Multifunctional Spaces

By Sonal Mamoowala

Photography: Deepshikha Jain; courtesy Gesamt Design

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Komal Vasa of GESAMT Design renders a typical compact Mumbai apartment into an “emotion-arousing experience through coherent spatial design crafted with perceptible human energy.”

A trip with the family and an exercise in emotional responses to artwork is undertaken to help understand the family values, lifestyle and visual preferences for a headstart on conceptual designs.

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In response, emerges a solution, with a sensuous free-flowing space, powerful yet subtle, evoking intimacy and warmth for the integrated, introverted soulful ‘dream house’ desired by the family.

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Neat, simple straight lines rule this visually well-connected space for a total integration of different activities in the entire house. Segregation of certain areas for privacy is a matter of just sliding some panels into place! Knock-down walls create additional storage space cum dividers.

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A neutral backdrop of whites, beiges and similar light colours on the floor, walls and ceiling, table tops and doors provides the perfect canvas for bright  multi-coloured accessories like cushions, table runners, lamps etc.; period-styled ethnic wooden furniture  adds warmth,  whilst  textured tapestry and the greenery around and within, pleases the eye.

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Traditional Indian Kota stone against white PU-coated cabinets and patterned pastel coloured mosaic tiles enliven the kitchen. The children’s room comes alive with the paintings pinned on soft board and graffiti across the whiteboard-finished wardrobe shutters.  Vibrant soft furnishings add cheer.

Curios outsourced from the homemaker’s ancestral homes take one back in time, while modern artifacts narrate their travel tales.  Quirky knick-knacks scattered all over vie for a glimpse and closer look, lending a personal touch to the house.

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However, illumination is the soul of this space - a fusion of eclectic chandeliers, indigenous light fixtures, antique pendants, wall brackets and of course modern concealed fittings, all sensitively juxtaposed to enhance the quality of the space and create a little drama too. A perfect retreat for the artistically-inclined explorers.