Mumbai Skyline that Embraces Art, Heritage, and Modern Design
A home is more than just walls and rooms; it’s a space where generations come together, blending their stories, traditions, and dreams. The Antiquarian’s Home does exactly that—it brings a family closer while giving each member their own space to grow. Aishwarya Kulkarni has an exclusive conversation with Eshita Marwah of by e & co.and Rutvan Sheth of V Create, the creative forces behind the spectacular 72nd-floor residence at Lodha, Mumbai, who share the intricate details of designing a home for a multigenerational family.
This collaborative project successfully merges two large, adjacent flats into one cohesive space that reflects the distinct personalities and preferences of each family member. This project was a collaboration between two distinguished design firms,by e & co. and V Create, who brought their respective philosophies to the project. Together, they achieved a perfect fusion of art, innovation, and thoughtful design, creating a home that is both functional and deeply personal. Their contributions ensured that this residence not only met the needs of the family but also reflected their unique journey and cultural heritage.
SCALE: How did you combine two large, separate flats into one cohesive home while preserving the unique needs of each family member?
Eshita: Structurally, the two flats were designed as “Jodi flats” by the developer, meant to be joined together. However, the original layout didn’t meet the specific needs of our clients, so we started by stripping everything down, leaving only the basic structural elements, like service shafts and ducts. This gave us a clean slate to work from.
The right wing of the apartment was designed to cater to the parents, who have a deep appreciation for antiques. This space reflects their traditional sensibilities, and we’ve woven heritage elements throughout, including a remarkable 17th-century heritage door. On the left, we designed the space for their son, a contemporary artist with minimalist tastes. The challenge was to bridge these two vastly different design aesthetics. To do this, we used elements like consistent flooring and seamless circulation, creating a balance between the old and the new.
SCALE: The design feels open and cohesive without abrupt partitions. Was this intentional, given the apartment’s size?
Eshita: Absolutely. The apartment spans about 4,000 square feet, which, while spacious by Mumbai standards, felt compact for clients accustomed to larger homes in Delhi. We deliberately avoided partitioning the space to preserve the expansive feel and to maximize the sweeping views of Mumbai’s skyline. For example, the builder’s original plan designated a kitchen area, but we converted that into a dining space with a 270-degree view of the city. To amplify this experience, we installed strategically placed mirrors that reflect the scenery, making the views a central element of the design.
SCALE: What’s the story behind the name “Antiquarian”?
Eshita: The name emerged organically from the clients’ passion for antiques. This family treasures history and their love for collecting artifacts became one of the defining features of the home. A standout piece is the 17th-century heritage door, which was sourced from an antique store. This door is so historically significant that it is registered with the Govt. of India as a heritage artifact, and it cannot leave the country. It now sits proudly within the home, not only as an architectural element but as a cultural statement, representing the family’s deep connection to tradition and Indian heritage.
SCALE: How did you balance traditional and modern design elements in the home?
Eshita: The parents’ love for antiques, with their rich mustard tones, deep greens, and Indian-inspired décor, stands in stark contrast to their son’s preference for minimalist, contemporary design. To bridge these two worlds, we created a neutral, cohesive canvas across the shared spaces using black marble flooring and concrete walls. This served as a backdrop for both styles, allowing them to coexist without competing.
In the son’s bedroom, we embraced Wabi-Sabi elements, where materials flow seamlessly from the floor to the ceiling, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection. In contrast, the parents’ master bedroom features warm yellow flooring and Indian-style furniture, reflecting their cultural roots and preference for comfort over minimalism.
SCALE: Can you elaborate on the materials and their usage across the house?
Eshita: The material palette varies, with each space designed to reflect the personality of its occupant while maintaining an overarching sense of unity. The black marble and concrete serve as unifying elements throughout the shared spaces.
In the son’s bedroom, a corner platform bed with a large live-edge wood headboard anchors the space, emphasising a calm and minimalist atmosphere with a common material used for floor, walls, and ceiling.
The parents’ bedroom features warm yellow flooring paired with traditional Indian wood furniture and marble accents, reflecting their love for heritage and creating an inviting ambiance.
Each guest room has its own distinct mood: the green guest room blends natural elements with custom-made furniture, while the blue guest room exudes a tranquil vibe. The office, reflecting the father’s German-inspired design sensibilities, is clean and minimalistic, with olive tones dominating the space for a sleek and organized feel. The classic wooden desk, paired with a desk lamp above, is perfectly positioned in the center of the room, directly facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an ideal workspace with a stunning view.
We also customised several pieces of furniture to match the material palette, including a bespoke marble table at the entrance and a bench in the green guest room, further reinforcing the home’s unique style.
SCALE: What were the most challenging aspects of designing a home on the 72nd floor?
Rutvan: The biggest challenges were logistical and technical. Being on the 72nd floor of a high-rise required meticulous planning. Service elevators needed to be booked weeks in advance, and we had to coordinate everything remotely, which was complicated by the height and the need for precise timing. Additionally, we had to work within the building’s structural constraints—particularly around fire safety and air conditioning units—while maintaining the integrity of the new design.
One particularly challenging aspect was the creation of a Music Producers’ Studio on this floor. It was the first of its kind at such a height, and isolating sound was crucial. We used triple partitions made from layers of acoustical paneling to block noise. The studio also features a triple-glazed windows section to prevent sound leakage, ensuring the acoustics remain perfect while also preserving the breathtaking views.
SCALE: How did the family’s involvement shape the design process?
Eshita: The family’s involvement was pivotal in shaping the design. The mother, in particular, played an essential role. She’s an artist with a keen eye for detail and an extensive knowledge of antiques. She sourced many of the key antique pieces herself and was an integral part of the discussions around materials and the finer details. Her input helped us refine and personalise the design in ways that made the space feel truly reflective of their lifestyle.
The father and son also played significant roles in the design of their respective spaces. The father, with his clarity of thought process, brought functional sensibilities to the office and the TV lounge spaces. While the son’s minimalist approach influenced the design of his bedroom and his music studio. Ultimately, the collaborative process between the family and us allowed us to align their unique vision with our design approach, ensuring every space reflected their personalities.
SCALE: Hidden storage and pocket doors are uncommon in large spaces. Why include them here?
Rutvan: In Mumbai, where space is at a premium, hidden storage solutions are crucial to optimise every inch of space. Our clients wanted a home that felt clean and uncluttered while still having ample storage. For example, the bar area created in the space available between two ducts is hidden behind the artwork and opens with pocket doors, keeping the space neat and functional. Similarly, we converted areas that were structural eyesores—such as the non-functional parts of the service ducts—into useful storage spaces. This attention to hidden details ensures the home retains its open, airy feel without sacrificing practicality.
SCALE: What are you most proud of in this project?
Eshita: What we’re most proud of is how well the space reflects the three distinct personalities of the family members. The home accommodates the parents, the son, and their guests in a way that feels both personalised and harmonious. Visitors often describe it as a space that feels simultaneously cozy and grand—a home in Mumbai that invites exploration but also feels intimately lived in, much like a boutique hotel.
SCALE: Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
Eshita: In hindsight, I wouldn’t change much. The process and outcome align perfectly with what we envisioned. However, we’ve learned a lot about remote collaboration and pre-planning through this project. It has improved our internal workflows and prepared us for future challenges.
SCALE: What do you hope visitors feel when they enter this Mumbai high-rise home?
Eshita: We hope visitors feel a sense of awe and wonder when they enter. The space is designed to draw people in, first with the captivating views of Mumbai from up top, and then slowly unfolding with every corner offering something new to discover. It’s designed to feel like a home, yet every detail—whether it’s the view, the materials, or the personal touches—invites exploration.
Rutvan: This Mumbai skyline project reaffirmed the power of good design to transform lives for us. It’s not just about aesthetics but about enhancing the experience of living in a space, creating harmony between diverse elements, and telling a unique story.
