Tucked away in the busy neighbourhood of Malad, Mumbai, this three-bedroom apartment has been thoughtfully transformed into a calm, welcoming home by interior architect Neha Desai, founder of The Home Essay. Designed as a complete renovation project, the space offers a quiet break from the city outside, simple, warm, and easy to live in.
Designed As A Renovation Project, This Home Offers A Break From The City | The Home Essay
The homeowners wanted a home that felt timeless and relaxed, without being overly styled. Natural materials, soft colours, and a clutter-free look were key. At the same time, the layout needed some serious reworking. One of the main challenges in this renovation project was adding a third bathroom to the apartment, which originally had only two, while still keeping the home feeling open and breathable. With smart planning and careful zoning, the design manages to balance both comfort and practicality without feeling crowded.
The colour palette across the home stays calm and consistent. Off-whites, warm beiges, and earthy neutrals set the tone, while lime-washed walls add a soft, natural texture that changes gently with daylight. Materials like light wood, rattan veneer, and handcrafted finishes bring in warmth and reinforce the Japandi style minimal, but never cold.
The living and dining areas flow together as one open space. There’s a sense of ease here, helped by custom furniture, exposed wooden beams, soft arches, and gently curved details. Nothing feels forced or overly decorative. Indoor plants and layered fabrics add warmth, making the space feel lived-in and inviting rather than strictly minimal.
One of the most interesting moments in the home is the master bedroom, where a design challenge turned into a thoughtful solution. The room originally had two windows opening onto the balcony, which left no solid wall for storage. To fix this, one window was removed, allowing space for a full-height wardrobe while still keeping the room naturally bright. The result is a calm, balanced bedroom with soft upholstery, muted textiles, and just the right amount of detail.
Throughout the home, arched niches are built into the walls to display the homeowners’ travel souvenirs. These small moments add personality and tell quiet stories, turning everyday memories into part of the design without overwhelming the space.
The kitchen and bathrooms follow the same understated approach. Clean cabinetry, soft finishes, and subtle contrasts keep things practical and easy on the eyes. The bathrooms, in particular, feel calm and spa-like, even within compact layouts.
Even the balcony has been treated as an extension of the home, a relaxed corner with greenery and soft textures, perfect for slowing down.
Overall, this Malad residence reflects The Home Essay’s design approach beautifully. It’s a home that feels thoughtful but not precious, minimal yet warm, and designed first and foremost for real life.
Fact File
Designed by: The Home Essay
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: Mehta residence
Location: Malad West, Mumbai
Year Built: Aug 2025
Duration of the project: 5 Months
Project Size: 800 Sq.ft
Principal Designer: Neha Desai
Photograph Courtesy: Piyush Macrography
Firm’s Website Link: The Home Essay
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Home Essay
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