area parades pops of colour through tan Le Club armchairs by Poliform, introducing vibrancy while fashioning a stark contrast against the space’s muted backdrop. Softly lit by a series of track lights, the area’s centrepiece is a striking free-standing bar that dazzles beautifully during sundowners or a quiet wine night. Vora explains “The entire bar area is an architectural marvel designed,” Vora shares. She further adds, “(It was designed) by deconstructing pieces that were eliminated from a grey cuboid with a matched chevron pattern.” This white-glimmering Brazilian quartz bar, interspersed with hints of black and pink, paired with bar chairs by Longhi, glows in the dark akin to neon party lights, creating a vibrant vibe. Serving a dual role as both a functional element and pièce de résistance, this monolith enhances the room’s lighting and elevates its overall ambience.

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Nap By The Sea

With minimalism steering the overall theme, the master bedroom is clad in Satvario marble panels and fluted textures, adding depth to the serene monochromatic palette. The owner’s penchant for modest elements is evident in the Grace bed by Rugiano, where wooden edges subtly complement the room’s refined aesthetic. Echoing the lavish use of marble, the master bathroom is drenched in marble, featuring a free-standing monolith marble wash basin counter. Slender vertical windows in the bath areas offer sneak peeks into the neighbourhood while maintaining the space’s ideal temperature, balancing openness with intimacy.

Flanking, the daughter’s bedroom is a concoction of sea-inspired shades and serene greenery, reflecting the essence of the home’s name. This room subtly reflects the daughter’s tender spirit, featuring wooden, herringbone-patterned flooring, playful objet d’arts like an Eero Arnio bubble swing, and a faux fur chair, all set against a backdrop of sea green quartz. “Sea green Brazil quartz for the daughter’s bathroom is all sourced from Classic Marbles Silvasa,” Vora reveals, highlighting the thoughtful material choices that enhance the room’s serene and whimsical character.

The entire home is bathed in serene marbled shades, gracefully enduring the salty breezes. Vora reasons, “We selected all materials that would not be affected by this and opted for marble as a cladding material”. In contrast, the sleeping chambers feature warm wooden accents, adding a cosy warmth to the otherwise cool palette. To combat the effects of humidity, sturdy materials were incorporated. “We also used aluminium door frames and Doors clad with matte-finished glass to avoid jamming of wooden doors due to expansion because of humidity,” Vora details, ensuring both functionality and elegance throughout the home.

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As the sea whispers its lullabies through the salty breeze, Tranquility is an ode to modern minimalism, serenading the senses with its seamless design and thoughtful materials. Here, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light to dance across the interiors, accentuating the seamless marble finishes and elegant wooden accents that contrast the cool palette. The nifty integration of textures, subtle hues and organic shapes fosters a calming link to the outdoors. Nestled in the heart of a bustling city, this serene oasis perfectly balances nature and design, offering residents a peaceful escape by the sea.