Project: Mōrahi Apartment
Architecture: DesignHex
Principal Designer: Shimona Bhansali
Location: Worli, Mumbai, India
Area: 2000 ft2
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Vishesh Kanani
A Design Defying Conventions in Mumbai
In the bustling heart of Worli, Mumbai, Mōrahi apartment stands as a testament to the transformative power of design. Created by DesignHex and led by Principal Designer Shimona Bhansali, this apartment defies conventional design norms and embraces a maximalist approach that is both adventurous and comforting. Every corner of Mōrahi tells a story, and every artefact narrates tales of distant lands, reflecting the spirit of the owners’ extensive travels.
A Brief Centered on Art and Artefacts
The inception of Mōrahi came with a refreshingly clear brief from the clients: they wanted their cherished art and artefact collection to shine in their living space. Avid travellers, the clients had amassed a fascinating collection of items from around the globe, each one a memory from their journeys. This wasn’t simply about displaying artefacts, but about creating a space that captured the narrative of their wanderlust. DesignHex embraced this concept, weaving it into the very fabric of the apartment.
Celebrating Maximalism: A Space Full of Stories
From the outset, it was clear that Mōrahi apartment would celebrate maximalism, a design ethos that aligns perfectly with DesignHex’s creative vision. The goal was to create a space that not only showcased the clients’ eclectic collection but also infused it with the spirit of their travels. The design team sought to balance the thrill of adventure with the warmth and comfort of home, ensuring that every piece told a story while still feeling cohesive and inviting.
Juxtaposing Old and New: A Harmonious Fusion
One of the standout features of Mōrahi apartment is the interplay between old and new elements. Intricately carved wooden chests sit alongside sleek, contemporary lighting fixtures, reflecting the clients’ diverse tastes. This juxtaposition adds depth and character to the space, but it also posed a challenge. In maximalist design, it’s easy for visual richness to tip into visual chaos. DesignHex’s thoughtful curation ensured that each element worked in harmony, creating a space that feels both abundant and balanced.
Material Palette: Cool Hues with Bright Accents
The material palette plays a crucial role in the overall design. DesignHex opted for a combination of cooler hues alongside brighter tones to create a backdrop that allows the intricate details and decor to shine. This approach not only enhances the visual cohesion of the space but also creates an illusion of spaciousness, ensuring that the apartment remains open and inviting despite its maximalist approach. The apartment’s balconies, adorned with greenery, add a touch of serenity and offer a peaceful counterpoint to the vibrant interiors.
The Name: Mōrahi – A Reflection of Maximum and Wanderlust
The name Mōrahi apartment itself encapsulates the apartment’s design philosophy. In Maori, “Mōrahi” means “maximum,” perfectly reflecting the maximalist design ethos of the space. Simultaneously, the subtle inclusion of “Rahi,” the Urdu word for “traveller,” underscores the clients’ deep connection to their global journeys, delicately integrating their wanderlust into the heart of the apartment’s identity.
Conclusion: A Living Tapestry of Global Experiences
Mōrahi apartment is more than just a home—it’s a living, breathing tapestry of global experiences and memories. DesignHex’s innovative approach has transformed the apartment into a space where every object has a story and every corner holds meaning. The apartment reflects not just the clients’ love for travel and art but also the power of design to craft spaces that resonate with the human spirit. In Mōrahi apartment, DesignHex has created an environment that is as personal as it is universal, where maximalism meets mindfulness, and where design transcends into a profound, meaningful experience.
