Multitude of Sins founder Smita Thomas has used brutalist forms and whimsical elements to overhaul her duplex apartment in Bengaluru.
Named Pearls on Swine in reference to its location within an ordinary-looking building, the home combines Thomas’ whimsical taste with her husband’s desire for minimalism.
“Our differing perspectives opened doors to unexpected artistic expression: a dynamic space that celebrates the interplay of artistry and function, a home that’s a true reflection of who we are,” Thomas told Dezeen.
The apartment is split over two levels with an open-plan living, lounge and dining area occupying the majority of the lower floor. A kitchen, library and guest bedroom complete the lower floor with the main bedroom and large terrace on the floor above.
All of the spaces share the same grey walls, while in the main living area, Multitude of Sins created a concrete floor with a mosaic described as “a game of tic-tac-toe that’s been abandoned halfway”.
“The flooring itself is an example in artistry and craftsmanship, transforming what could be mere surfaces into a tactile experience,” said Thomas.
Within the living area is a multi-textured couch upholstered in micro velvet, cotton and corduroy, accentuated by leather straps and stainless steel inlay – designed with the aim of being formal yet laid-back.
“Think James Bond in a business suit and sneakers – suave, but ready for a good time,” said Thomas.
Hanging above the couch is an unusual flower-shaped mosaic artwork made with square tiles of varying sizes, sprouting tendrils resembling Maleficent’s horns.
A pet-proof wall clad in fluted charcoal basalt stone topped with a stripe of Toronto marble runs along the living room and foyer.
Extending out from the living room is a geometric bar unit and pub-style seating nook. Dark concrete flooring with mauve tiles and wood inlay was chosen to distinguish the nook from the rest of the house.
The unit itself is shaped like an inverted trapezoid, covered in brown-grey veneer and topped with a stone counter.
The shutters feature tall, mauve-toned metal handles – a detail which is satisfyingly mirrored in the flooring inlay below.
On the opposite side of the room, a L-shaped bench was added with a small counter supported on a floor-to-ceiling pole as bar-style seating.
In the dining space a three-metre-long table covered in concrete-finish tiles with a marble inlay border is supported by large grey-stained wooden legs that resemble concrete blocks.
This space is separating from the open kitchen by a sculptural partition wall featuring a collage of materials.
It is embedded with a rugged concrete slab embossed with the names of the couple’s pets, connected to the other elements of the wall with construction rods.
“I envisioned an experimental piece that would be a showstopper, yet also withstand the reality of daily life: dogs darting around, meals being made, and messes that come with living fully,” explained Thomas.
Alongside the main living area, the library-cum-TV room has a vaulted ceiling covered in weathered grey bricks.
Next to it the guest bedroom has a distinctive headboard shaped like a capsule, connected to the bed with metal rods. Flower-shaped lights made in metal moulded to mimic clay flank the bed on both sides.
In the principal bedroom a stainless steel lattice structure was created for the headboard of the bed, which was cushioned with pink fabric and silver leather.
The flooring of this bedroom was embedded with a triangle-shaped marble piece near the foot of the bed, mimicking an area rug.
Overall, Thomas hopes that the space successfully blends layers of meaning and materials.
“I’m most proud of how functional objects and materials in our home gently transform into artistic installations and experiences, blurring the lines between utility and art,” Thomas told Dezeen.
“I aimed to create layers of meaning in every choice, ensuring that every material, every detail, and every curve speaks to who we are as a couple and individuals, without any fear of judgement.”
Multitude of Sins is based out of Bengaluru. The studio’s project, The Circus Canteen, was the winner of the sustainable interior category at the 2022 Dezeen Awards.
Elsewhere in Bengaluru, local studio A Threshold have designed a skylit home offering a “seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living” and 4-site Architects have designed a home informed by Bengaluru’s green spaces.
The photography is by Ishita Sitwala.
