#DPExclusive: The House Of Arches Comes Alive With Its Display Of Homegrown Decor Objects

A pervasive and subliminal sense of luxury permeates the 2,400-square-foot apartment in Kalyan, Mumbai. Sleek, effortless, and serene, best describes this home designed by Komal Sachdev, a Designer and Planner who holds value for craftsmanship and materials. The house has lines that dance with rhythmic grace, sweeping and cascading as choreographed movements and elements engage in a silent dialogue, weaving narratives of the owner’s preferences and passions. It speaks volumes without the need for loud declarations and proposes a clean-cut narrative with strategic infusions of focal elements. 

“With their extensive knowledge of interior design, the homeowners preferred a blend of Wabi-Sabi and contemporary chic,” Sachdev reveals. Aptly named ‘House of Arches,’ it embodies the client’s love for curves and arches, evident in every aspect of the design. From arched doorways to curved edges, this geometrical motif infuses the space with a gentle, intimate ambience. Beyond aesthetics, the arches also address volumetric proportions, ensuring harmony throughout. In essence, the project is a celebration of timeless elegance and serenity. In pursuit of a refined, contemporary dwelling for their family, the client embraces sleek, clean lines while infusing the space with captivating statement pieces in both decor and architecture. Their design ethos harmoniously weaves together the serene essence of Zen, the sophisticated simplicity of Scandinavian style, and the cutting-edge allure of modern aesthetics.

“We created distinct spaces for activities like working, relaxing and entertaining to imbue a sense of flow and cohesion throughout the apartment,” quips Sachdev. “This approach allowed us to balance the grand, palatial feel with practical, well-thought-out spaces that cater to the family’s needs.” Welcoming guests with open arms, the grand foyer acts as a luxurious gateway, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of the home. The designer’s initial encounter with the site revealed a spacious, column-free volume soaring 12 feet high, suffused with fresh air and natural light. The living room unveils a captivating circular layout, featuring a sleek TV unit on one side and a harmonious ensemble comprising two three-seaters and two accent chairs on the other that were custom-made for the home. Adding depth and texture to this layout is a bespoke rug from Jaipur Rugs and a coffee table also made on-site and finished in terrazzo by Kalinga stone. The tranquil backdrop of the house is a soothing blend of cream and beige, characterised by subtle chromatic variations and delicate textures. 

Within this elegant and understated shell, elements blend strength with delicacy, highlighting the meticulous effort behind crafting a charming home. The apartment‘s orientation towards a water body and an expansive open space (free from future construction) presented a significant advantage. This undisturbed view was transformed into a stunning 22-foot terrace, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the serene water body. An arched panel accented with sleek black rims gracefully conceal the curtains, casting a mesmerising silhouette against the backdrop. On the right, a snug reading alcove snugly nestled against a stone-textured wall embellished with metallic arches, harmonises both form and function. A pooja space is also designed in the living room, distinguished by a 3D panel in mint green, anchored atop a foundation of immaculate Dover White marble from Classic Marble Company.

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The dining area unfolds in a circular formation following the living room. The seating arrangement boasts six chairs alongside a gracefully curved two-seater bench. Positioned against a curved panel, the bench exudes elegance with its meticulously layered texture, blending concrete elements with a lustrous gold metal finish. This design concept embodies a metaphorical journey, symbolising the unravelling of raw layers to reveal the inherent beauty within, akin to discovering gold amidst the mundane. The consistent material palette, including dyed honey veneer, beige floor tiles, stone-finished tiles, terrazzo, and textured vertical surfaces, is followed here for coherence and continuity.

The master bedroom unfolds into a cosy nook adorned with a circular day-bed and the master bed, whose back is gracefully sculpted into arches with delicate cane detailing, complementing the teak wood side table crowned with a terrazzo top. Organic and earthy tones such as beige, taupe, and mushroom hues dominate the colour scheme, accented by touches of black, gold, and terracotta for contrast and complementation. Connected through a passage, the room reveals a walk-in closet that blends modern and Zen influences with terracotta and indigo-printed tiles, rattan shutters, and transparent cabinets. Along this length is also the master bathroom, adorned with a combination of glazed and textured tiles in taupe, accented by black sanitaryware from Vitra and fixtures from Hansgrohe and Gessi. The washbasin embodies a ‘His and Her’ concept, featuring matching mirror details and personalised heights tailored to the couple’s tastes.

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Bathed in the warmth of the midday sun, the daughter’s space is planned adjacent to the master bedroom. The predominantly light and neutral palette preserves the airy ambience of the space, ensuring timeless allure. Boucle upholstery takes centre stage, adding depth with its diverse textures and tones, alongside linens and cottons for a cohesive blend of comfort and style. Adorning the bed, rainbow-shaped cushions, and a touch of dusty pink, along with vibrant rainbow hues in the soft furnishings, seamlessly complement the overarching theme. Anchoring the space are a striking array of arches and delicate rattan accents, and custom-crafted pendant lamps inspired by the intricate patterns found on animal skins and fish fins, adorning the bed-back wall. Beyond the bedroom door lies a buffer zone, granting passage to a bathroom adorned in glazed tiles in soothing tones of beige and olive green.

In the parents’ room, the design prioritises the flow of air and light with east-west openings, ensuring a refreshing atmosphere throughout the day. Infused with a touch of vintage charm, the beds and wall mouldings evoke a sense of nostalgia. Positioned at opposite ends of the room, the TV area and closet are strategically arranged to preserve cross-ventilation and natural light ingress. Delicately delineating the closet space, a lattice-like metal partition maintains harmony with the room’s airy ambience.

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The wardrobes stand out with intricate grooving details and elegant black arches, adding depth to the room’s aesthetic. By combining fluted panels with wall scones the verticality of the space is reduced to create a new visual symphony. Moving into the parents’ bathroom, ivory tiles harmonise with vintage-inspired taupe designs, while the floor comes alive with accents of deep red pencil tiles. Classic gold sanitary fittings imbue the space with timeless elegance, ensuring a style that transcends fleeting trends. Nestled gracefully upon the tranquil waters, the House of Arches epitomises serene opulence, effortlessly asserting its distinct presence, and serves as a hallmark of refined living amidst the vibrant energy of Mumbai.