Inside Poorna Patel-Soni’s Immersive Sanctuary

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Mumbai, Poorna Patel-Soni has emerged as a definitive tastemaker, one whose influence is rooted in a deep understanding of hospitality and the art of the "experience." Having led and curated brand experiences for global luxury icons like La Mer, Jimmy Choo, Moët & Chandon, and Christian Louboutin, as well as managing hospitality for the Indian Premier League, Patel-Soni possesses a rare, intuitive eye for how a space should feel.

That sensibility finds its most personal expression at home. For Patel-Soni, hosting is instinctive. “Growing up, our home was where people naturally gathered—conversations flowed, and everyone was made to feel welcome, with music quietly tying the atmosphere together,” she reflects.

When designing her sea-facing Mumbai residence alongside her sister, Avni Patel, she wanted to continue this legacy, cultivating a space that is conducive to connection: a warm, airy, and colourful sanctuary where every design choice felt deeply intentional.

“I thought about how each room could tell its own story and carry its own rhythm, how people would move through the spaces, interact with the house, and feel comfortable in every corner,” she says.

For her, the presence of sound in her space is not an afterthought. “I don’t see music as background noise, but as an ambient layer that subtly influences mood and energy,” she says, emphasising that it acts as a grounding element within her home.

“When sound moves naturally through the home, it feels present without being disruptive,” she notes.

It was with this philosophy in mind that Patel-Soni chose to install Sonos throughout her home, with the intent to have music seamlessly integrated into the design, embedded within the architecture. “The focus was never on installing “technology,” but on letting sound exist naturally within the space, supporting the way we live,” she says.

To achieve this, Sonos undertook a professional, end-to-end optimisation of the residence, transforming it into a fully integrated, multi-room ecosystem. The installation was meticulously planned to ensure that while the sound was immersive, the hardware remained unobtrusive.

“Guests often comment on how beautifully curated and effortless the sound experience feels,” she shares.

By prioritising a clean aesthetic, the speakers — including the flagship Arc Ultra and Sub Gen 4, alongside Era 100 and Era 300 — were fitted to complement the interior design rather than interrupt it. Sonance outdoor speakers were calibrated to bridge the transition from the sleek interiors to the breezy terrace, creating a consistent soundscape that moves with guests, rather than demanding they stay in one place.

This allows guests to move freely within the space, while also enjoying the ambience throughout. “Music flows naturally, allowing conversations and movement to continue uninterrupted,” she says.

The transformation of Patel-Soni’s home signals a future where sound is treated with the same intentionality as architecture or light, recognised as a fundamental design layer that determines the emotional pulse of a space.

For her, this marks a shift away from tedious, "added-on" technology toward an uncomplicated, intuitive experience. Whether it’s a quiet morning or an evening of hosting, the Sonos ecosystem manages the mood within her home, effortlessly.

“Most people don’t ask about the system right away; they simply feel the atmosphere,” she shares. “That, to me, is the mark of thoughtful integration.”