Nestled in Mumbai, The Pillar House stands as a remarkable testament to contemporary neoclassical design. This transformative project, conceived by Gaurav Kharkar & Associates, exemplifies how innovative design can turn architectural challenges into striking aesthetic achievements.
Located within the India Bulls Blu complex, the apartment offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Impressed by the firm’s previous projects, the clients approached Gaurav and Vidhita Kharkar with a clear vision: a space that would highlight these panoramic vistas while exuding both elegance and comfort. The designers were tasked with creating a luxurious yet unpretentious environment that honored the apartment’s original architecture while introducing novel, surprising elements.
Upon entering the apartment, visitors are immediately captivated by the seamless flow of the space. The design team began by stripping the apartment down to its bare bones, removing all brick walls to craft a blank canvas. This bold approach allowed them to completely reimagine the layout, incorporating marble partition walls where needed to delineate spaces while maintaining an open, airy feel.
The entrance lobby sets a sophisticated tone with its French-inspired décor. A bespoke console table and a modern classic chandelier inject a splash of color against the dramatic black and white exotic granite marble floor. This striking pattern serves as a prelude to the design innovations that follow.
The living room reveals the true ingenuity of the design. What was once an eyesore—a central structural pillar—has been transformed into the apartment’s focal point. A local artist was commissioned to hand-paint the pillar with a series of neoclassical doors and windows, complete with intricate mouldings and a balustrade. This creative intervention not only addressed the structural challenge but also became the thematic centerpiece of the entire project.
The living room itself is a masterclass in balancing curves with straight edges and neutrals with pastels. It radiates warmth and sophistication, with layers of textures creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. The space transitions seamlessly into a custom-designed open kitchen, featuring Italian marble countertops and lacquered doors. A cleverly concealed bar area beside the island counter can be neatly hidden when not in use.
Adjacent to the living area, the guest room doubles as a TV room and showcases an innovative approach to space utilization. A Murphy bed, hidden behind an art panel, allows the room to serve multiple functions. The muted tones, arched white panel, and crystal and fabric chandelier evoke a distinct Parisian charm, fostering a serene and worldly ambience.
The son’s bedroom, designed for a young entrepreneur, reflects his specific interests with a focus on his online sneaker business. The space features a moody, masculine color palette of monochromatic shades accented with deep blue. Symmetrical glass cabinets flanking the TV panel display his sneaker collection, while a mock electric fireplace adds a cozy touch. Clever storage solutions ensure the room remains uncluttered despite the extensive collection.
The primary bedroom showcases the firm’s expertise in creating multifunctional spaces. An island bed takes center stage, with the wardrobe area elevated on a terrazzo platform behind it. This unique configuration maintains an open-plan feel while clearly defining sleeping and dressing areas. The wardrobes, finished in black-tinted glass with cane-sandwiched accents, exemplify elegance and sophistication.
Throughout the apartment, the material palette speaks of understated luxury. Italian marble flooring, velvet fabrics, and lacquered surfaces blend harmoniously to create a cohesive aesthetic. The firm’s signature ‘flushed doors’ feature prominently in each room, providing a consistent design element that ties the spaces together.
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The Pillar House stands out for its successful fusion of modern minimalism with neoclassical elements. It exemplifies how thoughtful design can balance the desire for an uncluttered, airy home with the need for warmth and character. This project highlights the transformative power of design, demonstrating that even the most mundane architectural elements can become focal points of beauty and function. With vision and creativity, Gaurav Kharkar & Associates has crafted a home that is not just a residence but a work of art in its own right.
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