Visit a Mumbai office that takes a colorful approach to making work more fun
Atlas, a contractorship company providing electrical equipment installations, had a clear vision when they decided their Mumbai office needed a revamp—they wanted it to be a soothing oasis. With this in mind, they approached The Design House Company to give the place a facelift. Chief designer Mansi Sethna Pandey took up the challenge and created a workspace that’s minimalistic and muted, yet has a charming ambience. “We incorporated calmer tones to make the space look bright and airy as a whole, with the sunlight seeping through and complementing the palette,” says Pandey.
A Statement Entrance
As one enters the lobby area, they are greeted by a wall fitted with an interesting installation. Look closely and you discover that it represents the space and what the company stands for in an abstract, unique way. “The client enjoys art and wanted us to use it throughout the office space,” Pandey adds. “The custom art piece in the lobby, conceptualized by a local artist, features different spheres made on plaster of Paris. It has pictures of various electrical systems imprinted on them, all related to the business of Atlas.” Right by this pièce de résistance lies a chair with a rattan backrest and a metallic side-table.
An Inviting Lounge
The lounge area, often used for informal meetings, is a welcoming setup. A dusty pink couch placed opposite two cream-hued chairs, with a set of tables in between, make for the perfect spot for casual tête-à-tête as well as brainstorming sessions. “We decided to go with pastel hues in the lounge area because we wanted to add hints of colour yet maintain the subtle, neutral elegance of minimalistic design,” the designer explains. The wall behind the couch showcases interesting décor pieces and knick-knacks that add an element of intrigue for visitors, giving them something to admire as they wait here.
The Cabins
Both the cabins in the office feature a glass façade. The idea behind these glass boxes was to maximize the influx of natural light as well as create an open and interactive atmosphere between the directors and employees. “The use of glass enhances the space, making it look seamless and bigger,” says Pandey. “The glass cabins are soundproof, as well, to ensure privacy during important meetings.”
Designed similarly, the two cabins have the same chairs and lighting. The muted walls in white, the use of wooden furniture and the vitrified matte-finish tiles further unite their design elements. There are, however, subtle differences in a few décor elements. In one of them, for instance, a wall installation showcases men climbing ropes—a metaphor for growth and perseverance. And in the other (featured image), a console with rattan doors and a large planter take precedence.
The Overall Design
The central area of the Mumbai office is reserved for employees, with open-plan workstations and ample storage. To add a dash of vibrance here, the design team opted for rust-hued office chairs instead of run-off-the-mill black ones.
Further setting this office apart from usual are the pieces of furniture—they feature a curved back rather than a linear edge, adding softness to the aesthetic as well as amplifying the relaxed vibe in the overall design.