Mumbai apartment features green flooring, organic furniture, reflecting serene water's edge design.

Mumbai apartment designed to feel like “arriving at the edge of a still body of water”

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-08-06

TITLE: Mumbai’s Tranquil Oasis: A Multi-Generational Apartment Inspired by Kerala’s Lily Pads

The lily pads of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters inspire a serene apartment renovation in Mumbai by The Act of Quad. A Borrowed Memory, characterized by continuous green flooring, sees this urban living space transformed with flowing green flooring that mirrors interconnected southern Indian waterways.

Room with continuous green flooring and bright, natural light.
A Borrowed Memory is an apartment characterised by continuous green flooring

The Essence of the Interior Design

Priyanka Itadkar and Falguni Bhatia, the creative minds behind The Act of Quad, have crafted an interior reminiscent of reaching a tranquil water’s edge. Their vision for this apartment integrates gently curving, lime-washed walls for a multi-generational family of four.

Designers Priyanka Itadkar and Falguni Bhatia inspired by lily pads.
Priyanka Itadkar and Falguni Bhatia of The Act of Quad were drawn to Keralan lily pads

The space is adorned with bespoke furniture finished in organic shapes, including sinuous dining chairs and a door-mounted sculpture echoing a curled leaf. A delicate coffee table, resembling a lily pad, is crafted from clay and cast in fiber, its jade surface adorned with resin droplets to evoke the calmness of the backwaters.

Living space showcases bespoke furniture with organic shapes.
Bespoke furniture pieces in the living space were finished with subtle organic shapes

A soft, light green sofa complements a hand-carved timber pillar from Kerala, honoring its cultural artistry. The pieces, though inspired by lily pads, maintain an abstract form, subtly integrating natural elements into the home’s décor, reflecting the unique aspects of this style.

Main bedroom with custom built-in wardrobe, soft lighting.
The main bedroom features a custom, built-in wardrobe

The grandparents’ bedroom is designed as a sanctuary, featuring muted tones and handcrafted timber furniture to accent the curved architecture. Rounded elements like windowpanes, mirrors, and headboards reinforce the theme softly within multiple rooms.

Apartment with green elements running throughout the interior.
Green runs across the apartment

The apartment’s layout accommodates its varied inhabitants with thoughtful touches such as a curved dining room wall that expands the adjacent bathroom for wheelchair access. The couple’s bedroom, a green haven, contains a hidden walk-in dressing area concealed by sliding timber panels, exemplifying innovative residential design.

Round mirrors echo the shape of lily pads gently.
Rounded mirrors subtly nod to lily pads

A concealed home theatre in the living area replaces the traditional TV setup, fostering a warm, communal environment typical of Indian family homes. Despite spatial constraints, the designers ensured the inclusion of distinctive features and space-saving innovations in this dwelling.

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“Amidst the compact reality of Indian urban living, the challenge of design within limits captivates us more,” shared Itadkar and Bhatia. “True luxury today is crafting spaces that resonate emotionally with their residents.”

Exterior of a multi-generational home located in Mumbai.
The multi-generational home is in Mumbai

Established in 2019, The Act of Quad has an impressive portfolio in Mumbai, including a bespoke studio and another upscale multi-generational residence. Photographed by Nayan Soni, these projects highlight the studio’s dedication to integrating emotional depth into functional design characteristic of their projects.

For a deeper look into Mumbai’s vibrant scene, explore Mumbai’s Cotton Candy Sellers, capturing unique portraits within the city.

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What inspired the apartment design in Mumbai?

The apartment design in Mumbai was inspired by the lily pads of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters, which served as the basis for transforming the living space with flowing green flooring and interconnected design elements.

How does the design accommodate the family’s needs?

The apartment’s layout accommodates the varied inhabitants by incorporating thoughtful touches like a curved dining room wall that expands the adjacent bathroom for wheelchair access, and a concealed home theatre in the living area to maintain a communal environment.

What are the key interior features emphasizing the water theme?

Key interior features include lime-washed curved walls, bespoke furniture with organic shapes, a clay and fiber coffee table resembling a lily pad, and a green sofa complementing a hand-carved timber pillar, all integrating natural elements inspired by the water’s tranquility.