Spectacular Spaces: Shivani Shah Jayasinha Brings Tropical Modernism to the Heart of Mumbai

By lodha

Studio SSJ brings the spirit of Sri Lanka into a Lodha Trump Tower residence, balancing earthy materials, custom pieces and playful moments of discovery

In the heart of South Mumbai, Serendib, a 1,600 sq ft home at Lodha Trump Tower, Worli, presents an ode to the spirit of Sri Lanka. Named after the ancient Arab word for Sri Lanka meaning ‘jewel island,’ the home was designed by Shivani Shah Jayasinha, founder of Studio SSJ, for her own family. The result is an expressive space that bridges her Indian heritage with her husband’s Sri Lankan roots.

A Blend Of Heritage & Nature

To create an airy, light-filled home, the original four-bedroom layout was transformed into a spacious three-bedroom residence, anchored by an expansive living area that frames scenic views of the Arabian Sea. The design embraces tactile modernism through muted shades of white, black and grey, interspersed with earthy neutrals.

Custom-made in-house furniture sits comfortably alongside artisanal pieces such as a hand-knotted Jaipur rug and a striking 100-year-old vintage planter stand restored by Shivani’s architect father. The adjacent dining area holds an eight-seater round grey marble table, crowned by a custom-made driftwood and parchment paper chandelier. Elevating this set-up is a hand-carved Kota sandstone tree-trunk mural that beautifully catches the light.

The Heart Of The Home

Perhaps the most evocative space in the home is the den, fondly named ‘Vintage Ceylon’. Enclosed by openable glass partitions, it serves as a cosy family TV room or a quiet coffee nook by day. By night, motorised roller blinds and a pull-out sofa bed can easily transform it into a private guest bedroom.

The centerpiece here, however, is an entertaining alcove cleverly built into a reclaimed bathroom space. Sliding back custom shutters clad in a 100-year-old archival print of Colombo’s Galle Road reveals a fully-equipped bar. Its shelves hold treasures gathered over time: Sri Lankan devil masks, batik details and a vintage ceramic horse from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, that has been carried forward through generations of the family. This space is intentionally designed to evoke Colombo, with views from the bar stools conjuring images of coconut palms and the salty breeze of the Indian Ocean.

In the kitchen, an oasis of sage green and beige cabinetry is anchored by an island counter tiled in black and white. Featuring ample storage and optimal functionality, it’s a space that is designed to be vibrant yet contemporary.

Restorative Private Spaces

Passing down a hallway adorned with a black-and-white family gallery wall leads to the home’s private quarters, designed with complete attention to both utility and mood. 

Designed for Shivani’s four-year-old daughter, the children’s room is crafted as a whimsical yet functional sanctuary that can grow alongside her. A pastel pink single bed, accented by a custom rainbow wallpaper backdrop, expands into a double bed when needed. Accessible low-height storage gives her complete autonomy over her toys, while the bathroom door features thoughtful, interchangeable photo frames to display evolving family memories. 

In the master suite, soft greys and beiges are layered with tactile details, from fabric-textured wardrobe doors to a focal wall behind the teak headboard, covered in imported Japanese shibori weave wallpaper. To optimise space, a dual-purpose desk holds a flip-up mirror vanity that conceals daily essentials when closed. In the adjoining bathroom, natural black slate and rose-gold hardware lend the space a sleek, contemporary finish.

An amalgamation of soft tones, rich textures and earthy Sri Lankan charm, this home has been carefully designed to capture the layered story of the family living within. Beyond its tasteful aesthetics, Serendib is a testament to how great design can bridge cultures, preserve memories and adapt to the rhythms of family life. In the heart of Worli, Studio SSJ has created not just a luxurious residence, but a home that feels warm, expressive and full of character.