Sensory Styling: The Mehta Family's Home Journey

Have you ever walked into a home and just felt good? Not just because it looks nice, but because of how it feels to be there? Maybe a soft rug under your feet, the smell of fresh flowers, or the perfect music playing quietly. Most people think decorating is just about what you see. But what if your home could talk to all your senses – how it smells, sounds, feels, and even tastes? That's what happened on a special project I worked on with a wonderful family in Mumbai. It showed how sensory styling can turn a beautiful apartment into a truly amazing place.

From a small home to a grand space: The Mehta family's big move

A vision takes shape

My journey with Mr. and Mrs. Mehta began when one of Mumbai's top architects called me. He was doing an incredible job designing their new home. He handled everything: picking the best Italian marble, creating smart layouts that used every bit of space perfectly for their needs, choosing all the furniture, paint colors, and even the everyday technical lighting. He made sure they had amazing cross-winds from the sea, and designed beautiful spaces like their walk-in wardrobes, the grand main entrance, and bathrooms that were truly beautifully conceptualized. My specific job from him was to curate the decorative lights for all their spaces.

Unlocking the senses

Mr. Mehta, who works in the pharmaceuticals business and is very well-travelled, and Mrs. Mehta, who loves to host, had a clear idea: their home should be elegant and modern, showing off their stylish life. Their duplex apartment, with its five bedrooms, a cool home theatre, and a beautiful sea view, was already impressive thanks to the architect's truly brilliant work. But as I delved into the decorative lighting plan and watched the family interact, I suggested an approach that went beyond what they could just see: sensory styling.

A deep dive into their world

This idea clicked with them immediately. I spent time getting to know their world deeply: Mr. Mehta enjoys having friends over for single malts and cocktails on the balcony terrace, and Mrs. Mehta is very social, with lots of friends visiting her home. Their kids also often bring friends over. We talked about their favorite foods and drinks, how they like to socialise, and their hobbies. This deep talk helped me imagine a home that would not just look fantastic but also feel, sound, smell, and even subtly taste wonderful. It would be much more than they ever thought possible for their new, bigger home.

A note on project photography

For privacy reasons, I can't share actual photos of the Mehta family's home. However, throughout this article, I've showcased some pictures of products used in their space, to give you a little peek at the style and elements, without showing their private home itself.

The symphony unleashed: A home beyond expectation

My part in this project was to add special sensory layers to the architect's amazing main design. The process of making the Mehta family’s new home touch all their senses was very personal. The real magic is in the final result – a home that now plays a perfect tune for all their senses. The Mehtas say they never knew a home could feel this good. They moved from a place that was just a house to a special hideaway that truly feels alive, giving them comfort and joy they didn't have before. During this process, I also made sure to introduce special fillers, luxury, premium luxury, and heirloom collections into their space. Plus, I gave them advice on how to keep adding new layers to their home, like when Mr. Mehta brings back a new souvenir or curio from his overseas travels, or when Mrs. Mehta adds to their collection during family vacation trips.

Sight: Lights that paint pictures

The visual allure of their Mumbai duplex apartment is magnificent, a testament to the architect’s brilliant design and the exquisite Italian furniture. My focus on decorative lighting became super important here. I picked special lights that can change the mood easily. Imagine bright lights for morning breakfast overlooking the amazing sea view, then soft, cozy lights for evening parties in the living room. The interplay of light on their wall art and a special LED & Swarovski wall covering adds cool, moving patterns, making the rooms feel alive. Every glance offers something beautiful to see.

Sound: Curated harmony

Moving from a quieter neighborhood to the city meant new sounds. Now, the Mehtas enjoy sounds made just for them, which works perfectly with the architect's great room design. For Mr. Mehta’s get-togethers in the bar & den and on the balcony terrace, I carefully chose background music – like smooth jazz or fun lounge music – that fits the conversation without being too loud. While I’m no professional DJ, I couldn't resist curating a custom playlist for them, perfect for mornings, evenings, and those lively parties! Mr. and Mrs. Mehta absolutely love it, though I must admit, the kids have politely requested a few more pop anthems! These special sounds make their home feel truly theirs, a peaceful escape from the city.

Touch: The invitation of texture

Touching things in their new apartment is a constant pleasure, adding to the luxury the architect created. My job was to add more things you'd love to feel. This included the soft fabric cushion covers, the interesting texture of the coffee table book, the cozy feel of the carpet under your feet, and even the touch of personalised serving trays. The Mehtas often say how every surface, from a smooth side table to a beautiful sculpture, makes them feel so comfortable and surrounded by gentle luxury.

Smell: A special scent for every room

The smells in the Mehta home are one of the most surprising and wonderful parts. For common areas, I chose a nice, sophisticated smell with hints of fresh citrus and cedarwood, using fragrance diffusers, aligning with their contemporary interiors and the fresh sea air from their balcony. I also advised them to get a florist to come every week and put fresh flowers in the vases, changing them with the season, festivities, and their moods. For private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, the scents were carefully picked. Mr. Mehta’s mother’s room has a calming lavender, their main bedroom has a special mix that feels cozy and fresh, and the powder room has a crisp, clean smell. This ensures their home always smells welcoming and uniquely delightful.

Taste: Elevated culinary moments

Even though taste might seem odd for home design, in the Mehta home, it’s a big part of their fun social life. Their bar accessories, including elegant drinkware and cool ice buckets, elevate Mr. Mehta’s cocktail making in the home theatre and on the balcony terrace. Importantly, Mr. Mehta also loves to pursue his hobby of cooking for his family and friends in their well-appointed kitchen, making those shared meals even more special. For Mrs. Mehta’s vibrant parties, the crockery and cutlery not only look great but feel perfect to hold, making eating even better. The taste changes when you experience the same food served stylishly and with the most amazing cutlery on the finest crockery. Do you agree? I had to give this to Mrs. Mehta specially, having tasted her amazing recipes and food! Beautifully arranged serving dishes with tasty snacks on console tables and in the dining room quietly invite guests to indulge, reinforcing the Mehtas' reputation as exceptional hosts.

Living better: The magic of sensory design

Today, the Mehta family’s beautiful Mumbai duplex apartment is more than just rooms with furniture. It’s a living, breathing example of the power of **sensory styling**. They often tell me how their home feels more "alive," how guests always comment on its unique feel, and how personal and comforting it is. They constantly say they got much more than they expected, a feeling of total happiness their old home just couldn't provide. Now Mrs. & Mr. Mehta enjoy sharing the stories of how they have curated their home. I had a small part to play, and I'm so glad that they enjoyed it. I'm sure that they will enjoy it always.

This amazing change shows how using all your senses can make living an art, turning a house into a truly special home for everyone in the family. It doesn't matter if your space isn't 4500 sq ft or isn't a duplex. What matters is that small things make a big difference. Design is in the details!

Elevate your lifestyle with Spacio

At Spacio, we believe every home can be a sensory masterpiece. We don't just offer great home decor or fancy art pieces. We learn about your needs, your lifestyle, and what you dream of to create a space that truly feels right for you. Our expert interior stylists in India are here to help you experience this elevated living, making your space a haven that delights all your senses. We are proud to be the top choice for Architects, Interior Designers, and Interior Stylists in India for our beautiful collections, available at our stores in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Author

Navin Kanodia has spent over 30 years in the world of design & decor. He is known for understanding design trends from all over the world and bringing them together in unique ways. He believes homes should not just look rich but also feel deeply personal and touch all your senses.