Soulful Lived-in Spaces: Calcutta and Mumbai
My design philosophy is rooted in the places I work. These Calcutta and Mumbai homes are layered, textural sanctuaries, designed to offer a calm retreat from the city hustle.
This Calcutta living room was designed to hold the energy of a full-hearted, joint-family. The space is warm and rooted, with earthy tones, comfortable furniture, and even a spot for Peru the cat under the coffee table. It feels generous, grounded, and deeply lived-in.
The entryway of our 'Inde Blue' project in Mumbai. The design is a quiet conversation between light and shadow, material and memory. It was imagined not as a showpiece, but as a feeling, a slow, soulful space where the air feels softer.
For a young couple's first home in Mumbai, they wanted soft tones of cream and white. We used Parisian-style paneling and subtle vintage details to add warmth and character, creating a space that feels calm and peaceful, a true oasis in the city.
The dining area of the Calcutta home, where a bold blue console adds a pop of color. The space is a mix of vintage finds and modern pieces, reflecting a family that honors its past while living fully in the present.
A bar corner in the 'Inde Blue' project, overlooking the Mumbai skyline. The design is calm and textural, with natural materials and soft, diffused light creating a space that invites you to exhale and enjoy the view.
The lobby of the Artveda building in Pali Hill, Mumbai. We wanted to create a feeling of tranquility and spirituality right from the entrance. The high ceilings, arched niche, and beautiful patterned floor create a serene welcome.
Another view of the Calcutta home, showing the warm wooden doors and a pop of red from a side console. The design is layered with color and texture, creating a home that feels vibrant and full of life.
About this collection
A home should feel like an embrace, not a showroom. To achieve this warmth, I focus on the interplay of tactile materials, such as lime plaster walls and reclaimed wooden beams, paired with modern comforts. My process is about balancing the silence of an arched doorway with the functionality of your daily life. You will notice that my designs prioritize comfort and the specific stories of your family, whether that involves creating a dedicated corner for a pet or adjusting layouts to encourage gathering.
Designing in cities like Calcutta and Mumbai is about balancing the chaos outside with a sense of peace within. In my Calcutta projects, I look for ways to honor the bungalow history, perhaps through traditional flooring or high ceilings, while ensuring the home serves a modern joint family. We might repurpose an old wooden beam or use local brass pieces to ground the space in memory.
In Mumbai, the challenge is often about creating breathing room in smaller footprints. I use light, textures, and structural changes to open up an apartment, making it feel expansive rather than confined. Whether it is adding Parisian paneling to a living room or using arched niches to soften harsh lines, the goal remains the same: a home that invites you to exhale.
This approach to interior design is not about following a catalog. It is about a conversation between your habits, the light in your room, and the history of the materials we use. We avoid rigid formulas. Instead, we work with what the space tells us it needs—whether that is a quiet bar corner overlooking the skyline or a living room where a pet cat feels just as welcome as a guest.
By blending these vintage-inspired elements with modern electrical and plumbing standards, we create urban sanctuaries that are both functional and deeply personal. If you are looking for a space that reflects your journey rather than a trend, let us start that conversation.
Richa Bahl
I don’t believe in design formulas or rules. I follow my gut to create homes that feel like an embrace, blending vintage heritage with your personal stories. Whether it is an old Mumbai flat or a Calcutta bungalow, I am here to help you breathe new life into your space.
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