A tale of two eras: Hipcouch revives early 1900s Mumbai in a sea-view apartment

There is something in Mumbai that attracts thousands of souls every month to this day. Some come in search of livelihood, others in search of freedom, and many in search of themselves. Whether they find what they come for is uncertain. But they will definitely find a friend, that is this city. And perhaps that is what most stay for. A friend with one side that is old and charming, and another that is ever young and bustling.

The residents of this home have discovered their innate fondness for the historic. Positioned on the second floor in a distinguished neighborhood, with sweeping, mesmerising views of Girgaon Chowpatty, this renovated home, “Seaside Rhapsody” by Ridhi Agarwal and Parikshat Hemrajani of Hipcouch, cherishes the past while embracing the vibrant pulse of the new.

A grand prelude

A bold green threshold, black-and-white checkered flooring, and a canvas in serene white whisper of a time gone by. An ornate console bearing a sculpture, flanked by a grand mirror, crafts a dramatic overture. Four black columns rise like sentinels, creating an arcade that offers structural strength while subtly cloaking the adjacent bedroom in its embrace.

Home with a modern cadence

Moving forward, the living space reveals a well-orchestrated design. The room is framed by two substantial beams that intersect with a bookshelf, creating a balanced visual appeal. It features two distinct seating areas: one near a bay window with a bar, and another centered around the bookshelf. French windows lead to the mandir area (once a balcony).

The adjacent dining space continues the black-and-white marble theme and boasts a solid wood teak dining table with fabric-covered chairs. A bold red chandelier hangs right above the eight seater table. There is not a lot happening in this area and maybe that is what makes this corner instantly pleasing. Nearby, the kitchen exemplifies a modern classical design with its clean panel PU finishes in earthy tones of brown and green, complemented by a jet-black granite countertop. Subway tiles contribute to the kitchen’s sleek appearance, while high-end appliances and a functional layout make it both a practical workspace and a stylish feature of the home.

Hidden nooks with a Bombay serenade

The corridor leading from the main living area blurs into the private quarters, including the master and secondary bedrooms. The master bedroom comes with warm walnut flooring, a symmetrical layout and a bay window that fills the room with natural light. A tastefully designed balcony adds to the room’s appeal. The expansive walk-in closet, almost like a room itself, features a mix of glass and panel doors, open storage and an ornate dressing area. The master bathroom, outfitted with marble and tile, includes a walnut vanity and a spacious washbasin.

The secondary bedroom is designed to be a bit softer, featuring a fabric headboard and minimalistic Duco side tables. The room’s simplicity is enhanced by a bathroom with a single grey tile. The den bedroom retains elements of the apartment’s original character with a white brick wall and a niche turned into a bookshelf. Furnished with a large study desk, a black TV unit, a midnight blue couch, and a rocking chair.

Also Read: The nuances of blending European and local design: Kirti Dodeja crafts a tranquil retreat for Isprava

In search of the old

In finding “Seaside Rhapsody,” they have discovered a space that feels uniquely theirs—a place that mirrors the Mumbai they adore and reflects their own story. As they settle into this space, it becomes clear that their home is a perfect match for the city they hold dear, offering both a sense of continuity with the past and a spirited reflection of the present.

FACT FILE:
Project Name: Seaside Rhapsody

Architecture Design Firm: Hipcouch

Location: Mumbai

Area: 2500 sq. ft.

Photography courtesy: Kuber Shah