Often, while imagining minimal, meditative spaces inspired by slow living, one subscribes to the philosophies of modern Japanese interior design. From the very first meeting with the owners of this Mumbai home, their minimalist and functionally bent of mind was apparent. Their clarity and heartwarming personal values inspired us to create a space where every detail evoked a sense of calm. Essentially a Jodi flat, this apartment is a gladsome invitation to experience life at a gentler pace. Imbued with elegance, this home boasts soft beige, green and earthy hues, natural textures and sleek modernity.

While designing , the first challenge that we came across was a rather awkward conjunction of two flats, that rendered the overall space extremely fragmented with an interrupted circulation flow. We were quite unhappy with the size and placement of the kitchen and guest room  Our foremost priority was to carve out  a seamless flowing space whilst planning elements that smoothen transitions. Another important idea was to give a larger room for their pre- teen son . We at Design Vault truly believe that ,while Design is all about problem solving, it must never forget to discover/ create unexpected magical  experiences through details- that make them alive and memorable. The heart of this project lay in crafting an experience that felt personal, functional and full of synergy!

Editor’s Note: There’s a gentle warmth to this home in Mumbai—well curated, well lived in, and easy. It’s a space where light is always moving beautifully, where details felt curated with care, and that beckons a slower, softer way of life in every corner. A home that feels, personal, calm, and wonderfully grounded. ~Isha Bora

This Mumbai Home is a Serene Reflection of Modern Japanese Interior Design | Design Vault

Spatial Harmony

From the moment you step inside, sunlight pours through the windows stretching across the living area rendering a sense of ease and elegance. To the left is a quiet corridor , which is flanked on the side  by a beautifully designed low height utility storage – creating a peaceful pause .The end of the corridor meets an elegant arch shaped console – giving a glimpse of the master bedroom while still maintaining privacy. On the right, an ash wood dining table makes a bold statement with its curved form, while just beside it, a small wall dons a sleek and elegant temple unit.

Down the hallway, one side takes you through a memory lane filled with travel photos, while the opposite wall above the dining fixed seating is lined with irregular mirrors that bounce light and add a little sparkle to the living – dining area. Above the entry console, a set of nine ‘envy suppressants’ from Claymen anchors the space. They subtly echo the nine perforations in the safety door design. These connected elements ensure a synergy in the space.

Living Room

Every curated piece of furniture in the living room, the wall art, and the groove detail render the space extremely stylish. Yet, it still feels deeply personal. A day bed tucks into a niche, flanked by a tall bookshelf. It’s a cozy corner created to curl into while catching up on your favourite reads!

Notice the integrated side table which is a mere extension of this day bed seat – to set your drink on! The TV is framed with subtle groves in the back wall – which also continue on the opposite wall.

Soft curves have been used along the ceiling of the two cardinal walls. This adds a gentle softness along the edges. A textured black relief artwork from ‘Best of Bharat’ hangs above the soft eucalyptus green sofa. Together, they create a striking contrast, adding a bold statement to the space.

Kitchen

The kitchen is long, lean and exactly as the family wanted – light countertops, wooden cabinets and shades of olive and beige. A huge window at the end of this kitchen (which was once a bedroom in the original plan) bounces off sunlight across all the surfaces. As a result, it’s truly a blissful experience for the one cooking! We opted for a buffet-type dining with fixed bench seating. This way, when not in use, it stays tucked against the wall—thereby allowing enough space for easy movement.

Parents/ Guest Room

The bedrooms each tell their own story. The parents/guest room is full of warmth, with soft wood tones and a layout that feels effortless. Moreover, it creates enough space to sit next to an expansive window for a morning newspaper read or an evening cuppa.

Colour accents are boldly used with shades of terracotta and deep greens ,offsetting the otherwise white surroundings.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is all about clean lines and calm energy. Moreover, textured walls and a custom walk-in wardrobe tuck everything away neatly, enhancing the sense of order and tranquility.

The ensuite bathroom, though small, is a favourite with smart storage, and soft lighting. A wide stretch between the bed and walk-in is a space dedicated for yoga and light exercise – all completed with a full length mirror !

Kid’s Room

The kid’s room , while being compact, is crisp, funky and effortlessly cool. Tints of light greys dominate this room , while  blues and rusts add just the right amount of contrast, all while reflecting the pre- teens love for cars and movement! A checkered flag painted along the main walls is a nod  to his passion for formula one-racing cars.

Every light fixture selected for this home is a radiant piece in itself. Even when not lit, they still exude an elegant charm; in fact, their sculptural presence enhances the space throughout the day. Carpets, furnishings, and even wall art feature vivid lines and geometries. Together, these elements enhance the visual narrative and, in turn, add a mystical charm to the space.

Fact File

Designed by: Design Vault

Project Type: Residential Interior Design

Project Name: Mahindra Vicino

Location: Mahindra Vicino, Mumbai

Year Built: 2025

Duration of the project: 5.5 Months

Project Size: 1130 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Supreet Nanda & Shilpy Gupta

Photograph Courtesy: Sagar Mandal

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – texture paint by AP / Lighting – V lights , Whispering Homes Sanitaryware –jaquar / Furniture –Customised by Design Vault / Kitchen –Accura Modular Kitchens / Paint – AP / Artefacts – Claymen, Best of Bharat  etc. / Wallpaper –Kalakari Hath / Hardware -hafele, hettich etc.

Firm’s Website Link: Design Vault

Firm’s Instagram Link: Design Vault

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