In the bustling heart of Worli, Mumbai, nestled amidst the urban landscape is a 2,000 sqft Bombay apartment home that defies conventional design norms. Mōrahi, a 3BHK residence, is the brainchild of DesignHex under the visionary leadership of Principal Designer Shimona Bhansali. Completed in April 2022, this home showcases the transformative power of design, where every corner tells a story of adventure and every artefact whispers tales of distant lands.
Editor’s Note: “Departing from minimalism, this residence boldly embraces maximalist design principles. A lively collection of eclectic artefacts and sumptuous furnishings creates a modern interpretation of an Indian home. The design artfully balances visual richness with an airy sense of spaciousness, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere.” ~Simran Khare
This Bombay Home is a Celebration of Maximalist Interiors | Design Hex
The inception of Mōrahi began with a refreshingly simple brief from the clients: “We cherish our art and artefact collection and want it to shine in our space.” The design team resonated with this idealogy, translating it into the space.
The clients, avid travellers themselves, had quite a collection of captivating items from their journeys across the globe. It wasn’t just a display of artefacts but a narrative of their wanderlust, each piece a memory etched in time.
From the outset, it was clear that Mōrahi would celebrate maximalist design. This concept aligns perfectly with DesignHex’s design ethos.
The goal of this Bombay home was to create a space that showcased the clients’ eclectic collection and infused it with the essence of their travels.
It had to be a home that embraced the thrill of adventure while offering the comfort of a cherished haven, where global exploration coexisted with the warmth of familiarity.
As one steps into Mōrahi, they are greeted by a kaleidoscope of textures, colours, and patterns. The design theme merges maximalism with pops of colour, underpinned by a subtle contemporary flair.
It’s as if Marrakech’s vibrant markets and Fiji’s tranquil beaches have found a meeting point in this Mumbai apartment.
The interplay of old and new elements creates a captivating juxtaposition—intricately carved wooden chests stand alongside sleek, contemporary lighting fixtures, reflecting the clients’ cross-disciplinary tastes and adding depth to the space.
However, the challenge in maximalist design lies in striking a balance between visual richness and visual chaos. DesignHex’s curation strategy, a significant USP of the project, navigates this tightrope with finesse. Larger spaces are allowed to showcase many items without feeling cluttered.
At the same time, compact areas are thoughtfully curated to maintain a sense of spaciousness. This careful orchestration transforms Mōrahi into a captivating visual experience, free from the overwhelming sensory overload often associated with maximalist design.
The layout of Mōrahi is a study of thoughtful design. With its gracefully arched ceiling, the foyer sets the tone with visual grandeur and understated materials that foster an airy atmosphere.
In the passageways, where natural light is scarce, a row of faux windows with gentle, indirect lighting creates an illusion of openness. This strategic move brightens the space and enhances the overall flow and spaciousness.
A grey brick pattern in the living area and passageway offers a refreshing visual break amidst the vibrant palette, maintaining the maximalist aesthetic while providing comfort. The use of solid, bold hues throughout ensures that the placement of artefacts is visually impactful and cohesive.
The marble flooring, spanning the entirety of the house, introduces a linear contrast to the curvaceous layout, adding a touch of structure and unity.
The material palette plays a crucial role in Mōrahi’s design narrative. DesignHex opted for cooler hues alongside brighter tones, creating a backdrop that allows minute details and decor to shine. This deliberate choice creates an illusion of spaciousness and ensures visual cohesion.
A subdued palette subtly enhances the overall visual appeal in areas with absent vibrant colours. The restrained use of wooden finishes was intentional, preventing an overwhelming character addition and making sure the focus remains on the existing design elements.
Beyond the boundaries of the apartment, the balconies are also adorned with plenty of greenery, contributing to the maximalist atmosphere. Moreover, these outdoor spaces offer a serene contrast to the vibrant interiors. Thus, inviting residents to unwind amidst nature’s embrace.
Interestingly, the name ‘Mōrahi’ itself reflects the design philosophy. It also translates to ‘Maximum’ in Maori, perfectly encapsulating the maximalist design. The subtle appearance of ‘Rahi’, Urdu for ‘traveller’, delicately echoes the clients’ boundless wanderlust. Thus, easily melding with the space’s essence.
In conclusion, Mōrahi is more than just a home; it’s a living, breathing tapestry of global experiences. DesignHex’s innovative approach has also transformed the 2,000 square feet of space into a boundless expanse of stories, memories, and aspirations. It also points to the power of design to create spaces and craft experiences that resonate with the human spirit.
Fact File
Designed by: Design Hex
Project Type: Apartment Interior Design
Project Name: Mōrahi
Location: Worli, Mumbai
Year Built: 2022
Project Size: 2000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Shimona Bhansali
Photography Credits: Vishesh Kanani
Firm’s Website Link: Design Hex
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Design Hex
Firm’s Facebook Link: Design Hex
For Similar Project >> A Luxurious Ambience With A Modern Contemporary Design Theme
In one of Gurgaon’s towering high-rises, a young couple made a conscious decision to reject the uniformity of trends. They didn’t want their home to be manicured; they just wanted to channel themselves into it. The brief for this Gurgaon Apartment was simple and direct – “A home,” they told us. “We don’t want something […]
This luxury residential interior is located in the heart of Mumbai, which is a harmonious blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless elegance. Every element within the space has been thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere of indulgence and tranquility. The design exudes refinement at every turn, from the grand entryway to the intimate spaces, offering […]
Designing a home from scratch is a challenge and a dream hand in hand — this interior design for 3 BHK was a dream come true. While we first visited this apartment, it was just an empty shell: no furniture, no finishes, just plain walls waiting for a story. With this, the client’s brief was […]
Ar. Darshit Tejani and Ar. Bhakti Tejani of Pramāna Design have designed this 1700 sqft home in Vile Parle, Mumbai, for a family of four who wanted their home to be a physical extension of their personalities through an eclectic minimalist interior design. The most exciting part of the brief was that no two rooms […]
There are homes, and then there is Aurum – a modern luxurious home where luxury does not announce itself with grandiosity but lingers in the air, murmuring its presence in every fine detail. A vision born in Dubai yet rooted in Ahmedabad, this residence is an ode to refined indulgence, seamlessly blending the modern opulence […]
In Ratna Enclave, AKJ DESIGNS crafts a residence where clarity of design meets emotional resonance through a Scandinavian modern interior design approach. This project is a study in balance between clean modernist geometry and the warmth of personalized, memory-infused spaces. This Residence Reflects Scandinavian Modern Interior Design | AKJ DESIGNS Modern and Contemporary Styles The […]
Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, this home is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood that balances the charm of old-world architecture with modern urban conveniences. The homeowners approached us with a deeply personal brief—to create a traditional Indian house interior that embodies their cherished childhood memories while seamlessly integrating modern comforts. Traditional Indian House […]
In this 2 BHK home design in Pune, the concept was to bring natural elements into the space, countering the city’s concrete jungle feel. The design centers around creating a harmonious flow, using a Vastu-inspired color palette that promotes balance. Rattan, wood, and floral wallpapers were thoughtfully incorporated to bring nature indoors, offering a serene, […]
In the vibrant and ever-evolving city of Mumbai, where space is a luxury and every square foot counts, finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic allure can be a challenge. The urban landscape demands homes that can adapt to the needs of modern families whilst providing a sense of warmth and refuge from the […]
Tucked within a thoughtfully planned 1900-square-foot layout, this residence serves as a harmonious dialogue between architecture and philosophy, drawing deep inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic and worldview of Wabi-Sabi. More than just a visual language, a modern wabi sabi interior is a way of being — it encourages mindfulness and presence, the acceptance of transience, […]