Black piano, balcony views and a neutral palette: Inside Shreya Ghoshal’s Santa Cruz home

In 2012, Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal and her family relocated from Chembur to a Santa Cruz apartment. The interior design of this residence is characterized by a contemporary aesthetic and a color scheme consisting of neutrals - beige, ivory, terracotta, and earth tones. These hues create a serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and comfort.

A notable feature of the living space is a sleek black piano, which enables Ghoshal to practice her music or entertain guests during events and celebrations. The plush sofas are strategically positioned to face the balcony rather than a television, emphasizing the emphasis on open-air relaxation.

The interior layout is complemented by sculptural wooden furniture, adding a touch of depth and character to the room. Interior designer Amita Trehan, Founder and Principal of Bravura Design Solutions, emphasized that color, lighting, textures, and furniture placement must harmonize to create a calming and comfortable living space.

Trehan pointed out that color sets the overall visual mood of a room. While white and beige are typically linked with tranquil interiors, she believes that other muted and deeper shades can also contribute to a calming environment. These could include muted olive, sage, dusty blue, warm taupe, and earthy tones.

She further suggested that even deeper colors can create a 'cocooning environment,' provided they harmonize with the room’s natural and artificial lighting. Balcony seating, she noted, should ideally incorporate potted plants and wrought-iron chairs to provide a tranquil space for unwinding, tea, or coffee.

According to Trehan, lighting plays a crucial role in transitioning a room from daytime to nighttime. Instead of depending on a single bright light source, she recommends using various levels of lighting based on the time of day and the activity at hand. Lastly, Trehan highlighted that textures can significantly enhance the coziness of a space. By incorporating different materials instead of solely relying on a neutral color palette, a room can gain warmth and visual depth.