--- title: "The Home of Stories: Wabi-Sabi Apartment Design in Versova" description: "Discover a serene, sea-facing apartment in Versova featuring wabi-sabi design. Explore our open-plan home renovation with natural teak and lime-wash finishes." canonical: https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/the-home-of-stories-a-wabi-sabi-apartment-in-mumbai last_updated: 2025-08-20 --- # The Home of Stories: A Wabi-Sabi Apartment in Versova Tribe Verified · Sea-facing Versova apartment design By [STaND](https://mytribe.in/stand.design) · Takes projects across India & the UAE; Visit studio in Chembur, Mumbai · ₹450 ₹ per sq. ft. (Carpet Area) (estimate) Part of [Residential Architecture & Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/gallery) A sea-facing apartment in Versova reimagined through the lens of wabi-sabi, where open-plan living meets a collection of travel-inspired treasures. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This animation shows our strategic approach to spatial transformation. By demolishing specific walls, we converted a fragmented layout into a bright, open-plan home that invites the sea view into every living area.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/267fe47f-e8d9-4aa8-8d2c-a0fdc1ad4e1a) - ![To maximize the stunning ocean view, we designed a raised wooden platform for seating. This solution creates an uninterrupted connection to the outdoors and serves as a cozy deck for lounging and enjoying the natural light.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e009435-da72-4d47-84f6-05a34b1131c1) - ![The living room features a floating U-shaped seating arrangement that extends from the raised deck. The continuous use of teak wood on vertical surfaces helps dissolve boundaries and makes the entire space feel more expansive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c070fed-4857-4dbd-b1f2-48dd7dc2990a) - ![The living room was planned around our clients' vibrant collection of art and furniture. The custom-built media unit, crafted from teak, provides dedicated spaces for their speakers, books, and cherished artifacts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0b06ed42-fedb-4b08-9e1c-0c2537259aa2) - [Video: Sunlight streams into the living area, highlighting the warm textures and personal touches. This view shows how the custom furniture and art collection come together to create a space that is truly a home of stories.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7526f01b-cc15-448b-b3fc-59245fe91b3e) - ![A structural column became a design opportunity for this cantilevered dining table. The monolithic form anchors the open-plan space, connecting the kitchen and dining areas while appearing to float effortlessly.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6537676f-40f6-4080-bde2-d5db6bbf97f9) - ![Here you can see how the open kitchen, dining, and living areas flow into one another. The cantilevered table, built around the central column, becomes the heart of the home where the family gathers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a44a50e8-e645-4fac-bf00-3716baa2eb0b) - ![Before final construction, we built a full-scale plywood mock-up of the cantilevered dining table on site. This crucial step allowed us to test its structural integrity and ensure the weight was distributed evenly.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8284ec23-d36d-446a-8ffd-a1caaa77f6cc) - ![This image shows the reinforcement structure for the cantilevered table before the final finish was applied. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the engineering required to achieve the floating, sculptural design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c5c6017f-829a-46e3-ada4-cc1bce8720f5) - ![The kitchen and dining area are designed to be the bustling heart of the home. The open layout encourages interaction, with details like the hanging paper art adding a touch of personal whimsy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5cdc6dbe-0273-4ce1-bb98-c741d5950eec) - ![A view from the living area into the kitchen, showing the seamless transition between spaces. The built-in entryway storage nook adds functionality without disrupting the open, airy feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf7e2437-45fe-4294-9724-f4b58f571633) - ![Our clients collected unique tiles from their travels, which we embedded into the home's design. This heart tile in the kitchen is an ode to their love for cooking and gathering in the space closest to their hearts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c8d6ee8-473a-4227-880f-5c9a87fda1f3) - ![Another beautiful, hand-picked tile from the clients' collection, placed thoughtfully against a backdrop of simple, vertical tiles in the bathroom. These small details add layers of personality and memory to the home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5471956e-edda-4275-837f-4e3e14f31122) - ![The master bedroom is a private sanctuary designed for rest and quietude. Minimalist furnishings, including a custom teak bed and a low console, are set against a calm, lime-wash backdrop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/448fead1-e857-49c4-bd3c-4742975da617) - ![A closer look at the master bedroom's warm and simple aesthetic. The custom-designed furniture and natural wood tones create a serene atmosphere, harmonizing with the home's overall wabi-sabi feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f059d47b-4506-4d2b-9cf7-07e51bf6bc26) - ![The master bedroom includes a simple teak vanity and a view into the attached bathroom. Every element is designed with privacy and utility in mind, creating a cohesive and peaceful personal space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/993d6e72-0fa0-4eb5-8cb7-9531a643596e) - ![A peek into the master bathroom, where a wooden vanity and simple terrazzo-style tiles continue the home's natural material palette. The design is clean, functional, and filled with warmth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f5a06f6-9096-45b8-b906-63a4932ea7eb) - ![The guest bedroom features a Murphy bed that can be tucked away to transform the room into a multi-functional space for exercise or work. The main wall is an interactive play area for the clients' cats.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6791b2dd-209f-48a2-ae1c-dabeae54565b) - ![Sunlight casts beautiful shadows across the cat wall in the guest bedroom. This feature includes floating shelves, ramps, and a hammock, creating a vertical playground that is both a design element and a functional feature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/83b56b13-5a2c-4cc2-bf80-e8208fddc6f5) - ![A view from the hallway into the guest bedroom, where you can see the cat-friendly shelves and the minimal, functional design. The space is designed to be personal and layered, reflecting the clients' creative personalities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e471356-b391-4af3-a55a-c4e0efac7096) - [Video: Watch as one of the furry residents explores the custom-designed cat wall. This feature provides enrichment and fun, proving that thoughtful design can cater to every member of the household.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4648bab-3fbe-4d42-88fd-054f4e567076) - [Video: Another clip of the cat enjoying its dedicated vertical landscape. We designed the ramps, perches, and shelves to be safe, engaging, and seamlessly integrated into the room's aesthetic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c29e2b8e-e651-4ed6-aee8-89d618ebe997) - ![Even in the main living area, our design considers the pets. Here, one of the cats enjoys the view from the raised wooden platform, a perfect sunning spot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1ef107df-0a61-42c6-86a3-9789664b329f) - ![This view from the bedroom into the living area shows how the open design allows pets to move freely and be part of the family's activities. The consistent use of wood creates a unified, warm environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/58656d84-9b20-44f9-ab40-ff85745e97f3) - ![Wood is a unifying element throughout the home, seen here in the custom-designed door. Its consistent presence connects different zones and infuses the space with a warm, lived-in aesthetic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4529e6b8-2b5e-4ff4-8242-5f6d6b985297) - ![A close-up of the custom-built wooden console in the bedroom. The clean lines and beautiful grain of the teak wood showcase our focus on high-quality materials and bespoke furniture design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b4fac44-0d01-4af3-afd1-59cde26b0312) - ![This image highlights the precise wood joinery details used in the home's furniture. We study and test different joints to ensure each piece is strong, durable, and beautifully crafted.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/afa9af68-7742-478f-b64f-c3a12e0fab2c) - ![A look at the half-lap and bridle joints used in our custom furniture. This meticulous attention to craftsmanship ensures that each piece resonates with the home's essence and is built to last.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5041ffbb-d71f-4755-8a61-ca6634b3486f) - ![The warm tones of the teak wood are complemented by colorful textiles and art. This detail of the built-in seating shows how we balance natural materials with personal, vibrant accents.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fee7737f-7b4d-414f-8c31-ed3c673fcda6) - ![A view from the hallway into one of the bathrooms, showcasing the consistent material palette. The warmth of the teak wood door contrasts beautifully with the cool, simple tiles inside.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4452361c-9921-4c67-9b5d-f84db8acc19e) - ![The entryway sets the tone for the entire home, with a custom teak door and a simple, functional shoe cabinet. The material palette of wood, stone, and lime-wash paint is introduced right from the entrance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70fdd725-6775-465e-a582-637fef91f496) - ![The material palette was chosen to be a canvas for the clients' stories. Natural and timeless materials like teak wood and yellow Kota stone create a minimalist yet layered aesthetic that feels personal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7225e70a-7b61-4c53-9c11-acecc0bc546c) - ![A view of the open-plan kitchen and dining area, where a dark monolithic column provides a grounding contrast to the warm wood cabinetry. This space is designed for gathering and sharing stories.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ed8ffc4-1eb3-4a66-9598-db26734effcb) - ![Small details, like these wooden drop-shaped hooks, add a touch of playful functionality. The kitchen is filled with these thoughtful elements that make everyday life a little more beautiful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/997351c5-95ae-4521-b38e-eccbae204606) - ![This washroom continues the home's raw and natural design language. Earthy green tiles and an exposed concrete finish create a contemporary yet familiar feel, with repurposed details adding a sense of history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aae13e1f-5369-4ba4-9858-1d9a4f6958fe) - ![The bedroom is a serene retreat, with wood-paneled wardrobes and a simple, elegant chair. The design embraces the wabi-sabi philosophy of simplicity and intentional living.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b67e0b8f-fa94-43ce-b97d-05b71048a114) - ![The kitchen cabinetry combines teak wood with clean white surfaces, creating a balanced and modern look. The dark countertop provides a durable and practical workspace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb38d9bb-e670-4860-95b1-4916f7cbb63a) - ![This mood board captures the essence of the 'Home of Stories' project. It shows the combination of natural materials like wood and stone, earthy textures, and a grounded color palette that defines the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c03acb30-57be-4910-b89b-a2aa8bf61bfc) - ![A quiet corner of the bedroom, where a custom clothing rack and console table provide simple, functional storage. The large window allows for plenty of natural light and a view of the sea.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c4511a8b-7ff8-4d5f-a59b-7f9f933806cd) - ![The built-in wooden seating by the window is the perfect spot to relax with a book. The design merges the original balcony with the living space, creating a deep connection to the outdoors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c5f71f89-694f-4d43-a792-62c5d0cdff66) - [Video: A sneak peek into the 'Apartment by the Sea' project, showing the process of bringing the design to life. From installing door frames to the final bathroom details, this video captures the journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d036cce6-b4af-4227-b701-f6dd334bbd36) - [Video: Our design process involves meticulous planning and drawing. Here, we are refining the details of the layout, ensuring every element is perfectly placed and functional.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d8da74a4-800f-408d-ad1e-06e3b7d43f93) - ![Another view of the master bedroom, showing the custom vanity table and the doorway to the bathroom. The space is designed to be a private, quiet counterpoint to the more social areas of the home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eedb642f-0cde-4cc8-afa9-1685637bb768) - ![A detail of the bathroom, where a custom wooden door handle and simple black light fixture complement the textured vertical tiles. Every element is chosen to contribute to the home's narrative.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc61fe39-d4fa-4875-9cd1-4693223a7983) - [Video: Our team collaborating on the design drawings for the 'Home of Stories'. This hands-on process of sketching and refining is essential to creating a space that is both beautiful and practical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d98a671-2ad8-4d6b-a726-66a081761068) - ![The cantilevered dining table, seen here from a different angle, is a central feature of the home. It anchors the open-plan living space and serves as a gathering point for meals and conversations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e0b1298-4b4a-4508-b844-8fc1dd34ac08) ## About The Home of Stories: A Wabi-Sabi Apartment in Mumbai Structural constraints can actually unlock the best layouts. In this project, a lone central column felt awkward after we knocked down the walls, so we turned it into a cantilevered dining table. Before pouring the final slab, we built a full-scale plywood mock-up on-site to test the weight distribution. If you are planning an open-plan home, always ask your architect to prototype complex furniture pieces like this—it saves a massive amount of guesswork during execution. For the owners of this Versova home, the goal was simple: turn a compartmentalized apartment into a breathing, sea-facing sanctuary that held their collection of travel artifacts. Our wabi-sabi approach meant we did not aim for clinical perfection. Instead, we focused on raw, tactile materials that age beautifully. ### The Open-Plan Shift The most significant change was the demolition of non-load-bearing walls to merge the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This allowed the sea view to travel across the entire social space. By using uniform flooring—natural Kota stone—we created a seamless transition that makes the footprint feel significantly larger. ### Materiality and Storytelling We chose a palette rooted in honesty. Walls are finished in lime-wash paint, providing a soft, matte backdrop that interacts differently with sunlight throughout the day. Custom joinery, crafted from teak, houses the clients' artifacts. The heart of the home, however, is the kitchen-dining connection. We integrated the existing column into a cantilevered dining table that flows into a compact kitchen island, creating a sculptural, monolithic centerpiece. ### The 'Open Book' Process We believe in showing the messy middle. The final photos show a polished space, but the journey included site-fabricated plywood mock-ups to ensure the cantilevered table was structurally sound before we committed to permanent materials. This transparency is standard in our work. We provide detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and technical drawings for every project, so you know exactly what is going into your home and why. ## About STaND We are Sid and Nik, the duo behind STaND. We do not just design rooms; we build diaries of the people who live in them. For this Versova project, we leaned into our love for tactile materials and honest, raw design to create a space that feels lived-in, breathable, and truly yours. [See all of STaND's services](https://mytribe.in/stand.design) ## More from Residential Architecture & Interior Design by STaND - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/featured) - [Dubai Hills Villa: Family-Centric Warm Minimalism](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/dubai-hills-villa-family-centric-warm-minimalism) - [Our Studio: A Space Built from Stories](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/our-studio-a-space-built-from-stories) - [Commercial & Retail Spaces](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/commercial-retail-spaces) - [The Art of Materiality: Textures, Tones & Moods](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/the-art-of-materiality-textures-tones-moods) - [Behind the Design: Our Process & People](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/residential-architecture-interior-design/behind-the-design-our-process-people) ## More services by STaND - [Commercial & Office Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/commercial-office-interior-design) - [Retail & Hospitality Design](https://mytribe.in/stand.design/retail-hospitality-design) ## Similar work from other experts - [Wabi-Sabi Inspired Home Interiors in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/realmstudiio/turnkey-residential-interior-design-build/penny-s-home-wabi-sabi-inspired-living) by Realm Studiio · Turnkey Residential Interior Design & Build · Takes projects across Mumbai; Visit studio in Mulund West - [Kanso House: Minimalist Zen-Inspired Apartment Design](https://mytribe.in/purplebackyard/residential-interior-design/kanso-house-a-zen-inspired-sanctuary) by Purple Backyard · Residential Interior Design · Takes projects across India; Studio in Bandra West, Mumbai - [Sanctuary Home Designs in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/studiomaheklalan/residential-interior-design/featured) by SML Architects · Residential Interior Design · Projects across Mumbai Metropolitan Area; Visit studio in Vile Parle West - [Neutral and Japandi Style Home Interiors](https://mytribe.in/ritika_design_studio/living-dining-area-design/serene-sanctuaries-neutral-japandi-styles) by Ritika Design Studio · Living & Dining Area Design · Takes projects across Mumbai Metropolitan Area; Visit studio in Goregaon - [Eclectic & Wabi-Sabi Interior Designs](https://mytribe.in/faddstudio/luxury-residential-interior-design/versatile-styles-eclectic-wabi-sabi-interiors) by Fadd Studio · Luxury Residential Interior Design · Studio in Richmond Town; Projects across India - [Our Featured Design Projects](https://mytribe.in/stem_arch/interior-design/featured) by ST-EM Architecture · Interior Design · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Mahim West, Mumbai ## Book To book STaND, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Sid%20and%20Nik%2C%20I%20love%20the%20wabi-sabi%20aesthetic%20in%20'The%20Home%20of%20Stories'.%20Could%20we%20do%20something%20similar%20for%20my%20apartment%3F)