Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Marine Lines, Mumbai, Studio Foliage is far more than just an office with its modernist style. It’s an evolving spatial story — a beautifully orchestrated balance between art and utility, bold expression and quiet elegance. The studio opens up as a seamless extension of the neighbourhood’s historic charm and cultural vibrancy. Set among art deco facades, sea-kissed streets, and a buzz of cafés and studios, the energy outside subtly permeates the rhythm within.
From the very beginning, this project was envisioned as a space that did more than just house desks and deadlines. The clients came in with a clear aspiration: to create an office that mirrors their values — innovation, quality, and cultural sophistication. They didn’t want the usual corporate monotony. What they sought was a space that would welcome, inspire, and represent. It would be a visual portfolio of who they are and what they stand for.
And so, Studio Foliage came to life as a layered experience, one that blurs the line between workspace and creative sanctuary. The interiors lean confidently into a modernist aesthetic, where fluted panels, sculptural lighting, and tactile textures work together like an ensemble cast. Deep green cabinetry with rhythmic grooves becomes the anchor of the design, while burnt terracotta tones and soft greys infuse warmth and groundedness. The material palette that flirts between industrial rawness and refined elegance, feels both fresh and timeless.
With Modernist Style, Studio Foliage Mirrors Cultural Sophistication | Gaurav Kharkar & Associates
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a calming reception that immediately sets the tone. It’s not just an entry point; it’s a pause, an invitation to slow down. A sculptural display rack, soft seating, and a mandir placed with intention signal a harmony of spirituality and style. Vastu principles find subtle expression throughout, not as rigid rules but as quiet undercurrents guiding flow and energy.
The studio unfolds with ease. A linear zone of floating workstations encourages collaboration while keeping things visually light. Vertical storage tucks clutter away, preserving openness. Glass partitions strike a balance between transparency and privacy. The central circulation spine is not just a passage, it’s the thread that ties the entire story together, leading you through a well-orchestrated dance of spaces.
Each cabin has its own character, its own rhythm. One MD’s space feels like a command centre, with a strategic desk placement that looks out in quiet authority, paired with an inviting circular nook for spontaneous conversations.
The other, more intimate and reflective, feels like the kind of room where ideas are carefully nurtured into existence. Together, they embody a duality of leadership — directive and creative, structured and fluid.
The conference room becomes the heart of collective dialogue. With a central table, ergonomic seating, and full AV integration, it’s built for every kind of meeting, from strategy sessions to creative brainstorms. Sculptural ceiling lights hover above, casting soft shadows that shift with the mood, adding a theatrical softness to the space’s functionality.
There’s a deep intentionality in how this studio has been planned. Natural light informed the layout, and behavioural patterns shaped the zones. The design draws inspiration from Brutalist forms softened by mid-century curves, accented by the elegance of Art Deco patterns, all tied together through contemporary sensibilities. Nothing feels out of place; every surface, every curve, every finish has a reason to be there.
But perhaps the most beautiful thing about Studio Foliage is how effortlessly it came together. The space didn’t fight back. It grew organically. Small adjustments during execution, like extended wall panelling or added niches, only deepened the narrative rather than derailing it. Challenges were met with clever solutions: acoustic control in an open-plan office, material consistency across varied zones, and the ever-delicate dance between aesthetics and ergonomics.
The design ethos? Function with flair. Every choice, whether material, layout, or light fixture, balances utility with craftsmanship and care. Trust enabled the freedom to experiment, letting bold colour stories, sculptural elements, and unconventional spatial flows thrive.
And that’s the magic of Studio Foliage. It doesn’t scream for attention. It draws you in gently, reveals itself in layers, and leaves you feeling like you’ve just walked through something alive. It’s a modernist space that nurtures creativity the way foliage does, rooted, resilient, and ever-growing. It is not just a workplace. It is a beautifully evolving narrative — one that celebrates design, intention, and the poetry of space.
Fact File
Designed by: Gaurav Kharkar & Associates
Project Type: Office Interior Design
Project Name: Studio Foliage
Location: Mumbai
Year Built: January 2025
Project Size: 1700 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Gaurav Kharkar
Principal Designer: Vidhita Kharkar
Photograph Courtesy: Yadnyesh Joshi
Firm’s Website Link: Gaurav Kharkar & Associates
Firm’s Instagram Link: Gaurav Kharkar & Associates
For Similar Project >> The Office Space Promotes Functional Work Environment
What makes House of Heart stand out isn’t a new gadget or flashy material, it’s the intention. Most homes today want to look perfect; this ultra modern home wants to feel perfect in the way comfort and memory make you feel perfect. This Ultra Modern Home Stands Out For Its Clean Lines And Thoughtful Planning […]
In the monsoon of 2023, our client came to us with a newly purchased 3 bedroom apartment of the recently launched Prestige Hillside Gateway Apartments in Kakkanad, Kerala. Similar to most apartments, this one too had limitations in space in terms of a flexible layout. On our first visit, the main requirement that our client […]
Almonds Café by AD Studio9 is a quiet counterpoint to its context. Set along the dense commercial spine of New BEL Road in Bangalore, the 1,200 sq ft quiet cafe doesn’t try to compete with its surroundings. Instead, it recedes. From the street, it offers little more than a glimpse of light and foliage. Step […]
“The designers centered the design around creating a warm and tranquil sanctuary for a young couple, both doctors by profession—a cancer specialist and a dentist.” Their vision is a home that provides a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, offering a perfect retreat to unwind after the demands of their daily work, especially in the emotionally intense […]
In the modern house interior design of this residence, every detail tells a story of creativity and individuality. The contemporary wooden door, features exquisite black glass that adds a touch of drama and allure to the entryway, and a central metal rod accent in the safety door between those arches embraces the perfect blend of […]
Living Room with Curtain is more of a functional requirement nowadays rather than a decorative element. Living Rooms are usually the center of the house. As much as they should feel welcoming, coziness and privacy are also required. One easy way to achieve this is by integrating the living room with curtain ideas. Curtains not […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Let’s dive into a brand new topic – sliding wardrobe design, where functionality meets modern style! Whether you want to add a sleek, contemporary touch to your room or an Indo-fusion design aesthetic, sliding wardrobe can make a perfect choice to optimize space. In this post, we’ll delve into the latest trends on sliding wardrobe […]