Elan, the very word evokes a sense of refined style and enduring grace. For the designers, style here transcends trends; it is timeless rather than transient, beautiful rather than bold, and contemporary yet deeply liveable.
Project Name: House of Elan
Studio Name: A&K Design Studio
Location: Worli, Mumbai
Date of Completion: 2024
Area: 7,000 sq.ft
Principal Designers: Aarti Somani & Kruti Sheth
Photography Credits: Kuber Shah
Set within a sprawling 7,000 sq. ft expanse in the heart of the city, Elan is a home that unites three generations under one roof as a celebration of continuity, comfort, and contemporary elegance.
At the heart of this residence lies a philosophy of connection — both spatial and emotional. A six-foot-wide passage serves as the home’s central spine, visually and functionally linking the senior master suite with the junior master suite, creating an axis of movement that underscores familial harmony. The design is guided by a clear intention: to weave a sense of openness while preserving intimacy, to offer grandeur without ostentation, and to respond sensitively to the needs of each generation.
The clients envisioned a home that was both practical and poised, one that could easily transition from private retreat to a formal gathering space. Spatial planning was therefore key to the project’s success. The living area, an expansive 2,000 sq. ft. volume, was conceptualized as a dynamic, multi-functional zone. Glass partitions subtly define zones for formal and informal living as well as dining, allowing the spaces to merge or separate as desired. These glazed sliding doors pocket away entirely, creating seamless fluidity and reinforcing the design philosophy of adaptability.
Despite its scale, every square foot of Elan is imbued with purpose. The home accommodates distinct generational needs, from walk-in wardrobes and a private baking room for the younger members to tranquil suites for the elders, while maintaining a coherent visual language. Each space feels part of a larger narrative, unified through proportion, materiality, and light.
Drawing inspiration from the ocean views that frame the residence, the interiors embrace a palette of understated luxury. Neutral tones of mushroom, soft grey, and off-white, set the tone for a calm, elegant ambience. Characteristic statuario marble anchors the primary living areas, reflecting the changing light of the sea beyond. Layers of texture are introduced through warm veneers, fluted surfaces, and richly grained figured marble, resulting in spaces that feel tactile and timeless. Brass inlays lend quiet sophistication, while bespoke bookshelves backed by busy highlight marbles create moments of intrigue and contrast. A suspended bar table positioned against the panoramic view of the ocean forms a sculptural yet intimate corner, a fine example of the home’s balance between beauty and function.
The layout unfolds as a series of connected yet distinct experiences. The entrance foyer opens into the expansive living zone that is a fluid composition of formal seating, dining, and lounge areas that can be reconfigured at will. A cleverly concealed column within the guest room partition exemplifies the precision and practicality of the design approach. To one side of the passage lies the senior master suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, large bathroom, and an attached puja room, all designed to evoke serenity and ease. The other end houses the junior master suite, two daughters’ bedrooms, a family den, and a pantry designed for the daughter who bakes, each space echoing the personal rhythm of its inhabitants. Throughout, the house maintains a visual continuity through its cohesive palette, while art and bespoke furniture pieces bring individuality to every corner.
Achieving design unity across the expansive home posed an initial challenge, but was masterfully resolved through a refined material palette that carries warmth and rhythm across spaces. Textured wallpapers soften the tall walls; warm veneers add depth to the vast interior space; brass detailing punctuates the formality; and characteristic marbles lend gravitas to key zones. Locally crafted furniture, art, and artefacts add authenticity and tactility, grounding the luxurious aesthetic in craftsmanship and care.
At its core, Elan is guided by the belief that spaces should feel open, connected, and timeless. Given Mumbai’s dense urban context, the design maximizes volume and light through interlinked spaces and concealed sliding partitions that allow openness when desired. The use of sustainable, long-lasting materials ensures that beauty here is not fleeting, but endures with time, gracefully evolving with the family’s changing rhythms.
