Cover The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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Distiling elements of Art Deco craftsmanship into a modern Mumbai setting, The Last Goldfish has created a family sanctuary that will stand the test of time
When designing within a heritage building, it is important to work in conversation rather than to make an imposition. Such a responsibility fell on the shoulders of Karan Anand Shandilya and his partners at The Last Goldfish Design Studio, who were commissioned to design a 2,250-square-foot apartment evoking images of the Art Deco movement along Mumbai’s Marine Drive.
Seeing as Mumbai possesses one of the world’s largest concentrations of Art Deco architecture, this project was a matter of genuine cultural identity. Beneath the ornament and the nostalgia with which the style is often associated, it was essential to translate the home’s emotional resonance for a more modern era.
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Above The entryway in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
Above The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
The entryway in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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The material palette that emerged was drawn entirely from regional sources, with stones, marbles and lime wash forming the backbone of the Mumbai project. The decision to work exclusively with locally sourced materials was simultaneously aesthetic and ethical, as it meant reducing transportation-related carbon emissions, supporting regional craftsmanship and producing an interior that feels rooted in its illustrious context.
This Mumbai apartment is anchored around the living and dining spaces, a series of interconnected zones that allow natural light to permeate. The palette stays muted, with earth tones and soft neutrals that echo the coastal atmosphere, visible through the sheer drapery that softens the transition between the interior and exterior.
The presence of Art Deco elements has been distilled into their most abstract terms. Arched profiles appear in doorways and joinery, while rhythmic wall panelling creates subtle yet dynamic features in the space. Meanwhile, sculptural lighting by Lighteque Concept makes quiet reference to the period’s characteristic forms.
The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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At the centre of the dining area stands a monolithic stone dining table. “We focused on allowing each piece enough space to be felt,” Shandilya shared. The layout throughout the living and dining areas encourages social gatherings whilst maintaining the open views of Marine Drive to remain at the heart of the living experience.
The furniture throughout the Mumbai home follows the same philosophy as the architecture: low, grounded forms with clean lines and subtle curves. Bespoke pieces and artisanal finishes bring visual interest and individuality without disrupting the visual calm.
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Above The bedroom in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
The bedroom in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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Above The bedroom in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
Above The bathroom in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
The bedroom in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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The bedrooms of the Mumbai abode adopt a quieter register, prioritising comforting warmth and material richness. Lime-washed walls in soft tones and bedding in cottons and satins create sanctuaries for genuine repose. Above, Anemos fans cool the space, while Obeetee rugs ground the spaces underfoot while celebrating handcrafted Indian textiles.
The bathrooms continue the apartment's exploration of materiality in its most concentrated form. Layered stone surfaces and custom detailing from Hansgrohe and Kohler balance functionality and aesthetics.
Above The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
The living room in an Art Deco home by The Last Goldfish in Mumbai, India
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The studio believes that the most successful homes age gracefully, accumulating character rather than obsolescence. By prioritising natural materials and uplifting local artisans, this Mumbai sanctuary is a fixture along one of the world’s great urban waterfronts. On a more personal level, it sets a memorable stage for milestones and mundanities in the years to come.
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Credits
Photography: Yadnesh Joshi
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
