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Maddock Films: Crafting a Home for Storytellers

byDarshiniStudio in Santacruz West, MumbaiStarts from600 ₹ per sq ftView full gallery

I wanted the Maddock Films office to feel like a creative home, not just a workspace. We blended vintage charm with modern comfort to build a sanctuary where stories could truly unfold.

First impressions begin the moment the lift doors open. For the Maddock office, I designed this grand lift lobby with soft sage green walls, custom black and white flooring, and a dramatic 12 foot wooden door to create a cinematic and elegant prelude to the creative world within.

For the expansive central lounge at the new Maddock office, I chose to create several intimate seating areas instead of one large one. This approach encourages smaller, more personal conversations, turning a large hall into a series of warm, inviting corners for creative collaboration, all anchored by timeless wall paneling and a classic crystal chandelier.

A film production office feels incomplete without music. Placing a baby grand piano in the heart of this lounge was an instinctive choice to make the space feel more like a home. It serves as a beautiful visual statement and a source of spontaneous creativity for jam sessions or quiet moments.

To celebrate Maddock's incredible legacy of over 35 films, I created this quiet tribute wall. Instead of a loud display, the film posters are arranged in a simple collage, framed by classic paneling. It’s a humble yet proud showcase of their work, reflecting an ethos of storytelling without pretense.

In Mumbai, smart storage is essential. Here, what appears to be a simple mint green paneled wall is actually floor to ceiling storage, seamlessly integrated into the design. I paired this functional element with a bold, floral sofa and eclectic cushions to create a vibrant lounge that is as practical as it is beautiful.

Meeting rooms should inspire, not intimidate. At Maddock, I designed lounges instead of formal boardrooms, using a mix of rich textures like buttery leather, plush upholstery, and warm wood to create comfortable spaces where stories and ideas can unfold naturally.

A closer look at the details in this Maddock lounge reveals the intentional layering of textures and light. A vintage Tiffany lamp casts a soft glow on the rich blue sofa and tan leather armchair, creating a warm and inviting corner perfect for collaboration and creative discussions.

This intimate, wood-paneled study at the Maddock office was designed as a quiet retreat for reflection and focused conversation. The deep wood tones, classic leather armchairs, and vintage Ram Durbar painting create a sense of tradition and calm, proving that even within a bustling office, you can carve out spaces that feel soulful and secluded.

This teal conference room at Maddock Films is one of my favorite creations because it challenges the idea of a typical boardroom. I envisioned a bold, versatile space for both daytime meetings and intimate evening dinners, using a rich, monochromatic color scheme and a grand solid wood table to create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and deeply inviting.

The founder's cabin at Maddock, with its impressive 17 foot ceiling, was a joy to design. I centered the space around a large vintage desk and a custom light installation, layering it with eclectic art from London, a mix of Persian carpets, and vintage chairs to capture a youthful, fun, and subtly opulent spirit.

About Maddock Films: A Creative Hub

Getting this 10-foot vintage bookcase into the Maddock office was a logistical battle. We had to crane it up seven stories from the outside, but it was worth it to create that grounding piece in the founder’s cabin. It is a testament to how far I will go to bring the right element into a space. That bookcase now anchors the room, holding books and awards alongside the history of the firm itself.

When I look at this office, I don't just see layouts and furniture. I see a collection of moments. My philosophy for the Maddock project was simple: strip away the corporate stiffness. You won't find sterile boardrooms here. Instead, we built lounges—cozy, textured, and inviting—where ideas can flow naturally.

Designing for Connection

Instead of one massive seating area, I divided the central lounge into intimate corners. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about creating the right environment for a script narration or a quiet conversation. By placing a baby grand piano in the heart of the office, we signaled that this is a place for creativity, not just spreadsheets. It softens the edges of the room and makes the space feel alive.

The Art of Practicality

Working in Mumbai means storage is always a challenge. In this project, we turned that constraint into a feature. That mint green paneling you see? It is actually floor-to-ceiling storage, completely hidden from view. It keeps the space clean and functional without sacrificing the aesthetic.

Vintage and Modern Harmony

I am obsessed with the idea that 'old is gold.' The founder’s cabin features an 8-foot antique desk paired with his very first office chair. We didn't replace it; we kept it. Integrating these personal artifacts with reclaimed wood and vintage Tiffany lamps creates a sense of continuity. Every time I stage a space like this, I am reminded that great design is not about buying new things. It is about layering pieces that have a soul, ensuring that when you walk in, you feel the weight of history and the promise of the future.

Architectural Digest 100 designer for 8 yearsApproved by the tribe
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Darshini

Studio in Santacruz West, MumbaiStarts from 600 ₹ per sq ft

I don't believe in cold, stiff boardrooms. My design process starts with deep conversations to understand your story, ensuring your office feels more like a creative retreat where ideas can breathe and culture can grow.

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