Mumbai: This 450-square-foot Khar home is a minimalist's haven

Though dubbed the “Man Cave”, Chrisann Rodrigues’ latest project—a 450-square-foot, bachelor pad inKhar, Mumbai—is refreshingly devoid of stereotypically masculine accoutrements such as bulky leather chairs or a larger-than-life entertainment centre. “He’s a minimalist by lifestyle and a sucker for detail,” says the founder ofEight Degree Design Houseof her client, “So we focussed on a design rooted in minimalism and comfort.”

The Mumbai home was a “typical 1BHK” when it was handed over to Rodrigues. The architect began by tearing down the wall dividing the living room and kitchen to open up the space. Next, clean lines, a neutral colour palette, and sparse but carefully curated decor accents were chosen as the foundation of the design language. “We had to create a space that was clutter free, easy going and yet sophisticated. The client’s love for plants and natural materials was definitely the jumping off point for us,” she explains.

Swing open the front door and you walk into a living room that’s the picture of zen. Theminimalist, crisp-lined sofa and flat screen TV perched on a slim floating shelf offer a subtle, sophisticated air of masculinity, offset by the curves of the coffee table, a pair of planters, and a textured jute rug. Rodrigues replaced the wall that previously divided the living area and kitchen with a slender breakfast table that’s perfect for quick morning meals or as a cosy little bar for two come sundown.

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"We’ve used only Canadian pine wood for all the furniture in the house and black metal accents in some places. Whether it’s the furniture, soft furnishing or light fittings, every thoughtfully selected detail, texture and tone contributes to the modern aesthetic of this home,” the architect notes.

Dark-toned SPC wooden flooring runs across the home, lending a sense of continuity as well as a certain homely warmth. The brightness of the living room is swapped for a moodier atmosphere in the bedroom, induced by walls clad in concrete finish paint. In keeping with the minimalist theme of the home, this space too prioritises functional furniture: primarily a custom-made, low pinewood bed illuminated by a pair of slender black pendant lamps, a bookshelf, and another suspended shelf that doubles as a work desk.

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Though the decor of this Mumbai home is decidedly low-key, Rodrigues found an opportunity to create the tiniest hint of drama in the adjoining bathroom where concrete finish paint and black accents in the cabinets, washbasin, and fittings create an industrial vibe. “We were very intentional about our use of materials and minimalist designs that focussed mainly on quality, functionality, and craftsmanship,” she affirms.

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