Ashiesh Shah: Malabar Hill Apartment
Grand Paintings, Rare Collectibles, and Refined Luxury
In the saturated language of contemporary interior design, the word “curate” is often used indiscriminately. Its meaning, once deeply rooted in thoughtful selection and artistic discernment, is at risk of becoming diluted. However, in the case of Ashiesh Shah’s Malabar Hill apartment in Mumbai, the term regains its full power. This exceptional residence is not just a living space; it is a refined composition of global artistry, one that celebrates craftsmanship, aesthetics, and cultural storytelling. It serves as a masterclass in the art of collecting, balancing extraordinary pieces within a deeply personal and harmonious environment.
Ashiesh Shah is no stranger to design that bridges the worlds of art, architecture, and interior narrative. His Malabar Hill apartment is the culmination of a deliberate and highly skilled approach to interior design and curation. Here, Shah brings together rare collectables, grand-scale artworks, and refined furniture in a space that effortlessly balances the ornate with the serene. The apartment unfolds as a carefully orchestrated gallery of visual and tactile moments, where every piece contributes to a broader story of global craftsmanship and personal resonance.
Upon entering this expansive Mumbai residence, visitors are immediately drawn into a narrative told through design. The main living area, both spacious and welcoming, acts as the home’s nucleus. From this central point, adjoining rooms extend in various directions, each carrying its own identity while remaining connected to the overarching design language. The interiors are guided by Shah’s signature wabi-sabi philosophy, which celebrates imperfection, organic beauty, and the quiet calm of natural materials. This guiding ethos tempers the grandeur of the space with a sense of introspective tranquillity, creating a unique synthesis of opulence and minimalism.
The living room is a strong visual statement in subtlety and proportion. A neutral colour palette creates a peaceful backdrop that allows artwork and collectable furniture to take centre stage. One of the most striking features of the space is a commanding triptych by artist Joseph Tong, which hangs above a cedar brown sofa from Yasanche. This bold piece brings depth and movement into the space, while grounding the area in artistic expression.
Opposite the sofa, Alberto Pinto’s Héraclès armchairs introduce a counterpoint of playful geometry. Their circular forms contrast with the clean lines of the seating arrangement, softening the visual rhythm of the room. Between them, a sculptural resin coffee table by Martha Sturdy rests on a muted cc-tapis rug. This thoughtful combination of furniture pieces and textures creates a conversational zone that feels both intimate and sophisticated.
Further into the room, a secondary seating area unfolds. This vignette is defined by Ettore Sottsass’ iconic Memphis Totem, a vibrant geometric sculpture that commands attention. Surrounding the totem are soft beige sofas, again by Yasanche, layered with cushions from Shah’s capsule collection for West Elm. These custom textiles not only bring cohesion to the space but also introduce an additional layer of personal creativity and style. Beside the sofas, grey glass stools by Alberto Pinto and a bronze panel from Viya Home add sculptural intrigue and contrast. Delicately detailed Intersect consoles from Shah’s atelier flank the seating area, their surfaces adorned with antique silver elephants that speak to Shah’s appreciation for heritage and symbolism. Suspended above, the Rose Garden Chandelier—another atelier creation—casts a warm, dappled light over the scene, further enhancing the ambience. Rugs from Projekt Merge and cc-tapis delineate the area without creating visual boundaries, encouraging a seamless flow between spaces.
The dining room presents a tonal shift, offering a more expressive palette of powdery pastel blues that evoke a soothing, contemporary elegance. Chairs by Alsorg encircle a marble dining table, positioned beneath an alabaster skylight. This sculptural ceiling fixture enhances the room's lightness while serving as a modern architectural gesture. Hand-carved wooden panels line the walls, introducing a warmth that contrasts with the cool tones of the furniture and finishes. These tactile surfaces offer visual and textural depth, making the dining space ideal for intimate gatherings and slow, meaningful meals.
Moving to the master bedroom, the design language transitions into one of quiet luxury and personal retreat. A striking feature wall clad in straw marquetry by Alexander Lamont serves as a central visual element. This material, both rustic and refined, introduces an organic warmth that softens the pristine white palissandro marble floors. The palette here is subtle, anchored by a muted bed and a light grey wardrobe punctuated with mother-of-pearl rod handles. The entire space is designed with equilibrium in mind, combining natural textures and luxurious finishes in a way that promotes rest and reflection.
Throughout the apartment, the commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every detail. This is not a home of mass-produced or trend-driven pieces. Rather, it is a celebration of handmade processes and artistic integrity. Shah explains, “The Malabar Hill residence is a celebration of craftsmanship and all processes are handmade.” His words ring true in every corner. From the fragmented, prismatic console by Hervé Van der Straeten in the entrance lobby to the alabaster door framed in bronze, every element is both functional and poetic. These design choices create a tactile experience, inviting occupants to engage with their environment on a sensory level.
What makes the Malabar Hill apartment particularly compelling is its narrative appeal. Each object, material, and composition tells a story. Whether it is a heritage sculpture passed down through generations or a contemporary piece from Shah’s atelier, there is a considered reason behind every inclusion. This storytelling through objects and materials is what transforms a beautifully styled residence into a profoundly personal sanctuary.
The home is also a testament to the idea that luxury does not need to shout. In Shah’s world, luxury is quiet, deliberate, and thoughtful. It is found in the craftsmanship of a hand-woven rug, the grain of a carved wooden panel, or the soft glow of an alabaster skylight. It is about understanding materiality, scale, and spatial composition on a deeply intuitive level.
The Malabar Hill apartment is more than just a beautiful home. It is a living gallery, a retreat, and a tribute to the enduring value of design rooted in authenticity. In a world where aesthetic trends often dominate, Ashiesh Shah offers a refreshing counterpoint. His work demonstrates that true design integrity lies not in visual abundance, but in balance, craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of soul.
By seamlessly merging the worlds of architecture, art, and interior design, Shah has created a residence that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Malabar Hill is not only a destination for fine design but a manifesto for meaningful living—where every choice matters, every object has a voice, and every room tells part of a greater story.
Photography: Ashish Sahi