Mumbai on a run towards minimalism!

Just a few years ago, the east side of the Marine Lines station in South Mumbai featured a sky bridge, below which was a bus stop with a plain, rather dilapidated backdrop of walls. Currently, this spot features striking colours, a large mural of a cat, and other elements that might be visible on the train if one crosses the Marine Lines station. However, this is in stark contrast with the current mood of the city, “minimalism.”

Over the past few years, strolling down the streets of Mumbai has become yet another way to witness the cultural shift in the city, which, historically, has always boasted vibrance. “There has been a shift. With Mumbai’s fast-paced, often chaotic energy, diners are drawn to spaces that offer a breather - calm, aesthetic environments that feel curated but not cluttered,” says Vishal Bhindora, the Director of Zane café, a spot that boasts minimal décor.

There might be various reasons behind the shift, but as per Mr Bhindora, the rise of social media also plays a role. “Clean, elegant interiors photograph well and align with the kind of lifestyle many aspire to,” he says. Talking about why places have got to be minimal, Mr. Bhindora says that minimalism has become the “brand’s way to communicate that they prioritise substance - whether that’s in food, service, or experience - rather than relying on flashy gimmicks. “In an era where authenticity and mindfulness are valued, minimalism feels like a natural fit - it’s about creating spaces with intention rather than just decoration,” he adds.

Ever since Mumbai expanded to the suburbs, the landscape dealt with the load of migrants from across the country, which further also resulted in a fast-paced life. The majority of stakeholders believe the city’s advances towards minimalism as a way to cope with it. “In a city like Mumbai, which is full of hustle and bustle on weekdays, the demand for places with calm and serene ambience has seen a rise,” says Varun Sahani, the Senior Vice President (Operations) of Mostly Grills, The Orchid Hotel says.

Mostly Grills is yet another spot that opened on the top floor of The Orchid Hotel a few years back, giving a glimpse of the airport’s runway and keeping a minimal décor. “A business hub like Mumbai that remains busy on the workdays gets the people to look for sustainability. Minimalistic interiors, with earthy tones, plants, and natural materials, evoke a sense of tranquillity and align well with the boho style, which often emphasises comfort and warmth,” Mr. Sahani cites the reason.

Chef Viraf Patel from Across Restaurant, which is located down south in Kala Ghoda, puts forward a different opinion – from the context of presenting food and how it also acts as a factor ensuring the décor. “We wanted the food to take centre stage, allowing its flavours to speak for themselves—without the need for embellishments to prove authenticity. While we love colour and vibrancy, we also designed the space to feel transportive, as if you could be anywhere in the world, enjoying flavours from distant, hard-to-reach lands,” he says.

The chef is also of the view that minimal spaces are “inherently easier to manage, allowing operators to dedicate more time and energy to food, beverages, and service quality”. “Mumbai's dining scene has evolved to embrace a wider variety of restaurant styles, with minimalism being one of them. While every vision is unique, the city is now more receptive to personality-driven spaces rather than relying solely on formulaic concepts,” Chef Patel further says.

Colours restricted to corners

Just like the remodelled Marine Drive station, there might be a few spots that have still maintained the authentic charm of colours and vibrancy in Mumbai, while other spots have already become the stories of yore; however, out of all the old and historical spots like Bandra’s Chapel Road, which still has the essence of the bygone era. While multiple bungalows boasting Goan architecture have always been a witness to changing times, many of these bungalows have been redeveloped.

When Chapel Road was quick to lose its old-world charm, the past decade managed to bring colours to the street. The street has now been dipped in the best of the wall artworks, graffiti, and murals that have become a memoir of a few Hindi movies — all thanks to the Bollywood Art Project started in 2012.

Another example is Khotachi Wadi, also known as the 'heritage village'. This Portuguese-Catholic hamlet has preserved its area with its colours, vibrance, and striking elements in the houses. The residents' reluctance to allow the area to be cosmopolitan, like the entire city, has kept the old-world charm intact.

But these apart, Mumbai has embraced minimalism over the years, as per interior designer Nyishi Parekh. “I think a big reason for this shift is the fast-paced nature of city life. People are craving spaces that feel calm, open, and clutter-free.

Talking about brands' and hospitality's inclination toward the shift, Parekh, Director of Architecture and Hospitality at Splendour Living, says that minimalism is in high demand for homes, boutique hotels, and even many modern office spaces. “People want an uncluttered environment that is easy to maintain.”

That said, Parekh has also noticed how a lot of brands are also seeking a balance. “I have noticed a shift where clients do not want extreme minimalism or full-on maximalism; they are looking for a balance. So instead of just stark whites and empty spaces, we are seeing a lot of textured neutrals, curated statement pieces, and subtle pops of colour that add personality without overwhelming the senses,” she adds.

While for Nyishi Parekh, it is more about the psychology of the place behind deciding the decor, the speed with the city of dreams is transforming to the maximally-minimal landscape, it might be sooner that the entire city embraces the look away from its original identities — just like how Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) did a few years and adopt the shades of grey.