A 1930s Mumbai apartment reborn with Art Deco soul and modern flair
A historic 2,500 sq ft apartment in Mumbai has been carefully restored, blending old-world charm with modern design. The residence sits inside a landmark Art Deco building from the late 1930s, its lofty proportions preserved for nearly five decades. The renovation was led by Pravir Sethi, Principal Architect of Studio Hinge, who worked closely with the homeowners to reimagine the space.
The homeowners placed their trust in Sethi to bring new life to the apartment. Alongside collaborators Chintan Zalavadiya and Tripti Sahni, the team focused on balancing light and shadow throughout the interiors. A striking feature—a serpentine ribbon of light—now winds across the ceiling, adding warmth and movement to the rooms.
The design plays with contrasts, creating a subtle game of hide and seek between brightness and darkness. Skylights and traditional roshandaans (ventilation windows) anchor the space, flooding it with natural light while maintaining its original character. Despite the updates, the apartment's grand proportions remain unchanged, honouring its decades-old heritage.
Studio Hinge's approach to historic restorations in India remains relatively undocumented, with little public record of the firm's work over the past five years. This project, however, stands as a testament to their ability to merge contemporary design with architectural legacy.
The renovated Mumbai home now stands as a harmonious mix of past and present. Its Art Deco roots remain intact, while thoughtful lighting and spatial design give it a fresh identity. The collaboration between the homeowners and Studio Hinge has transformed the apartment into a modern yet timeless living space.
