The Urban Retreat
- Client:Private Client
- Location:Mumbai West
- Area:900 Sq.ft
- Delivery:Design & Build
- Design Team:Anu Chauhan
Prashant Chauhan
- Photographer:Sebastian Zachariah, Rashmi Mallya
- News:
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Tucked away in the leafy lanes of Juhu, Mumbai, The Urban Retreat is a 900 sq?ft urban-rustic haven that marries the essence of traditional Indian craftsmanship with a contemporary spatial approach. Conceptualised as a serene escape within the city, this apartment is a celebration of textures, heritage, and soulful details.
The flooring, finished in warm Jaisalmer stone, is intricately inlaid with hand-cut brass frangipani motifs, setting a meditative tone throughout the space. Sculpted wall niches, antique Parsi-style wooden seating, and handpicked vintage accessories further enhance the narrative of quiet luxury.
Soft, earthy tones and layered materials offer a visual rhythm, while the spatial planning maximises openness and cross-ventilation. Every corner of this home is a thoughtful response to its owner's desire for comfort, nostalgia, and subtle opulence — making The Urban Retreat a true sanctuary in the city’s western core.
Between the Lines
Q1. What was the vision behind The Urban Retreat?
The idea was to craft a serene sanctuary within the city — a space that feels earthy, timeless, and rooted in craft while embracing the spatial efficiency of modern Mumbai living. It’s a pause from the city, without leaving it.
Q2. How does the design blend tradition with modern living?
By marrying traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary spatial planning. Vintage furniture, hand-cut inlays, and sculpted niches bring nostalgia, while open layouts and soft natural light reflect a modern, mindful lifestyle.
Q3. What inspired the choice of materials and finishes?
Every material was chosen for its warmth, authenticity, and touch. The Jaisalmer stone flooring infuses a golden glow, while the hand-cut brass frangipani inlays add a layer of artisanal detailing — celebrating Indian craft at its quiet best.
Q4. How do textures and tones shape the home’s mood?
Soft, earthy tones and layered natural textures create a rhythm that feels meditative and grounded. The palette allows light and shadow to become design elements, giving the home an evolving character throughout the day.
Q5. How is nostalgia expressed through the interiors?
Through handpicked elements — antique Parsi-style wooden seating, vintage collectibles, and sculpted wall niches reminiscent of traditional Indian homes. Together, they evoke a sense of belonging and continuity.
Q6. What role does spatial planning play in a compact apartment like this?
Spatial planning focuses on flow and openness — using cross-ventilation, connected volumes, and subtle zoning to make the 900 sq.ft. apartment feel expansive. The layout is simple but intentional, ensuring every corner breathes.
Q7. How does The Urban Retreat balance luxury and restraint?
Luxury here lies in detail, craft, and emotion, not excess. From brass inlays to natural textures, every choice exudes understated opulence — proving that true elegance is often quiet and deeply personal.
Q8. What makes this project distinctly Indian yet globally relevant?
Its soul is Indian — through materiality and craft — but its spatial clarity, restraint, and calm align with global contemporary design values. It’s local in spirit, timeless in expression.
Q9. How does light contribute to the experience of the home?
Light is treated as a living element — filtering through niches, highlighting textures, and reflecting off warm surfaces. It softens edges and creates a constantly changing ambience, reinforcing the sense of calm and warmth.
Q10. In one line, how would you describe The Urban Retreat?
A crafted cocoon of warmth and nostalgia — where Indian heritage meets contemporary mindfulness.
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