Architect Kunal Barve’s Interface was tasked with reinventing one of Mumbai’s old Art Deco bungalows as a minimal, functional and extended structure that seamlessly integrated elements from the old architecture with contemporary design elements. Employing the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’ (a Danish word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment) the designers created a Nordic style, uncluttered home, featuring a material palette of wood, stone and granite accompanied by restrained bursts of colour and Mid-Century Modern furnishings. Scroll down to read Interface’s description of the Hygge House.
The original bungalow was completely remodelled. The old house had just a ground floor and a terrace. We added another story and built an extension to accommodate more rooms. The home’s facade is understated, mirroring its overall aesthetic.
During the remodelling, we completely reorganised the layout of the living area to maximise daylight and ventilation. The window behind the two-seater, for instance, used to be the front door. By moving the door to the left and constructing a large window, we were able to open the room to more light.
The fabrics used are varied; cotton, linen, polyester and leather offer textural variety against the pale colour scheme. The solid wood dining table is framed by classic mid-century dining chairs. Modern sculptural pendant lights effectively zone the dining area while serving as design statement.
The kitchen features a departure from the pale colour scheme of the living and dining areas. It bursts with vibrancy, but simultaneously looks to maintain a limited palette. A marbled backsplash and a monochrome floor are offset by bright cobalt cabinets. A pocket door ensures that the kitchen can be closed off whenever required.
Opposite the front door lies a teal-toned guest room, which, at first glance, seems like an extension of the living room. In the original bungalow, the room was a dining area. A pull-out sofa-bed serves as a seat by day and a bed by night. This room dons many hats. It is sometimes used as a music room, sometimes as a reading room, and other times to host guests. A floor-to-ceiling window, divided into long panes, provides a sense of continuity between the living area and the guest bedroom.
A staircase, fabricated in metal and clad with teak wood, leads to the first floor. We broke down the home’s original staircase made of reinforced concrete and went with lightweight materials to allow natural light to filter through. The master bedroom is dominated by azure and contains a modern four-poster bed. The decor is practical, characterised by crisp lines and clean edges. Dark blue is a popular choice in contemporary Scandinavian decor. We used it to lend the room some character. Clad in light-toned Italian marble, the room is enhanced by bespoke brass light fixtures.
The son’s bedroom is outfitted in powder blue, with the decor kept basic and sleek. It features an extension that serves as a kids’ play zone. The daughter’s bedroom is decorated in baby pink, with wallpaper that channels Parisian chic. The terrace, sparsely laid with deck furniture, exudes an unfussy vibe. Pockets of green planters are the only accompaniment to the seating area.
