What is inside acclaimed jewellery designer Shubhra Sen's luxurious home?

Saniya Kantawala Design blends contemporary style with opulence in the acclaimed Dubai-based designer’s multigenerational Mumbai home

When Shubhra Sen came across a penthouse designed by Saniya Kantawala in the same condominium as her home in Mumbai, India, the prominent jewellery designer approached the award-winning interior design firm for her residence that will serve as a second home for her adult son Rajeev and granddaughter.

“Apart from the allure of collaborating with a celebrity, the opportunity to craft a luxurious yet functional space for her family was irresistible,” recalls Kantawala, principal designer and founder of the eponymous practice Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD).

“The challenge of integrating her affinity for glamour with my design expertise was an exciting prospect that convinced me to take on this project.”

Above Acclaimed jewellery designer Shubhra Sen’s abode in Mumbai, India

Acclaimed jewellery designer Shubhra Sen’s abode in Mumbai, India

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Mother of Sushmita Sen, the renowned Bollywood actress who became India’s first Miss Universe in 1994, Sen’s 7,500 sq ft double-storey penthouse overlooks the bustling Mumbai cityscape.

On the lower open-plan level are the living room, kitchen and bedrooms for Rajeev and his daughter, while the upper floor comprises a lounge area, a guest room and the master bedroom.

“Given her professional affiliation with all things aureate, [the homeowner] sought a contemporary aesthetic infused with glamour [for her home],” says Kantawala in regards to the project that took approximately a year to design and execute.

“While their preferences aligned closely with my style, and we were given a free hand to design the home, I incorporated personalised elements tailored to their needs and dynamic lifestyle, harmonising their vision with my expertise to ensure a fusion of glamour and functionality.”

Above The accent walls increase illumination and add a sense of height

The double-ceilinged living room bathed in natural light from the balcony

Above The double-ceilinged living room bathed in natural light

The accent walls increase illumination and add a sense of height

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Inspired by Sen’s professional background in jewellery and her affinity for Italian design and culture, Kantawala seeks to celebrate the symbiotic connection between the interior space and its inhabitants.

This is achieved through the weaving of contemporary design sensibilities with opulent accents, and intertwining luxurious elements with functionality, ensuring a congenial haven for its discerning occupants.

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Glamorous gold accents mirror the homeowner’s affinity for glitz and elegance

Photo 1 of 2 The open-plan social spaces envisaged to host family and friends

Photo 2 of 2 Grid-patterned cabinets with metallic inlays offer ample storage

The open-plan social spaces envisaged to host family and friends

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“From meticulously crafted walls with intricate panelling and curated artworks and murals, to strategically placed mirrors and use of lighting to amplify spatiality—every element serves a purpose, and adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space,” Kantawala explains.

“Each room speaks a language of comfort and aesthetic finesse that is carefully curated to resonate with the occupant’s desires while harmonising with the interior scheme.”

Above The lounge in the upper floor in vibrant hues of maroon and pink

Above A small mandir tucked away behind foldable shutters

The lounge in the upper floor in vibrant hues of maroon and pink

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Upon entering the residence, a grid wall camouflages the kitchen before revealing the double-ceilinged living room, a column-free space that’s bathed in natural light from the balcony that runs the length of the unit.

Here, increasing illumination and adding an impressive sense of height are accent walls borne out of the creative collaboration between the design team and the designer homeowner.

Grid-patterned cabinets with metallic inlays offer ample storage, showcasing a contemporary aesthetic set against a neutral palette, with generous infusions of metallic accents for a glamorous touch.

The richly layered, neutral social space extends into the dining area with an accompanying breakfast corner through the open-plan layout envisaged to host family and friends.

The primary ensuite with rose quartz and fluted tile wall

The ensuite featuring exquisite Calacatta Manhattan stonework

Each triangular piece of grout and hand-cut stone hand-installed by skilful masons

Photo 1 of 3 The primary ensuite with rose quartz and fluted tile wall

Photo 2 of 3 The ensuite downstairs featuring exquisite Calacatta Manhattan stonework

Photo 3 of 3 Each triangular piece of grout and hand-cut stone hand-installed by skilful masons

The primary ensuite with rose quartz and fluted tile wall

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Conceptualised as private boudoirs, Rajeev and the granddaughter’s bedrooms on the lower floor embody the individuality and specific preferences of the residents.

The son’s bedroom is doused in muted hues, with an enveloping panelled wall behind the bed to accommodate a walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite featuring the exquisite Calacatta Manhattan stonework.

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The granddaughter’s bedroom, on the other hand, is convivial yet luxurious, with a bespoke mural symbolising transformation.

The ensuite features eight different tones of grout and hand-cut stones, with each triangular piece hand-installed by skilful masons to create asymmetrical geometry.

Above The muted wall panels in the bedroom downstairs lead into a walk-in wardrobe

Above A bespoke mural symbolising transformation in the granddaughter's bedroom

The muted wall panels in the bedroom downstairs lead into a walk-in wardrobe

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The upper floor welcomes with a lounge area immersed in unassuming hues of maroon and pink. A small mandir (prayer room), tucked away behind foldable shutters with lotus motifs, offers a spiritual sanctum for the residents and their guests.

The neutral-themed guest bedroom with sage and white checkerboard flooring juxtaposes the master bedroom that reflects feminine grace through subtle hues and elegant details.

Above The master bedroom reflects feminine grace with a hand painted mural on a curved column

The master bedroom reflects feminine grace with a hand painted mural on a curved column

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Above The guest bedroom with a sage and white checkerboard flooring

Above French panels open into a walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom

The guest bedroom with a sage and white checkerboard flooring

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Fulfilling the homeowner’s desire for elegance and functionality, the private room draws the attention towards a hand painted mural on the curved column, complementing a custom-made swing, and French panels that open into the tastefully designed walk-in wardrobe.

In the adjoining ensuite, rose quartz lends a distinctly contemporary flair to the walls and vanity alongside a fluted tile wall.

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Credits

Photography

Aspire Studios

Topics

Penthouse Contemporary Luxury

Tatler Asia

Home tour: Inside jewellery designer Shubhra Sen’s luxurious duplex penthouse in Mumbai, India