- Interior
In the heart of the bustling city of Mumbai lies an oasis of calm and simplicity: Kanso House. This masterpiece by Kumpal Vaid and the Purple Backyard team is more than a home; it is a meditative retreat, designed to balance and soothe. The house embraces the principle of subtlety and eliminating unnecessary elements, creating a serene and pure charm that evokes a sense of inner peace and connection.
Kumpal Vaid's vision has created a new standard for minimalist living, harmoniously fusing Kanso aesthetics and Indian influences. The tonal palette, soft curves supported by subtle geometry, luxurious finishes and stunning sea views from the 21-metre deck, make Kanso House a sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. Since 2011, Kumpal Vaid has been creating custom-made spaces with Purple Backyard that evoke emotions and serve a clear purpose, while embracing our cultural heritage with modern interpretations. Designed for a family of three yearning for quiet elegance and minimalist sophistication, this 4,000-square-foot home perfectly embodies Kumpal's values. The four-bedroom flat, originally a bare shell, has been transformed into a masterpiece of slow-living, with several structural changes optimising the living space. Beige marble floors, grained wood, natural stone, metallic elements, burlap, soft cotton and linen add layers of tactility. Inside, tonal tones flood the idea of pause and reflection, with wood and black accents and a touch of quiet red enriching the space. A neutral, clean-lined sofa, a curvilinear chair and an artistic black and white coffee table create an inviting living room that opens onto a terrace overlooking the sea. At the entrance, small stone totems, made from local materials, welcome visitors in a warm and authentic way. A gently curved wall leads to the dining room, where a monolithic white marble table takes centre stage, surrounded by richly upholstered chairs. Above the table floats a fabric lamp, enriched with silver corners, which, together with the silver wall lamp, creates an immersive atmosphere. An intriguing artwork of House of Berserk's ‘Starry Nights’ adorns the wall, adding an artistic touch to the space. 
The highlight of the house is the deck with panoramic sea views, dotted with greenery, a water feature, a bar and an innovative swing
The father's bedroom is an enclosed sanctuary with wood panelling, lined wardrobes and fluted walls, while the en-suite bathroom continues the bedroom's luxury with a monolithic vanity and vintage taps. The guest bedroom blurs the lines between art and functionality, a theme echoed in the bathroom, with totems and subtle lighting that exude a muted atmosphere. The master bedroom is designed to make the most of the golden hour at sunset, with a rust-coloured chair adding spice to the neutral ambience and a Champa tree casting shadows and enriching the space. The en-suite bathroom, inspired by Japanese onsen, offers a soothing atmosphere that calms the mind. This room can easily be transformed into a sitting room, guest room or prayer room, lined with jute wallpaper and decorated with old black-and-white photos in antique frames. The spacious kitchen is a dream, with granite walls, a white marbled gray island, beige cabinets and glass partitions. The highlight of the house is the one-metre-long deck with panoramic sea views, dotted with lush greenery, a water feature, a bar and an innovative swing that can look in both directions. This is a place where the family gathers, holds soirees or just stares at the skyline. A framed stone reading 'Kanso' in Japanese, etched by each worker including Kumpal, is the most endearing element of the house. It reflects Kumpal Vaid's philosophy: "We believe in creating spaces that are a reflection of the people who live there and their needs. That is why we have designed the private spaces in such a way that they resonate with the distinct personality of each individual, while we maintaining a single visual flow that connects the entire space.” 
Kanso House is an example of how a home can serve as a sanctuary of tranquility, a place where family and simplicity are central. It is an inspiring whole that shows how architecture and design can have a deep impact on our daily lives and well-being.
Photography by Ishita Sitwala
Text by Celien Hemelaer