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Having lived in several houses in different cities (nine, to be exact), Anushri and Gopal Bhutda finally landed in Mumbai, India. Because what Mumbai homes lack in square footage and balconies, they make up for with stunning views of the city skyline against the sparkling Arabian Sea. After sifting through hundreds of options, the couple settled on a 1,600-square-foot apartment on the 33rd floor of a new building in Malad, a dense neighborhood with no shortage of markets, restaurants, temples and even a nearby creek. “Being in space during sunset is nothing short of intoxicating,” they say.
The pandemic confined the couple to their basic space for two years, which was a blessing in disguise. They figured out what didn’t work, identified the essentials, and, with a baby on the way, added childproofing to the mix. The Bhutdas longed for a serene, nest-like oasis, isolating the hustle and bustle of the city and allowing them to embrace the slow life. At some point on Instagram, Anushri saw a photograph of a fine wooden dresser with impeccably organized drawers, which led her to put it away immediately. “I was impressed with the storage details – the designers thought of everything a woman could need or want!” she says.
So when it came to hiring a design studio to help with the entire apartment, a hunch led her back to Tanvi Gandhi and Pooja Gadhia, the duo behind the Mumbai-based design firm. GaGa Studio (and the aforementioned dresser). Anushri slid into his DMs and before she knew it, they were in her living room.
Despite strict building regulations that limited major renovations, Gandhi and Gadhia rearranged the layout to maximize the sun-drenched living and dining rooms. Along a narrow hallway, they guarded the kitchen, master and guest bedrooms, and a nursery for the Bhutdas’ son. At the end of the hallway is an art-adorned door that hides golf equipment and 55 pairs of sneakers.
At the heart of Studio GaGa’s design process is a “discovery” session: they spent a few days shadowing the Bhutdas, observing their daily routines, preferences and quirks. “Anushri’s love for the color orange was evident from the moment she walked into the first meeting. It was her midnight orange bag (and stunning sunset) that inspired the entire palette,” says Gandhi.
The hue saturates the living room with a plush sofa bed and a hand-woven rug that does double duty on the wall as art. Soft edges, curved furniture, and lush plants keep bold colors in check. In the kitchen, a matte terra cotta tone brings flat-slab cabinetry to life. And swapping a traditional dining setup for a custom banquette surrounding a sculptural marble dining table proved to be a great decision. “Nothing compares to watching the orange sky every night with a cocktail in hand,” says Anushri.
Warm white walls and airy, sheer curtains elevate the brightness of the space. After experimenting with several materials, Studio GaGa settled on a softly treated black stone tile for the floors. Although it’s unconventional, it provides a calming, cool feeling underfoot – a perfect antidote to Mumbai’s hot, sticky weather. Solid oak bookshelves, wardrobes and doors complement the flooring, creating that “warm, earthy and embracing” vibe the couple envisioned from the start.
The real hugs, however, happen in the children’s rooms. “We loved snuggling in bed with our son and telling stories about all the characters in the mural,” notes Gopal with a smile. The designers incorporated cheerful illustrations ranging from an ice cream cart, to a boy riding a bike, to a father and son sitting on a park bench. “Listening to their stories about the characters has become our favorite family ritual,” says Gopal.
