A material world: Rajiv Saini designs new Atmosphere flagship in Mumbai

Indian architect Rajiv Saini has sprinkled his modern magic on the latest showroom for fabric house Atmosphere in Mumbai, bringing new life to the world of textiles.
Arranging the showroom more like desirable living quarters than a shop, the opulent palette of marble marries alloy and warm wood in a space that includes a lounging area and bedroom. Presenting the Bangalore-based brand’s luxury fabrics at their very best, the new Mumbai flagship is a world away from the minimalist concrete look that marks its other stores. A fresh clean glow invites the customer to imagine the Atmosphere catalogue of drapery, embroidery and velvets in their own home.
Dramatic window arches are a highlight of the boutique. Reaching the high ceilings of the two-level location, they are painted dark, juxtaposed with the natural light shining onto quilted cushions, acting as an area for customers to relax and browse the collections. Saini tells Wallpaper* these windows were at the forefront of the design: ‘I wanted these tall arches to become elegant sentinels.’
The crisp open-air space is speckled with contemporary design highlights like Patricia Urquiola's quilted 'Redondo' chair for Moroso and the 'Jules' chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Arflex, among other custom-made shelves and tables. Striking notes of Scandinavian design emerge in the subtle dove grey curtains and white washed walls; while the brass, Carrara and Nero Marquina marble, and honey oak finishes add warmth.
The collections themselves can be seen throughout the space: from the linens on the bed of the mezzanine floor to the cushions in the archways and of course, across the beautifully organised library. For a brand rarely in the spotlight, Saini gives Atmosphere a new lease of excitement.
Located in Mumbai, the showroom appears more like desirable living quarters than a shop, the opulent palette of marble marrying alloy and warm wood in a space that includes a lounging area and bedroom
Striking notes of Scandinavian design emerge in the subtle dove grey curtains and white washed walls; while the brass, Carrara and Nero Marquina marble, and honey oak finishes add warmth
Dramatic window arches are a highlight of the boutique. Reaching the high ceilings of the two-level location, they are painted dark, juxtaposed with the natural light shining onto quilted cushions, acting as an area for customers to relax and browse the collections
Contemporary highlights include Patricia Urquiola's quilted 'Redondo' sofa from Moroso (pictured left), and the 'Jules' chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Arflex
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Atmosphere website
ADDRESS
Atmosphere
1, Sunny House
Ground floor
Mereweather Road
Mumbai 400001
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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.
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