A Multi-Generational Haven

From creating a bedroom that doubles as a make-up studio to adding 'mera wala blue' in the right places, Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally, Co-Founders of Studio Osmosis, Mumbai, have designed not just a home but a lifestyle.

- Kanishka Ramchandani

Home means different things to different people it's a perfect mix and match of materials, objects, personalities and emotions. But when different people rather three different generations - are making one home together, how do you match their sensibilities? Co-Founders of Studio Osmosis, Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally, translated this question into an opportunity to create a beautiful narrative - from impish spaces to mature designs for this family home.

A recently wed couple, Daarshan and Priyanka Furia, shared their vision of a modern home with the designer duo with future requirements - work-from-home private spaces. Their new 1,500 square feet apartment occupied an entire floor in a high rise in Wadala. They wanted the family areas of the house to have a personal touch and the private areas to have social spaces. Everything had to be modern and aesthetically appealing. Then, the parents stepped in with their love for classic luxurious elements, and the sister wish listed a space that doubled up as her make-up studio. This could sound like too many ingredients for one dish. But Team Studio Osmosis decided to have creative fun with this project. It is high on aesthetic and in complete synergy, yet gives each member of the family what they wanted.

"This project took us 10 months to complete, and the absolute faith that Darshan and Priyanka had in us enabled us to push our creative boundaries. We took care of their personal demands while keeping the design elegant and luxurious. Designing a Mumbai home for intergenerational residents can be a fun challenge and an interesting planning exercise in itself, with every nook used interestingly. And with this apartment, we accepted the challenge head-on and enjoyed every moment of it," explain Sameer and Shilpa.

CREATING A TIMELESS APPEAL