“When speaking about what feels like home, the homeowner reminisced about the hotel rooms he frequents during his travels. These rooms generally host clean lines and neutral colours, so I turned to them to find inspiration for this design,” begins Ekta Rajput of Greenhatch Architect as she talks about her recently designed 1,400 sq ft home, The Roy Residence, in Mumbai. This abode is a striking example of how minimalist design—often seen in many modern homes—can be deeply personal. Here, it talks about the homeowner’s worldliness.
“To crack the brief with a lot of colour restrictions, like no greens or yellows or too neutral, and still adding a character to the spaces was the difficulty I faced in the design stage,” adds Ekta. Clean lines, subtle textures and muted colours—a gist of the entire space.
As one enters, a white backdrop, coupled with a sleek console that doubles as a shoe rack, a minimalist mirror and soft lighting all come together to create a sense of quiet anticipation. A touch of greenery adds a whisper of nature, its freshness contrasting with the otherwise neutral palette. There is no rush here, no urge to impress.
As the door opens to the living room, the ambiance shifts. Here, a story unfolds in shades of black, white, and the deepest blue—a colour that pulls in the hues of the ocean beyond. The deep blue sofa serves as a focal point, its texture balanced by the warmth of an ashy wood veneer wall. Above, minimalist shelves float effortlessly, descending from the ceiling with quiet authority. It is in the interplay of textures that this room finds its voice. The tactile quality of the materials—marble, wood, and soft textiles—adds depth and warmth to the otherwise sparse surroundings. The design is not just about what is seen, but how it feels to inhabit the space.
In the dining room the homeowner’s love for wildlife photography is evident—personal images grace the walls, adding a layer of colour that does not overwhelm but rather complements the calm neutrality of the room. The Lasa marble, with its smooth, white surface, becomes the perfect backdrop for these dynamic images, allowing the photographs to become the focal point without jarring the space’s overall harmony.
The primary bedroom, with its deep blue tones and soft grey accents, makes sure to whisk one away from life’s clutter. The luxurious textures—textured wall panels, plush seating, and soft lighting—layer the room. Meanwhile, the son’s and daughter’s rooms offer their own unique expressions, balanced by their respective colour palettes—monochromatic in the son’s space, with a dash of red, and a soft lilac in the daughter’s.
Perhaps one of the most ingenious design solutions is the transformation of what was once a servant’s room into a study—compact, yes, but no less functional. Here, the design truly shines, as every inch of space has been considered and optimised. A pull-out bed, a well-placed bookshelf, and a study table all fit together with such precision that the room feels anything but cramped. The challenges she faced—taming the limitations of colour, optimising the compact study room, and navigating the demands of a frequently absent client—were met with a masterful design solution. Through every step, the home owner’s vision was kept at the forefront, resulting in a home that is a perfect reflection of his personality and needs.
The Roy Residence is a striking demonstration of how minimalist design can be both deeply personal and evocative. This home speaks not only through its clean lines and thoughtful details but also through the warmth and comfort it offers its inhabitants. It is a home that, despite its modern sensibilities, manages to strike the right chords with its enduring design.
FACT FILE:
Name of the project: The Roy Residence
Firm Name: Greenhatch Architects
Area: 1,400 sq. ft.
Location: Mumbai
Design Team and Designation: Ekta Rajput (Principal Designer) and Cinthia Khobragade (Junior Architect)
Photo courtesy: Studio Abhishek Sawant