Exclusive! First look inside Mumbai’s new experiential centre with Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra

In the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, where towers kiss the sky and bridges transcend oceans, we found ourselves at Andheri's newest immersive centre where the renowned Indian designers Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra have teamed up to take us through the design intricacies.

Joining forces with Bonito Designs, the duo has curated a limited collection of home interior themes guided by a refreshing ‘glo-cal' concept. Merging global influences with vernacular aesthetics, Gauri has combined her cultural prowess with Manish's pragmatism to birth 9 signature designs that transcend borders.
"Elements from the lively corners of Berlin, Cairo, Miami, Jaipur, among other cities find a reflection in the designs," narrates Gauri as she tells Midday, how her focus is on integrating global influences into her residential projects. "I aim to blend international design elements with local sensibilities to create spaces that echo a sense of warmth and satisfaction."

As we delve deeper into the immersive space, grey clouds begin to envelop the centre, taking away the slightest speck of natural light. We turn to Gauri whose calm demeanour warranted an inquiry - how can Mumbaikars ensure their homes are ready for monsoon?

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(L-R) Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra

Gauri shares her top five tips to shield home interiors from monsoon woes:
Waterproofing: Make sure your home is well-prepared for the rains by waterproofing it thoroughly. Inspect for any leaks or cracks, especially around windows and doors, and seal them properly. Good ventilation is essential to avoid dampness and mold growth, so ensure your home is well-ventilated

Moisture-resistant materials: Opt for moisture-resistant materials for your furniture and decor. Treated wood, metal and synthetic fabrics are better suited for high humidity levels. Swap out heavy drapes for lighter, quick-drying curtains that can withstand the damp conditions

Elevated furniture: Protect your furniture from potential water damage by choosing pieces with elevated legs. This helps prevent water that may seep in from damaging the furniture. Additionally, use rugs and carpets made from quick-drying materials that are less likely to develop mold

Monsoon-specific decor: Incorporate monsoon-friendly decor such as waterproof cushions and slipcovers for sofas and chairs. Use mildew-resistant paints on your walls to prevent mold growth. Adding indoor plants that thrive in high humidity can also enhance the indoor environment and improve air quality

Lighting and ambiance: The monsoon season often brings gloomy weather, so brighten your home with warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Table lamps, floor lamps, and colored LED lights can counteract the dark, rainy days and uplift the mood, making your home a perfect retreat during the monsoon.

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Cultivating global ambiance in home spaces

Cairo Contemporary

Gauri outlines that collaboration with diverse minds has been a key element in overcoming creative blocks in the designs. "Seeking input from fellow designers, architects and clients has led to valuable insights and new directions in my work."

For Manish, infusing his design prowess with Gauri has been nothing short of holistic. He shares, "My focus lies in pragmatism, functionality and sustainability." His imprint manifests via the diverse combinations of textures, hues and materials to infuse warmth and vitality into home interiors."

Reveling us with Gauri's ethos, he reveals that "her dedication to personalised, human-centric design ensures each environment resonates with users' lifestyles and preferences. "While we integrate global trends, Gauri's cultural acumen infuses the projects with a nuanced fusion of tradition and modernity, honouring local sensibilities," describes Manish.

Crafting dream homes with a touch of ease
Back at the Bonito Design Experiential Centre, Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra, tells us how this establishment is unlike what Mumbai has seen. "We have crafted an immersive environment that allows visitors to intimately engage with the design elements showcased in the residential mock-ups."

The new experience center targets first-time home buyers where purchase decisions are typically influenced by both partners. It also caters to secondary audiences, including children, women, the designer community, investors, and potential new team members. It showcases 12,000 products in a single space, offering customers a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Jaipur haat

He elaborates, "With meticulously curated setups, guests will be enabled to visualise various design styles and furniture arrangements in a tangible way. Not only this, visitors will also be able to physically explore these spaces, experiencing firsthand the flow, ambiance and functionality created by each design choice."
Featuring nine sophisticated themes, the mood boards include Jaipur Haat, Hollywood Glam, Hawaiian Tropical, Cairo Contemporary, Berlin Raw Grandeur, London Rustic Village, Miami Contemporary, Milan Maximalist, and Paris Opulence.

The versatility of these thematic rooms seamlessly fuses contemporary and traditional elements, appealing to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. Personalised consultation areas provide clients with the opportunity to intimately interact with diverse design elements, empowering them to tailor their spaces to their unique vision and lifestyle.

What sets it apart
Offering cutting-edge home design solutions, the center distinguishes itself from others in the industry. "Through interactive displays, homebuyers will get access to practical and aesthetically pleasing design solutions, offering a hands-on experience," explains Manish, which in his opinion, is not what Mumbai has experienced yet.

While the state-of-the-art facility boasts of high-tech solutions, the designers have been mindful of their carbon footprint. "Sustainability takes center stage with this project. We have utilised reclaimed wood and other sustainable resources to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and green building techniques have been employed throughout the space, emphasising our commitment to creating an environmentally responsible and sustainable design experience," explains Manish.

London Rustic

By offering a range of tailored experiences, the experiential centre serves as a dynamic hub for learning, networking and collaboration within the design community. It engages a diverse target audience, including homeowners, architects and interior designers.
Manish shares how homeowners can benefit from educational workshops and design consultations that help them translate their visions into reality. For architects, Bonito offers seminars and showcases focused on innovative design techniques and sustainable practices, providing valuable insights for their projects. Interior designers enjoy access to networking events and industry collaborations, fostering professional development and creative inspiration.

Gauri's forecast on emerging real estate trends
1. In the evolving landscape of Indian design, collaboration and community-driven initiatives will play a pivotal role alongside sustainability and technological integration. This not only enriches the design process but also empowers communities and upholds cultural heritage.
2. Recognising the profound impact of our environments on mental and physical well-being, designers will have to upgrade their approach to integrate elements such as biophilic design, natural light and areas for relaxation and rejuvenation.
3. These emerging trends signal an exciting evolution in Indian design, where sustainability, technology, collaboration and wellness converge to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially responsible and conducive to human flourishing.

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