EARL GRAY
- Client:Private
- Location:Mumbai
- Area:Mumbai west
- Delivery:DESIGN + BUILD
- Design Team:Prashant + Anu + Nirali
- Photographer:Yadnesh Joshi
- Photoshoot Styling:Zainab + Prerna
This Japandi-inspired two-bedroom apartment is a harmonious blend of Zen minimalism and Scandinavian design sensibilities, creating a serene and functional home. Designed with clean lines, natural textures, and earthy tones, the space celebrates simplicity while offering modern comfort.
Living & Dining
The living room features stunning mosaic terrazzo flooring with high skirting that visually draws the eye towards the expansive balcony view. Exposed columns are polished to highlight their raw, natural texture, adding character to the space. The dining area is defined by elegant ceiling and wall panelling that cleverly conceals the powder room.
The powder bathroom is a dramatic surprise – with all-black surfaces, a dimly-lit pendant, and a quote etched into a large mirror that expands the compact space, creating depth and intrigue.
Balcony Retreat
The balcony is the soul of this home, designed as a calm outdoor retreat. A rustic chandelier accentuates the exposed column, while hand-plastered brown walls reduce the harsh south glare. An overgrown frangipani tree enhances the natural vibe, with a cozy daybed perfect for reading and a hammock swing creating a relaxed nook for lazy afternoons.
Kitchen & Utility
The kitchen embraces open, airy design with arched partitions subtly separating the utility area. Storage-free walls make the space feel expansive, while the well-lit utility corner houses kitchen plants and supports washing and ironing activities.
Bedrooms
The son’s bedroom is playful yet functional with black-and-white pinstriped flooring and stackable mattresses that double as instant bedding for sleepovers. Wooden blinds filter light beautifully, creating dynamic contrasts with the floor pattern.
The master bedroom uses kadappa flooring with wooden inlays leading to a low platform bed that enhances the room’s cozy, minimal vibe. The attached balcony, furnished with a retro ‘araam khursi,’ becomes a tranquil corner to relax and gaze at the open sky.
Bathrooms
The master bathroom experiments with a rich mix of kadappa flooring and golden Porto Italian marble. A custom stone basin counter combines elegance with functionality, creating a spa-like experience within the home.
This project showcases the essence of Japandi interiors in India, blending functionality, calmness, and timeless aesthetics for a home that exudes understated luxury.
Between the Lines
Q1. What was the core idea behind this Japandi-inspired home?
The design celebrates the meeting of two philosophies — Japanese Zen minimalism and Scandinavian warmth. The goal was to create a home that feels calm, functional, and tactile, where every element adds meaning rather than mere decoration.
Q2. How does the apartment interpret the Japandi style for an Indian context?
It blends global design principles with local sensitivity — using natural textures, earthy materials, and controlled light to balance India’s climate and lifestyle. The result is an authentically minimal yet soulful home, suited to everyday Indian living.
Q3. What defines the spatial experience of the living and dining zones?
The living room’s mosaic terrazzo flooring becomes its anchor, complemented by high skirting and raw exposed columns. These materials draw the eye toward the balcony, extending the perception of space. The dining area, defined by elegant panelling, cleverly conceals the powder room, ensuring seamless continuity.
Q4. The powder bathroom feels like a surprise element — what’s the story there?
It’s designed as a dramatic contrast to the home’s calm palette. The all-black interior, dim pendant lighting, and a quote etched into a mirror transform a compact corner into a thought-provoking design moment, balancing mystery with elegance.
Q5. How does the balcony reflect the spirit of Japandi design?
The balcony is the soul of the home — where natural materials, earthy tones, and simplicity come together. The rustic chandelier, hand-plastered walls, and frangipani tree frame an atmosphere of ease, while the daybed and hammock encourage slow, mindful living.
Q6. How is functionality achieved in the kitchen and utility spaces?
The kitchen follows the Japandi principle of less but better — using arched partitions to subtly define zones and storage-free walls to create openness. The adjoining utility corner supports daily chores while maintaining the home’s clean, airy aesthetic.
Q7. How are the bedrooms differentiated yet cohesive?
Each bedroom has its own mood yet aligns with the home’s overall calm:
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The son’s room plays with monochrome pinstriped flooring and stackable mattresses for flexible use.
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The master bedroom exudes stillness with kadappa flooring, wooden inlays, and a low platform bed that promotes grounded living.
Both spaces rely on light, texture, and proportion to express comfort and restraint.
Q8. What role do materials play in defining this home’s character?
Materials are chosen for their authenticity and touch — stone, wood, terrazzo, and plaster dominate the palette. The contrast between rough and refined surfaces adds subtle richness, making simplicity feel luxurious.
Q9. How do the bathrooms contribute to the home’s sensory experience?
The master bathroom elevates daily rituals through material harmony — combining kadappa stone flooring, golden Porto marble, and a custom stone basin. It’s less about opulence and more about balance, light, and texture, evoking a spa-like serenity.
Q10. In one line, how would you describe this Japandi home?
A poetic fusion of calm and craft — where every surface whispers simplicity, and every space invites stillness.
Photos
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