Cover The living room of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
The living room of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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Explore the details that bring this Mumbai, India apartment by Dusq Studio to life, establishing itself with earth tones and dynamic textures to create a sanctuary in the city
Amid the bustling city of Mumbai, Dusq Studio principals Nidhi Chawla and Nidhi Shetty have transformed this three-bedroom residence into an extraordinary home. Blending elements of mid-century modern sensibilities with unmistakably Indian warmth, every material decision has been made in service of a single, compelling ambition: how the space feels, rather than how it photographs.
For the team, “the project leans into material honesty, thoughtful restraint, and timelessness over trends.” Amid the demands of Mumbai’s competitive design landscape, the grander projects tend to be more eye-catching. In response, the Dusq Studio team wanted to quietly commit to craftsmanship and sophistication instead.
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Above The entryway of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
Above The entryway of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
The entryway of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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The property’s bones offered an encouraging starting point. Upon their first encounter with the space, they were met with generous windows, abundant natural light and a layout that just needed some fine-tuning. “There was a quiet warmth to the space that felt instinctively right for the narrative we wanted to create,” the team recalled.
Another point of inspiration came from the team’s own travels to Europe. Stays at boutique hotels and slow-paced cafés created environments that developed over time. “We were drawn to places where materials age gracefully, and interiors feel collected rather than curated,” shared the Dusq Studio team.
As a result, the home’s entrance establishes itself with the understated grandeur of a hand-carved green door. Stepping inside, hand-painted rafters draw the eye along a carefully composed passage toward a large, vibrant artwork at the far end. This moment of anticipation is clad in browns, beiges and blacks, establishing a moody tone for the rest of the Mumbai home up ahead.
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Above The open-plan living room and dining room of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
The open-plan living room and dining room of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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Above The kitchen of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
Above The dining room of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
The kitchen of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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Maintaining an open plan to maximise the space, the living room and dining area flow seamlessly into each other. Here, natural materials like wood and fabric create an inviting base for the homeowners to unwind in after a long day, or to host intimate gatherings with family and friends. Mood lighting plays a central role in shaping the experience, with lamps and fixtures from White Lighting creating pools of depth that encourage conversation and ease throughout the room.
Custom seating adds a touch of organic flair to the room, alongside a transformable sofa that lends both elegance and versatility to the space. A sculptural console bench completes the set. Throughout the living room area, the layout was planned to feel effortlessly intuitive, “ensuring that each object had breathing room while still contributing to the larger composition,” as the studio described. In contrast with the room’s serenity, the crockery unit stands out. Wrapped in dark hand-painted wallpaper from The Sunday Project and framed by a yellow tiled column, it establishes an unexpected playfulness that rewards the curious viewer.
Meanwhile, the semi-open kitchen wall creates a sense of movement and a flow of natural light between spaces. Altogether, it maintains its status as the heart of the Mumbai home, making it still feel connected to the entertaining areas. The kitchen itself, executed by Makwana, features muted finishes and concealed storage to establish a refined, streamlined visual language with the other rooms in the home.
The bedroom of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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Moving into the more private quarters, each of the three bedrooms has been conceived as its own unique sanctuary. The primary bedroom grounds itself in lime-washed walls and green skirting, creating a calm, earthy environment that mirrors its inhabitants’ personalities. Amid the fast pace of Mumbai outside, the bedroom is the perfect spot to recharge and stay grounded before stepping back outdoors.
The second bedroom adopts a minimal but gently moody atmosphere. Grey walls form a sophisticated neutral envelope, allowing a blush-coloured bed to assume the role of focal point. The soft, inviting structure introduces warmth into the space without disrupting the room’s contemplative atmosphere.
In contrast, the third bedroom is the home’s most expressive space, with artisanal wallpapers from The Sunday Project and textured finishes adding unexpected dimension. Here, a serene mandir anchors the space, centred on a commanding Tanjore painting custom-made by Cloth and Canvas in collaboration with local artists to form the team’s most beloved piece in the home. Green, black and wood contribute in equal measure to the room’s sophisticated palette, creating an environment where spirituality and contemporary design coexist harmoniously.
Above The bedroom of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
Above The bathroom of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
The bedroom of a Mumbai, India apartment designed by Dusq Studio
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Altogether, the Mumbai home has become a flexible framework for its inhabitants’ evolution over time. Climate-conscious choices like breathable fabrics and durable materials create a strong foundation for the home to settle into its rhythms over time, maintaining its comfort and resilience without the need for constant refreshing. Artworks sourced through V Living animate the walls with layers of bold colour, their presence reinforcing the sense of a home that has been assembled with care and attention over time.
“What truly defines Clay & Corduroy is its balance between softness and structure, restraint and warmth,” the team reflected. “It’s a space that doesn’t demand attention but slowly reveals itself through detail, texture and light. More than anything, it’s a home designed to be lived in: imperfect, evolving and deeply personal.”
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Credits
Photography: Yadnyesh Joshi
Topics
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.
