Moving into a new house is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. When Padma and her family shifted to a new home just minutes away from their old one, they started from scratch. From furniture to cutlery, nothing was carried over. Every corner of their new 3BHK flat was planned carefully with each family member's habits, likes and dislikes in mind. Here is how they built a warm, practical and colourful home.
Padma’s husband was born and raised in Shivaji Park, Mumbai, so they were keen to stay in the area. When a nearby chawl was being redeveloped, they booked a flat in the project, seeing it as a rare opportunity. It was close to schools, hospitals, and the railway station, making daily travel and access to essentials very convenient for the entire family.
Although they were initially looking for a 2BHK flat, only a 3BHK was available. With two children, two dogs and an elderly mother-in-law, they felt extra space would be beneficial. They booked the house in 2010 but had to wait for seven years before they could finally move in, as the construction was delayed. In 2017, they finally took possession and began a fresh chapter in their new home.
When the family moved in, they took nothing from their old house. Everything was purchased brand new, including basic utensils and large appliances. This allowed them to design their new home to match their current lifestyle. They spent two months planning with their architect, although they had to change some ideas due to structural restrictions. After a few changes, the work began in April 2017, and they shifted in by August.
One of the major design decisions was replacing the original flooring with marble tiles in the living room. Padma chose a grey and white theme for the interiors, which gave the home a simple yet elegant look. While the overall colour scheme remained neutral, bright cushions and accessories were added to give the space some life and variety without disrupting the chosen theme.
Each family member’s room was decorated keeping their preferences in mind. Padma’s daughter’s room is done in green and grey, with glossy laminates and special lighting that make the space feel fresh and bright. Her favourite colour, green, is the highlight, and a vertical garden on the balcony brings in a natural touch and fresh herbs for the kitchen.
Her son’s room follows a grey and orange palette, but the orange is matte to keep it from feeling too loud. As he enjoys reading, a custom bookshelf was included in the room, encouraging him to read in a space he loves.
After much thought, the family decided to keep the Puja space in a corner of the living room. It now sits next to the spot where the Ganpati idol is placed during the festival, and a folding table has been added to hold the prasad. Even though their designer did not fully agree with the setup, Padma insisted on keeping it this way, staying true to her beliefs and needs.
When it came to the kitchen, Padma selected a shade of blue that her designer had suggested. Since blue was not used in any other part of the house, it brought a fresh and distinct look to the space. The kitchen was also designed to be practical and easy to use, which was important for a family of six who cooks and eats at home regularly.
Despite having space for a dining room, the family did not create a separate eating area. They have always been comfortable eating while sitting on the floor. A large centre table in the living room now doubles as a dining space, and the family enjoys their meals together on Sundays. On weekdays, everyone eats according to their own routine.
While the designer managed most of the design work, Padma made sure to include her ideas, too. She personally designed the bookshelf, temple, and a unique piece in her daughter’s room. All materials—from tiles to appliances—were purchased from Mumbai itself, keeping things local and easy to manage.
Apart from design, storage plays a key role in making a home work well for a family. Padma ensured that each room had adequate storage without making it feel cramped. The use of concealed cabinets, under-bed drawers, and corner units helped maintain clean lines and avoid clutter, allowing the house to remain organised and spacious over time.
While the overall home uses a grey and white base, each room features a different accent colour. This method gives the home consistency while still letting individual spaces stand out. By keeping bold colours to accessories and select walls, changes can be made easily in the future without needing a full redesign, which is practical and cost-effective.
Lighting was planned not just for function but also for mood. Bright white lights were used in work areas, while softer lighting was added in corners to create a relaxed feel. In the daughter’s room, reflective surfaces and extra lighting made the space feel larger. This mix of lights helped in setting the right atmosphere across rooms.
Instead of picking decorative but high-maintenance materials, Padma went for things that are easy to clean and maintain. The marble flooring, matte finishes, and laminated surfaces across the house are practical choices that look smart. With pets and children in the house, this approach keeps things looking tidy without too much effort.
Rather than following design trends, the family planned the house based on their lifestyle. Since they prefer sitting on the floor to eat and not using a formal dining space, the layout was kept open, and furniture was chosen to support that habit. The result is a home that feels natural to live in and not just good to look at.
Designing a home is not just about colours and materials. It is about understanding how you live and what you need. Padma and her family made thoughtful choices that matched their habits and values. They created a practical, personal, and colourful home from starting fresh to customising every corner. With patience and planning, even simple ideas can lead to a home you truly enjoy living in.