An interview with Rohit Bhoite and Lina Kobeissi
In this interview, we delve into the creative vision behind a stunning coastal Mumbai apartment designed by Rohit Bhoite and Lina Kobeissi.
The duo shares insights into their design philosophy, the challenges they faced, and how they harmoniously blended modern aesthetics with the vibrant coastal environment to create a unique living space.
What were the key inspirations behind the design of this coastal apartment?
Our clientsโa warm and thoughtful coupleโwanted a serene home to begin their married life. Located in a beautiful seafront building in South Mumbai, the apartment offered a constantly evolving view of the ocean and sky. Our design intent was to mirror this natural dynamism.
We avoided overpowering colors or heavy textures to allow the natural surroundings to remain the focal point and to bring the same calm, shifting energy indoors.
The apartment features a blend of minimalism and boldness. How did you achieve this balance in your design?
We embraced minimalism through our choice of materials, colors, and textures, maintaining a clean and understated aesthetic.
Boldness was introduced through spatial planning and detailingโelements like striking furniture silhouettes, thoughtful joinery, and well-composed lighting brought in a sense of drama without overwhelming the space.
The entrance corridor serves as both a functional space and a gallery wall. What was your vision for this area, and how did you execute it?
At our studio, we believe in traditional architectural principlesโparticularly the importance of transition spaces.
The entrance corridor was designed to subtly separate the private areas like the powder room from the main living zone, while also acting as a visual gallery that welcomes guests with a curated narrative as they enter the home.
How did you incorporate the ever-changing hues of the ocean into the design of the apartment?
Thatโs a great question. We carefully curated the color palette, particularly in the fabrics and materials, to reflect and complement the ever-shifting tones of the sea and skyโfrom bright, airy blues to warm golden hues during sunset. The aim was to ensure the interior felt in constant dialogue with its coastal surroundings.
You mentioned that the apartment is designed for both introspective living and vibrant hosting. How did you ensure that the space accommodates both of these experiences?
Designing for both personal retreat and social engagement meant creating zones that could transition seamlessly.
Key features such as a welcoming bar area, a projection screen for movie nights, and transitional spaces allowed the apartment to shift from a calm personal haven to an energetic social setting without compromising on comfort or functionality.
How did the collaboration between you and Lina Kobeissi shape the final outcome of the apartment? Were there any challenges you faced during this process?
Lina and I go way backโwe studied our masterโs course together in Italy and have shared a design philosophy ever since.
Our collaboration was seamless, driven by mutual respect for innovation and storytelling through space. The process was incredibly organic, with no major challengesโjust two friends bringing a shared vision to life.
Are there any elements from this apartment that you plan to explore further in your future projects?
Absolutely. Both Lina and I really enjoyed working on the master bathroom and the bespoke living room sofa. These elements struck a perfect balance between design and comfort, and weโve since reinterpreted them in several other projects with great results.
What trends do you see emerging in interior design, particularly in coastal homes, that excite you?
Clients today are more globally aware and well-traveled, which makes designing for them both challenging and rewarding.
Coastal homes are no longer limited to a single aestheticโthey draw inspiration from diverse locales, from Mediterranean and Japanese minimalism to the breezy luxury of Miami or the earthy elegance of Bodrum.
This cultural fusion is leading to more layered, sophisticated spaces, and itโs an exciting time to be a part of this evolution
The coastal Mumbai apartment stands as a testament to innovative design, showcasing how thoughtful planning and creativity can transform a space.
Rohit Bhoite and Lina Kobeissiโs collaboration not only enhances the apartmentโs functionality but also captures the essence of coastal living, making it a true sanctuary for its residents.
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