For Suniti and Ankush Dhyani, the answer was never about square footage, luxury finishes, or a predefined design style. It was about creating a home with a semi-open kitchen that could effortlessly support the many layers of their lives—a thriving home-baking business, two teenage sons entering a new phase of independence, a love for entertaining, and the comfort of returning to a place that feels deeply familiar.

Aurelia Paradise goes beyond being a residence to become a sanctuary that nurtures warmth, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Located in Chandivali, Mumbai, the apartment draws inspiration from the relaxed charm of Delhi bungalows, the earthy sophistication of Alibag retreats, and the effortless openness of Goan villas.

The Artisanal Story

“When we first began discussing the project, the conversation wasn’t about aesthetics,” recalls designer Rishita Kothari. “It was about how the family wanted to feel inside their home. They wanted warmth, openness and a space that could grow with them while always feeling familiar.”

At the heart of the design was a simple philosophy: to create a contemporary Indian home rooted in timeless materials and meaningful experiences. Rather than following trends, the design celebrates natural textures, earthy tones, handcrafted finishes, and an honest material palette. Warm veneers, textured laminates, brick cladding, rattan details, and tactile surfaces come together to create a home that feels layered yet effortless.

“Aurelia Paradise is Indian at heart,” says Rishita. “Not through ornamentation, but through its materiality, warmth, and the way spaces encourage togetherness.”

One of the most significant challenges of the project was accommodating the lifestyle of a professional baker who runs a full-time business from home while managing family life. The semi-open kitchen therefore became far more than a utility space—it evolved into the operational and emotional centre of the home.

The brief called for a semi-open kitchen that could support commercial-scale baking activities while remaining visually connected to the rest of the house. The design introduces a carefully planned semi-open kitchen that encourages interaction while maintaining everyday functionality. A central island acts as both a workspace and a social gathering point, while the layout efficiently accommodates pantry storage, dual full-sized refrigerators, built-in appliances, baking counters, preparation zones, and everyday cooking requirements.

“We didn’t want the kitchen to feel isolated,” explains Rishita. “Whether a batch of cakes was being prepared, guests were visiting, or the children were spending time nearby, the space needed to remain connected to the rhythm of the home.”

This sense of connection informed the planning of the entire residence. Instead of creating clearly divided rooms, the design focuses on fluidity and movement. The living room, dining area, kitchen, and den flow seamlessly into one another, encouraging interaction across every shared space.

The living room was designed as a dynamic environment capable of adapting to multiple functions throughout the day. It serves as a place for entertaining, family conversations, relaxation, celebrations, children’s activities, and even occasional baking-related work. The palette remains warm and earthy, allowing natural materials and layered textures to create depth without overwhelming the space.

“We wanted the home to feel lived-in from the moment you enter,” says Rishita. “The most successful spaces are the ones that welcome activity rather than restrict it.”

Low-maintenance materials and child-friendly finishes ensure that the space remains practical for everyday use while retaining its sophisticated character. Every design decision was guided by the idea that beauty and functionality should coexist seamlessly.

The powder bathroom introduces a slightly more expressive personality within the overall design language. Here, rich blues are paired with rust-toned accents to create a memorable experience for guests. While visually distinctive, the space remains easy to maintain and consistent with the home’s broader material palette.

Moving into the private quarters, the master suite offers a calmer and more intimate atmosphere. Cool shades of blue and green provide a sense of serenity, balanced by the warmth of rattan textures and natural finishes. Designed as a personal retreat, the room incorporates a balcony, a dedicated library corner, and ample storage while maintaining an open and uncluttered feel.

“The master bedroom needed to become an escape from the pace of daily life,” explains Rishita. “It was designed to feel quiet, grounded, and deeply personal.”

The attached master bathroom continues this refined aesthetic through a palette of soft greys, whites, and wood-inspired finishes. One of the key design challenges involved concealing necessary duct storage within the bathroom layout. Rather than treating it as an obstacle, the design integrates these functional elements seamlessly, ensuring the space remains visually cohesive.

The children’s bedroom reflects another important aspect of the brief. Designed for two boys entering their teenage years, the room needed to balance togetherness with individuality. Instead of creating a generic shared bedroom, the design establishes distinct personal zones while maintaining a cohesive visual language.

“This stage of life is about discovering independence,” says Rishita. “We wanted each child to feel ownership over his own space while still sharing a room that felt unified.”

Warm colours and playful details bring energy to the room while ensuring longevity as the boys continue to grow.

The adjoining bathroom demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximise even compact spaces. Finished with terrazzo-inspired tiles in shades of grey and blue, the room feels fresh, youthful, and functional while remaining visually connected to the rest of the home.

One of the most versatile spaces within Aurelia Paradise is the den. Conceived as a multi-functional environment, it serves as a guest bedroom, informal lounge, family retreat, and entertainment space. Flexible furniture arrangements, concealed beds, and collapsible partitions allow the room to adapt effortlessly to changing needs.

“In today’s homes, flexibility is essential,” says Rishita. “Every space should have the ability to evolve depending on how the family chooses to use it.”

The study room was designed to support both the professional and academic needs of the household. A focused palette of blue, black, and white creates a productive atmosphere, while integrated storage solutions ensure that the space remains organised and efficient for both adults and children.

Underlying every room is the project’s central design philosophy: to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors while fostering meaningful connections between spaces. Inspired by the relaxed spirit of vacation homes, the residence embraces openness, natural light, and visual continuity.

The layout encourages movement rather than confinement. Spaces reveal themselves gradually, creating moments of discovery while maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the home. Carefully curated materials establish warmth, while natural textures add character and depth.

“We wanted the home to have the soul of a vacation retreat without losing the practicality of everyday living,” reflects Rishita. “The objective was to create a space that feels relaxed, welcoming, and timeless.”

The result is a home that effortlessly balances beauty and utility. It supports the realities of modern family life while maintaining a strong emotional connection to its inhabitants. It is contemporary without feeling trend-driven, sophisticated without being formal, and functional without sacrificing warmth.

At its core, Aurelia Paradise is a celebration of togetherness. It is a home where business and family life coexist harmoniously, where entertaining feels effortless, and where every space contributes to a sense of comfort and belonging. More importantly, it is a home designed around the people who inhabit it—a place that grows alongside them, adapts to their needs, and welcomes them back at the end of every day.

“A home should never feel like a collection of rooms,” concludes Rishita. “It should feel like an extension of the people living within it. That was the foundation of Aurelia Paradise—a home designed not just to be seen, but to be lived, loved, and remembered.”

In a city that rarely slows down, Aurelia Paradise offers something increasingly rare: a sense of ease. A place where warmth, familiarity, and connection become the true markers of luxury, creating a timeless backdrop for everyday life and lasting memories.

Fact File

Designed by: The Artisanal Story

Project Type:  Residential Interior Design

Project Name: Aurelia paradise

 Location: Mumbai, India

Project Size: 1150 Sq ft.

Year of Completion: 2023

Principal Designer: Rishita Kothari

Photograph Courtesy: Studio Colourblind

Text Courtesy : Laila Nafisa & Marchiata

Firm’s Instagram Link: The Artisanal Story

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