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Having lived in multiple homes across 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 in gorgeous views of the city’s skyline against the glistening Arabian Sea. After scouring 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 creek nearby. “Being in the space during sunset is nothing short of intoxicating,” they gush.
The pandemic confined the couple to the bare-bones space for two years, which was a blessing in disguise. They discovered what didn’t work, identified must-haves, and with a baby on the way, added kidproofing to the mix. The Bhutdas yearned for a serene, nestlike oasis shutting out the city’s hustle and allowing them to embrace the slow life. At some point while on Instagram, Anushri spotted a photograph of a slender wood dresser with impeccably organized drawers, prompting her to save it immediately. “I was struck by the storage details—the designers had thought of everything a woman could possibly need or want!” she says.
So when it came to enlisting a design studio to help with the entire apartment, a gut feeling drew her back to Tanvi Gandhi and Pooja Gadhia, the duo behind Bombay-based design practice Studio GaGa (and the aforementioned dresser). Anushri slid into their DMs, and before she knew it, they were standing in her living room.
Despite strict building regulations that limited major renovations, Gandhi and Gadhia reorganized the layout to maximize the sun-drenched living and dining rooms. Along a narrow corridor, they tucked away the kitchen, primary and guest bedrooms, and a nursery for the Bhutdas’ son. At the end of the hallway is an art-adorned door that conceals golf gear 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 the stunning sunsets) that inspired the entire palette,” says Gandhi.
The hue saturates the living room with a plush daybed and handwoven rug that pulls double duty on the wall as art. Soft edges, curved furniture, and lush plants keep the bold color in check. In the kitchen, a matte terracotta shade breathes life into the flat-slab cabinetry. And swapping out a traditional dining setup for a custom banquette around a sculptural marble dining table proved to be a great decision. “Nothing beats watching the orange skies every evening with a cocktail in hand,” Anushri says.
Warm white walls and breezy sheer curtains elevate the space’s glow. After sampling numerous materials, Studio GaGa settled on a gently treated black riverstone tile for the floors. Although unconventional, it provides a soothing, cool feel underfoot—a perfect antidote for Mumbai’s hot, sticky weather. Solid oak-wood bookshelves, wardrobes, and doors complement the flooring, creating that “warm, earthy, and cocooning” vibe the couple envisioned from the get-go.
The real cuddles, though, happen in their toddler’s room. “We love snuggling in bed with our son and telling him stories about all the characters in the mural,” notes Gopal with a smile. The designers incorporated joyful illustrations ranging from an ice cream cart, to a little boy riding his bike, to a dad and son sitting on a garden bench. “Listening to his stories about the characters has become our favorite family ritual,” says Gopal.