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
This home exudes warmth with earth tone interior design. The client, an Indian national doctor based in Jamaica, had a clear vision for his dream home in Bangalore. He wanted a plush residence that would serve as a warm and welcoming haven for his family of three, as they relocated to India. The client’s requirements […]
A 6,500-square-foot house in a peaceful Hyderabad neighbourhood tells a story through arches in interior design, light, shadow, texture, and time rather than words. Meghana Nimmagadda founded the award-winning boutique design studio Designtales, which is responsible for this most recent residential project. Designtales is well-known for its intensely individualised approach to interior design. They create […]
A 3-bedroom apartment with beige interiors hosts a Maharashtrian couple and their two daughters as its residents. The home’s main boast is its huge, full-height windows that let in ample sunlight – a fact which later became a key guiding point in designing the interior space. With Beige Interiors, This Apartment Unfolds Comfort | Agneya […]
The project with wooden interior represents more than just interior design; it was about creating an emotional bridge between two worlds. Kerala’s rich architectural heritage, with its emphasis on natural materials, intricate wooden craftsmanship, and connection to nature, needed to be thoughtfully translated into a modern urban context without losing its authentic character. Gandhi understood […]
Nestled within one of Chennai’s most sought-after and affluent neighbourhoods, The Chic Sanctuary is a quiet luxury style 2025 sq. ft. apartment that stands as a serene and stylish oasis amidst the vibrant energy of the city. Designed with a strong sense of modern sophistication and understated luxury, this home masterfully balances aesthetics with functionality, […]
In a city that rarely sleeps, this house finds calm with neutral interiors. Nestled in the buzzing heart of Mulund, Mumbai, lies a serene sanctuary where design speaks in hushed tones and emotions find form in monochrome whispers. “Whispers of White”, a residential project by Disha Maniyar, principal designer of The Next Step Interiors, is […]
In a city constantly balancing between the fast-paced and the familiar, this serene apartment for Gurjar family in Mulund unfolds like a quiet retreat. Titled The Woven Story, this 4BHK apartment was envisioned as a coming together of different individualities, tastes, and styles, an interior narrative that acknowledges contrast yet seeks cohesion. The brief was […]
The Jade House is a celebration of green interiors through colour, texture, and thoughtful functionality. A home where every design element has been carefully curated to reflect the personality of its residents while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Named after the precious jade stone, the home takes inspiration from its lush green tones, which appear gracefully […]
Tucked away in a bustling Bangalore neighbourhood, Anubhav is more than just a home—it’s a feeling, an experience. Designed for a young couple from Assam with a modern eye and a deep love for the arts, this 1500 sq. ft. three-bedroom apartment captures the essence of boho interior design through farmhouse chic living with a […]
When a client from Mumbai’s eastern suburbs—a quiet father-son duo, one of whom is a budding musician—approached us to design their home, it set the stage for a poetic confluence of two creative disciplines: architecture and music. It’s always a rare pleasure when design engages in dialogue with another form of cultural expression, and in […]