Merchant 13 Office integrates traditional Indian design with modern minimalism

Studio Jane Designs transforms Merchant 13’s office into a functional and culturally rich space by combining traditional Indian elements with modern aesthetics.

Merchant 13, designed by Studio Jane Designs, is a 1,400-square-foot office in Worli’s industrial district that effortlessly blends modern minimalism and traditional Indian aesthetics. The design allows for seamless circulation across a narrow floor plan while accommodating key functional areas such as staff seating, a sales cabin, a common room, and restrooms.

The design was inspired by the client and design team’s shared love of Indian culture, which they discovered during their initial meeting at Fab Cafe. This connection laid the groundwork for a space that embodies cultural depth while also embracing modern, understated elegance.

Adapting the design to an older Mumbai building presented challenges, including narrow windows, structural constraints, and plumbing limitations. The team used creativity to maximise light, ventilation, and spatial flow by combining two separate units into one cohesive space. The heavy ceiling beams were turned into a design feature, and privacy was addressed with smart glass partitions in the directors’ cabin that can be made opaque on demand.

The office opens into a marble-clad reception area with a sleek Satvario marble console. This central hub connects several sections, including a shared directors’ cabin with an ensuite bathroom and a small conference room. A private cabin with its own entrance now serves as a fire exit. Behind the reception area is a fourteen-seater linear workspace for staff, which has been efficiently planned to allow for smooth movement.

The design features an earthy palette of greys, browns, golds, and whites, accented with lush indoor plants. Natural materials such as cane, linen, veneer, and marble add an Indian touch, while brass accents and linear lighting bring the space together. The windows were redesigned to appear larger, with traditional Indian-style frames and louvred blinds.

Custom furniture was instrumental in optimising the layout, with concealed storage and tailored lighting adding functionality. The flooring transitions from seamless in shared areas to marble in private cabins, which are enhanced with walnut veneers and wooden panelling for warmth. Merchant 13 is a thoughtfully designed office that combines tradition and modernity, providing a culturally rich but efficient working environment.

For more details, visit: https://www.studiojane.in/