Our home interior is not just an expression of who we are, but also a reflection of our traditions, culture, environment, and the climate of where we live.
When it comes to planning and executing our home interiors for a coastal region like Mumbai, factors like heat, humidity, and the salt content in the air have to be considered. Choosing materials and designs that work in partnership with the climate is important to finding the sweet spot between aesthetics and functionality.
Let’s look at an example. If you have visited any of the old Mughal palaces in India, you will have noticed that many of them were built with marble. The marble not only contributed to their magnificence but also kept the interiors cool. You probably also noticed the perforated stone screens, with ornate geometrical designs or ‘jali’ work, in their beautiful walls.
The most evident functions of ‘jalis’ were for ventilation and light, but that was not all. The patterns on the ‘jali’ compressed the warm air and cooled it as it passed through (very much like today’s air conditioners). The depth and height of the pattern were also functional in reducing direct sun rays and glare, effectively bringing down the interior temperatures in the sweltering summers. This is the perfect example of how climate plays a role in the choice of design and building material.
Factors to take into consideration when choosing Interior Design Styles for Mumbai
1. Walls
Paint can bring your home to life, but it is not just about picking the right colour. Prepping the walls suitably and choosing the right type of paint based on the climate are crucial for durability and finish in humid climates.
For example, gloss or semi-gloss paints are more durable and absorb less moisture than flat finish paints.
A popular choice is acrylic which is especially great for coastal areas. It is durable, quick-drying, and does not fade in direct sunlight (which we have plenty of in Mumbai). It also offers the best finish and will not crack, blister, or flake.
Acrylic can be cleaned with a damp cloth to eliminate dust, fungus, and mildew.
2. Ventilation
Mumbai is known for its hot and sticky climate, but it is also known for its sea breeze. Interiors should be planned to take into account the ventilation to facilitate the continuous circulation of air, making the interiors more comfortable. This is especially the case when interior walls are being broken and rebuilt.
3. Furniture
i) Living room/ Bedroom
In Mumbai, the living room is the family room. We use our couches to relax, watch TV, entertain or to cuddle up with a good book and coffee on rainy days. Choosing the right couch not only makes an immense impact on aesthetics but because it is a frequently-used piece of furniture, comfort and durability cannot be ignored.
For example, a leather/ faux leather couch or bean bag can look sleek and modern, yet, in hot, humid weather it may not be comfortable to sit on. Hence, upholstery made from natural fibres like organic cotton or linen is a better choice. It makes the room inviting and is both cool and comfortable. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant.
Another good option is high-end cane furniture. Compared to traditional wooden furniture, cane handles both heat and moisture very well and is not high maintenance. Cane furniture can be used outdoors too. It is environmentally friendly and can give the space a rustic feel.
The same can be said for the bedroom. Because bed sheets come in contact with your skin, while you sleep, they should be made of natural fibres like cotton. Consider investing in a razai if you use the AC at night. It is both breathable and keeps you warm, Razais are available in stunning ethnic designs that will enhance the ambience in your bedroom.
ii) Kitchen/Bathroom
Wooden cabinets are timeless and chic, nevertheless, they require a lot of maintenance and care to keep up their appearance and prevent them from warping in humidity. If you must have wooden cabinets, in your kitchen or bathroom, then you need to ensure that the wood is properly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
Then there is the practical option of modular cabinets made from engineered wood and finished with laminate or thermofoil. These are moisture-resistant, easy to maintain, affordable, come in a variety of designs, and can easily be resurfaced. They are ideal for humid weather as they do not warp, crack, and are resistant to termites.
4. Flooring
Tiles are the flooring of choice in Mumbai - they are practical, durable, and easy to keep clean. Yet, many of us are tempted by the suave look of wooden flooring. Wood may not be the best option for flooring in Mumbai because we mop our floors regularly with water to keep them clean.
But all is not lost. Several other options can give you the same look and are far more practical.
i) Luxury Vinyl Tiles
They look exactly like wood but are waterproof, durable and far simpler to maintain than wooden flooring. Vinyl tiles have come a long way from the older peel and stick versions and can weather heat, humidity, and high traffic. The new ones look exactly like the real thing and can be used not only in the place of wood but also in place of stone or ceramic.
ii) Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are another option. Since they are less porous, they do not absorb as much water from humidity as ceramic tiles; they are more durable and better suited for humid climates. Porcelain tiles are also great for tiling ground floor spaces (especially if there is seepage from the foundations).
iii) Concrete
Concrete is growing in popularity as it looks good and requires simple maintenance. It has many options in colours and textures and also keeps the floor cool. It does not absorb moisture and hence will resist the growth of mould or mildew.
5) All things metal
A coastal region like Mumbai has a high salt content which can be corrosive to many materials in our homes. The problem of corrosion gets worse as you get closer to the sea.
i) Grills and metal fittings
The salt in the air can corrode window grills, railings, metal water tanks, etc. It is best to ensure that grills and railings are first coated with an anti-rust solution and then painted over to prevent quicker corrosion.
Quality stainless steel fittings are an ideal option to combat this problem.
ii) Air conditioning units
External air-conditioning units can also corrode. Replacing them can be an expensive affair. It would make sense to find a sheltered spot for the units to protect them from the elements and increase their lifespan.
iii) Art and displays
Artwork adds to the richness of the décor. Source artwork that does not corrode and is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Brass, copper, and iron artwork can develop a patina or rust. These would need a high level of maintenance and polishing to keep them clean and in good condition.
In conclusion, we can see how climate plays a huge part in interior design and choice of materials. However, one can choose to completely ignore the weather in the designing process, but this often spells disaster for practicality, durability, and comfort. Therefore, the secret is to choose wisely and work with nature, rather than against it so as to maintain your décor with relative ease.
To know more, give us a call. We would love to hear from you. Need more customised design ideas for your home? Book a video call with us! To get in touch with our Team, call/whatsapp at +91 97698 91528.