…and how not to end up with a flat that looks like a furniture ka godown
“Bhaiyya, ek kaam karo… yahaan ek mandir bhi bana do, aur yeh fridge ke side ek shoe rack fit kar do… Oh, aur TV unit ka design bhi thoda classy chahiye.”
Sound familiar?
That’s what a typical interior discussion in Mumbai sounds like.
And it’s cute… until it becomes chaos.
In a city where 2BHKs are sold like palaces, space is gold. One wrong design choice and you’ll feel like you’re living in a matchbox — with designer wallpaper.
So let’s talk about the real interior design mistakes people make in Mumbai homes — and how you can dodge them like a BEST bus in traffic.
1. Cramping the House Like It’s a Storage Unit
Mistake:
“Aree, L-shape sofa toh lena hi hai, uske bagal mein dining table aa jayega, and bar unit bhi manage ho jayega, na?”
No, boss. It won’t.
Most Mumbaikars overestimate their square feet. You can’t fit a Villa interior into a 600 sq.ft flat.
Fix:
- Choose sleek, multi-purpose furniture — like a coffee table with storage or a wall-mounted dining set.
- Use vertical storage and mirrors to add depth.
- Trust us, less is more when it comes to Mumbai flats.
📸 Image idea: Before/after of a congested vs. minimal living room.
2. Copy-Pasting Pinterest Without Local Common Sense
Mistake:
You saved 127 images of all-white bedrooms with fur rugs. But you forgot Mumbai = humidity + dust + monsoons.
Fix:
- Use light colours, but practical materials. Linen curtains, wipeable laminates, jute rugs.
- Go local: Maharashtrian brass lamps, cane furniture, earthy colours — they look fab and they breathe Mumbai.
✨ Desi twist: Add a little Paithani border cushion, or Warli art in your hallway.
3. Lighting = Tube Light. Bas.
Mistake:
“Ek ceiling light laga do, aur kaam khatam.”
Mumbai flats often lack natural light, especially if you’re sandwiched between two towers.
Fix:
- Layer your lighting: ceiling + spot + floor lamps = balanced mood.
- Warm LEDs work wonders for cozy vibes.
- Add under-cabinet lighting in kitchens and dimmable lamps in bedrooms.
📸 Image idea: Warm, layered lighting setup in a Mumbai bedroom.
4. Forgetting How You Actually Live
Mistake:
“Open shelves look so modern.”
Cut to: You crying every weekend cleaning dust and oil from those shelves.
Fix:
Design for your lifestyle. If you cook a lot, avoid open kitchens. If you have kids or pets, go for durable, low-maintenance surfaces.
🎯 Small Case Study:
A client from Malad insisted on all-white sofas. One month later, her golden retriever had rebranded it with his paw art. We switched to beige, pet-friendly fabric. Peace restored.
5. Ignoring Vastu, Then Regretting Later
Look, we’re not saying shift your toilet to the balcony for vastu. But a little alignment never hurt.
Fix:
- Simple changes like bed direction or placing a small copper pyramid in the northeast can make a difference.
- Mandir placement is key — avoid under staircases or bathrooms.
- Keep the northeast clutter-free and full of natural light.
🪔 Bonus: Add a tulsi plant in the balcony for both vibes and energy.
6. Falling for “Cheap” Over “Right”
Mistake:
“Next lane ka carpenter bole ₹30k mein kar dega kitchen. Let’s go with him.”
You will. And then regret it every morning when the drawer gets jammed.
Fix:
- Cheap is not always value.
- Find someone who gets Mumbai homes — small layouts, fast pace, climate, rental rules.
⚠️ Ask them: “What happens if this warps in monsoon?” If they blink, run.
7. No Design Theme = Confused Personality
Mistake:
“Yeh mirror Goa se liya, bed Dubai se, and this lamp… my cousin gifted it.”
Result? Confusion. No vibe. Zero soul.
Fix:
- Pick one core theme — modern desi, boho, Japandi, whatever — and stick to it.
- Add stories around that theme. It’s your home, not a shopping haul.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Decorate, Design
Your home in Mumbai isn’t just walls and furniture — it’s your pause button in a city that never stops.
Don’t rush. Don’t copy blindly. And definitely don’t settle.
Want a home that looks good and works well?
We’ve got you.
👉 Book your FREE 30-min home design chat with our team at Behomly.
Whether you need just ideas, want us to manage the whole thing, or you’re lost on where to start — we’re just a call away.
Let your Mumbai home tell your story — not someone else’s mistake.
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