This home in Mumbai by Shailesh Iyer Designs takes you back in time with Kerala-inspired design

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Mumbai, Natya by Shailesh Iyer Designs is a perfect blend of minimalist design and deep-rooted South Indian tradition. Spanning across 1,145 sq ft, this residential project is more than just a home—it is a carefully curated space that marries modern functionality with the aesthetic richness of South India’s cultural heritage. With every corner echoing intentional living, Natya creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where culture, tradition and contemporary design coexist harmoniously.

The resident’s vision for the space was clear—an Indian home that showcases a strong presence of wood and offers flexibility for various activities. The living room, as the heart of the home, was designed to encourage social interaction, while the master bedroom needed to exude character and charm. The client’s passion for dance led to the request for a space that could serve as both a bedroom and a dance studio. Additionally, a small temple for prayer was to be integrated into the layout.

The design team faced the challenge of blending these multiple functions into a compact space while maintaining an open, airy feel. Thoughtful material choices, innovative layouts, and strategic lighting solutions were the keys to creating a space that felt both spacious and functional. The use of a neutral color palette helped in projecting an expansive, calming environment, making the home adaptable for various activities and moods.

Wood is the central thread that ties this home together, drawing from the warmth and timelessness of Southern Indian architecture. In the living room, wooden partitions offer a flexible solution for privacy. These partitions can either open up into the kitchen and passage or be closed off when needed. The ceiling blends both modern and traditional elements, and the use of sapeli veneer throughout the room adds texture and depth, creating a sense of warmth that resonates with South Indian aesthetics.

The master bedroom is a perfect example of how minimalism can be enriched with character. The soft, curvy furnishings complement a traditional wooden chair, upholstered in blue floral fabric, and a classic carved stool. A lamp with intricate Indian detailing adds subtle elegance to the space. Arches in the bedroom introduce visual interest, while the teak veneer walls create rhythm and depth. In contrast, the guest bedroom uses light wood tones to make the space feel more expansive despite its smaller size. \

The bathrooms further illustrate the marriage of traditional and modern design. The master bathroom embraces classic black-and-white patterned tiles, while the guest bathroom features bold blue ceramic fluted wall tiles that stand out against the minimalist fixtures.

The spatial planning of Natya reflects a perfect balance between beauty and practicality. The master bedroom and kitchen were designed to be the larger, more comfortable spaces, while the guest bedroom is more compact, and the passageway is narrow to improve the flow of the home.

One of the most unique features of this home is the third room, which serves as both a dance studio and a mandir. Traditional wooden rafters evoke a temple-like atmosphere, while the Murphy bed and wooden flooring tiles add a practical element. This dual-purpose room perfectly aligns with the client’s lifestyle needs. The minimalist mandir is a quiet and serene space, featuring traditional elements like engraved wooden columns, brass bells, and carved slabs that host miniature deities.

The multi-functional bedroom that doubles as a dance studio features wooden louvres on the ceiling, blending traditional design with modern practicality. The room is designed to transition seamlessly between rest and movement, with a mirror framed in intricately carved wood. Niche alcoves carved into the walls display traditional dolls, further anchoring the room in cultural heritage. The seamless integration of these elements creates a space that feels both timeless and adaptable.

What truly makes Natya stand out is its attention to detail. Every surface is carefully considered to create visual harmony, where curves, lines, and textures work in unison. In the living room, low-height stools with traditional prints complement the partition wall, which is a functional and aesthetic highlight. The wall divides the space while maintaining an open, flowing design, connecting the various rooms through subtle transitions.

Arches in the central passageway further enhance the sense of flow, guiding the journey through the home while evoking the graceful movements of dance. These elements speak to the heart of the home’s design philosophy—restraint, balance, and meaningful connection to tradition.

At its core, Natya – A Traditional Kerala Home is a testament to the thoughtful integration of tradition into modern living. The design ethos reflects a deep appreciation for understated heritage, where every detail is carefully crafted to reflect the soul of South India without overwhelming the senses. The minimalist approach allows the home to adapt to the needs of its inhabitants, transitioning from moments of quiet solitude to lively social gatherings with ease.

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The home’s careful blend of functionality and heritage enriches the everyday lives of its residents, creating a space that fosters connection, creativity, and cultural pride. Through every curve, line, and texture, Natya serves as a lesson in intentional living—a celebration of simplicity, authenticity, and a lifestyle rooted in tradition.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: Natya-A traditional kerala home

Design Firm: Shailesh Iyer Designs

Lead Designer: Ar. Shailesh Iyer

Location: Mumbai

Total Area: 1,145 sq ft

Typology: Residential

Photography credits: Ar. Anish Padalkar

Styling Credits: Ar. Sajal Bane