Windy weather in Bandra
In the vibrant city of Mumbai, Studio SKO has transformed a 1,500 sq ft apartment in Bandra into a unique living space that harmoniously blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality and warmth. This design, known as Japandi, emphasises slow living, simplicity, and natural materials, resonating with Japanese design principles of harmony, tranquility, and understated elegance.
According to Salonee Kothari, the Founder and Principal Designer of Studio SKO, the clients' design brief was straightforward—they requested ample open spaces and a modern aesthetic for their home. The apartment's design continues to emphasise these elements, creating a serene and harmonious living space.
The open concept layout promotes spaciousness and fluidity within the compact urban home, aligning with Japanese emphasis on space efficiency and simplicity. The use of natural materials and muted color palettes, such as wood finishes and subtle textures, creates a calming atmosphere evocative of traditional Japanese interiors.
Attention to minimalist design with clean lines and uncluttered spaces supports a lifestyle focused on mindfulness and purposeful living. The integration of nature-inspired aesthetics further reflects Japanese reverence for nature.
The living, dining, and kitchen areas are interconnected, anchored by a dining table in the centre. The living area features a folding door made with fluted glass for privacy. The den area, distinctly designed for relaxation and reading, features a wooden platform with cushions instead of a traditional sofa.
The design of the den incorporates a unique seating arrangement, with the wooden platform serving as a cozy spot for reading books. The apartment's design maintains a modern aesthetic, with the living, dining, and kitchen areas exuding clean and modern aesthetics.
While the apartment's design draws inspiration from the Japanese way of design, it does not repeat the use of Japanese design elements in the den. Instead, it offers a distinct and inviting space for relaxation.
Studio SKO was responsible for the restoration and design of the apartment, demonstrating their ability to adapt Japanese design philosophies to the urban Indian context of Bandra. The apartment's design is a testament to the beauty that can be achieved when traditional design principles are seamlessly integrated into modern living spaces.
[1] Japandi Design Philosophy: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/japandi-design-philosophy [2] Studio SKO: https://www.studio-sko.in/ [3] Bandra, Mumbai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandra,_Mumbai
The Japandi design philosophy, a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, fosters a lifestyle centered around tranquility, mindfulness, and simplicity, as seen in the transformed Bandra apartment. This home, designed by Studio SKO, maintains a modern aesthetic while showcasing a unique home-and-garden lifestyle, incorporating natural materials and a calming atmosphere that reflect Japanese design principles and lifestyle.
