A compact two-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's upscale Bandra neighborhood demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform limited space into a warm, sophisticated home. Interior designer Neha Sawhney Chadha of ONest Interiors created a rich, textured environment using various wood veneers as the primary design element, steering away from the popular beige trend that has dominated home design in recent years.
The 750-square-foot apartment belongs to a middle-aged couple who had previously worked with Chadha on their office and daughter's home designs. "They entrusted us with something that they have manifested over many years and is very close to their heart," Chadha explained. "The privilege of designing their dream home came with pride as well as a sense of responsibility."
Instead of following the widely popular Pinterest-inspired beige palette, Chadha chose a sophisticated color scheme centered around rich browns, with strategic pops of oxblood red and sage green. This approach created what she calls "tonal restraint" without falling into the predictable neutral territory that has become commonplace in contemporary interior design.
The apartment's modest square footage presented typical challenges faced by Mumbai-based designers, requiring every inch of space to be optimized without compromising on style. Chadha's team created additional storage solutions throughout the home, including carving out sections of the kitchen wall to accommodate a crockery unit on one side and a bar with bi-fold shutters on the other. "We teamed it with sliding shutters and introduced monotone stained glass to turn it into a visual talking point," she noted.
The living room features warm veneer cladding on the walls, punctuated by vertical grooves that add texture and visual interest. A center table finished in deep burl veneer serves as a focal point, while a carpet from Jaipur Rugs anchors the seating area. Contemporary artwork by Art by Pritiyashi hangs alongside brass wall lighting by Stem Design, creating layers of visual and textural interest.
In the dining area, space-saving solutions take precedence without sacrificing elegance. A marble-topped dining table is paired with a playful striped bench positioned against the wall to maximize floor space, while dining chairs occupy the opposite side. A decorative brass light fixture by Nivasa Home serves as the room's centerpiece. All furniture pieces feature soft curves rather than sharp angles, preventing the compact space from feeling boxy or cramped.
One significant structural challenge came in the form of a load-bearing beam running through the main passage, which visually interrupted the flow and reduced ceiling height. Rather than attempting to camouflage this obstacle, Chadha transformed it into a design feature. "We cleverly played with the beam and, instead of camouflaging it, we softened the edges and added a fluted detail to it, which translated into a design element," she explained.
The master bedroom showcases a single veneered headboard wall that spans the width of the bed, featuring bespoke brass sconces by Shailesh Rajput and bedding by Altrove. A deep charcoal console with a marble top adds sculptural softness to the space, demonstrating how carefully selected pieces can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in small spaces.
The guest bedroom takes a different approach while maintaining the overall design harmony. It features a sculptural ceiling light from Mother Gone Mad and a handcrafted mirror by Ravneet Gujral set in a checker frame. Red side tables with high-gloss finishes provide whimsical pops of color, while bedding by Altrove maintains consistency with the master bedroom's styling.
Throughout the apartment, wood veneer serves as the unifying element, appearing in different hues including walnut, oak, ash, and taupe. This recurring motif creates visual harmony while adding warmth and texture to every room. "The deep-hued veneer in the living room, layered with textured walls and brass accent lighting, gave a sense of quiet luxury," Chadha observed. "When paired with the origami pendant light in the guest bedroom, it brought forth a wabi-sabi essence."
The bathrooms continue the apartment's sophisticated material palette. The master bathroom features oxblood-red tiles, burgundy-veined marble, and a striking checkerboard-patterned floor. The guest bathroom takes a fresher approach with green subway tiles, providing a subtle contrast while maintaining the overall design cohesion.
This Bandra apartment demonstrates that small spaces need not compromise on style or sophistication. Through careful material selection, smart storage solutions, and the creative use of wood veneer as a unifying design element, Chadha has created a warm, comfortable retreat that maximizes both function and aesthetic appeal within its compact footprint.
