White Oasis

A Sejal Shah-designed suburban Mumbai home that embodies old love and new beginnings.

- Ambica Sharma

A soft white glow fills Sanam Shah’s all-white studio apartment in Mumbai. It has a cool, calm and crisp aura about it. Like the much-desired ice chip on a hot, dry day. All of 475 sq ft, the home’s open-plan design overshadows its restrictive floor space. Designer Sejal Shah of Mumbai-based Reflections, reveals, “Sanam is a dear friend, and I was very keen to make this small space appear luxurious and expansive. It had to be Vaastu-compliant and also fit her personality.” The home holds an oasis of memories for Sanam, a certified energy healer. “I have always been a healer. This home, which I inherited from my mum, is a tribute to her, and now an extension of my personality and work,” she explains.

The colour scheme, while appropriately glamorous, begs the question, why a white-on-white theme for a home? Well, white served two purposes. Firstly, it was Sanam’s mom’s favourite, and secondly, white has significance to the process of healing that Sanam practices. “Since white appears clean, and, one has to work hard to keep it clean. Consequently, one has to keep oneself clean. And that gets you into a positive energy circle of looking after yourself as well as your surroundings,” Sanam explains.