Humble Hive: A Simple Yet Stylish Mumbai Apartment

A Perfect Pause Moment in the Hustle Bustle of Mumbai Suburbs

Aptly named Humble Hive, this residential apartment stands out in the bustling suburbs of Mumbai. Spanning 90 square meters, it offers two bedrooms, a living space, an adjoining dining area, and a balcony. The design team, led by Prashant Chauhan, aimed to create a pause moment in the midst of the city's chaos.

The apartment's unique feature lies in its ability to exude warmth and charm through simplicity. The choice of art and accessories adds character and reflects the humble nature of the owners. The custom-made stained white pine wood furniture in the daughter's bedroom brings a fresh breath of warmth, complemented by a customized wallpaper featuring a city map.

To accentuate the height of the apartment, full-height paneling and 9-foot doors were used. This design choice creates the illusion of a larger space, making the apartment feel more spacious than it actually is. The visual barrier created by full-height shelves in the entrance adds a touch of elegance before entering the living room.

The living area features two simple sofas and a balcony, which serves as an outdoor space, providing visual relief in the confined sitting area. A bold statement is made with a yellow square painting and shelves, adding a pop of color and interest to the space. The dining zone seamlessly blends with the living room, with a panelled surface and concealed door, giving no clue of an opening further into the home.

The master bedroom embraces simplicity, with a black and white photograph making a lasting impression against a brown wall. In contrast, the teenage daughter's bedroom bursts with vibrance, featuring teal blue and white tinted pine wood. The bed back showcases a customized wallpaper and a 3D text that reads "wanderlust," creating an impactful visual. A selfie mirror in the room reflects an inverted 3D text on the opposite wall, providing a perfect backdrop for today's selfie generation.

Throughout the design process, the team faced the challenge of incorporating cultural relevance into the apartment. The clients expressed their desire to have a representation of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, as they entered the apartment. Taking this cue, a metal wireframe elephant head was abstracted to develop a wall hanging that sits behind the dining space, visible right from the entrance.

Humble Hive was completed in October 2017, following a five-month project duration. The design team meticulously studied the clients' lifestyle, preferences, and choice of colors, patterns, and forms. The result is a design language that showcases elements that matter the most to the owners.

Prashant Chauhan's Humble Hive has been recognized for its well-designed, practical, and innovative approach. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world.

Photography by Sebastian Zachariah.