Meherbaan Loft in Mumbai balances history with modern elegance
Niharika Saraf converts a deteriorating Mumbai flat into a stylish, open-concept environment with a smooth flow.
This 2800-square-foot loft apartment, known as Meherbaan, is a modern haven in Mumbai’s Breach Candy district. Led by Polka House’s Niharika Saraf, the project entirely renovated a failing space with substantial termite infestation and structural difficulties. The flat, which was once part of an ocean-facing structure, had double-height ceilings that gave it a sense of space but had been neglected for years. The redesign took the flat down to its core, allowing Saraf to rebuild it from the ground up.
Saraf’s design style is a careful balance of aesthetics and utility, resulting in an open and harmonious environment. The loft’s muted colour palette, which includes soft creams, off-whites, and delicate beige tones, contrasts with the bustling metropolis outside, providing a peaceful escape. In a busy metropolis like Mumbai, the serene atmosphere acts as an alternative to the noise and bustle of daily life. The architectural concept emphasises fluidity and openness, ensuring that each space flows easily into the next, removing typical barriers between areas.
Every facet of the apartment was meticulously designed to provide a fluid living experience. From reclining on the sofa to working at the computer, movement across the space is seamless, with no jarring transitions. Even the staircase, which is typically merely practical, was built to promote relaxation, integrating into the mezzanine for entertaining guests or unwinding. This strategy creates a sense of connection throughout the flat, with each space gradually transitioning into the next.
The apartment’s materials and finishes add to the sensation of fluidity. Vineyard wood, used throughout, gives a uniform visual and tactile experience, while black accents in hardware and sliding windows add subtle definition. Natural light, vegetation, and texture, such as the concrete-textured finishes on walls and ceilings, all contribute to the space’s cohesive, immersive feel. Rustic beams made of reused wood pay homage to the building’s historic construction, lending character and history to the modern design.
One of Meherbaan’s main characteristics is its versatility, which was created with a youthful, dynamic client in mind. The multipurpose room readily accommodates a variety of demands, from a private mezzanine bar to a convivial, relaxing living area. Saraf has effectively created a room that is both utilitarian and elegant, illustrating that even a small urban flat can be adaptable, functional, and beautiful.
