Houzz Tour: Eclectic Design in an Indian Actor’s Colorful Home
Irrfan Khan’s apartment, filled with traditional decor and Indian craftsmanship, offers a respite from busy Mumbai
This Mumbai, India, apartment embellished with arboreal motifs, sculptures, decorative frames, intricate art and traditional furniture has a delightful otherworldly quality. The home was designed as an ode to Indian aesthetics and art and is filled with travel finds, accessories and paintings.
The apartment belongs to award-winning Indian actor Irrfan Khan, known for movies such as The Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and A Mighty Heart, and the HBO series In Treatment. “Irrfan Khan and [his wife] Sutapa Sikdar wanted a place that is welcoming and makes you forget about the outside. They wanted to create a world of their own within this chaotic city of Mumbai, where they could be connected with everything yet stay away from the noise,” says Shabnam Gupta of Mumbai-based interior design studio The Orange Lane.
The apartment belongs to award-winning Indian actor Irrfan Khan, known for movies such as The Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and A Mighty Heart, and the HBO series In Treatment. “Irrfan Khan and [his wife] Sutapa Sikdar wanted a place that is welcoming and makes you forget about the outside. They wanted to create a world of their own within this chaotic city of Mumbai, where they could be connected with everything yet stay away from the noise,” says Shabnam Gupta of Mumbai-based interior design studio The Orange Lane.
Inside this ornamented living room are artifacts purchased from around India or collected by the homeowners over time.
The home stands out for its eclectic vibe, brought about by the combination of traditional Indian furniture and design elements and a modern layout. A charpai (a low, wood-frame bench with a seat of woven rope, usually found in homes in rural villages), a Gond painting (a kind of Indian tribal art), an intricately carved wooden screen framing a mirror on the wall — reminiscent of Rajasthani jharokhas (enclosed balconies or windows in ancient forts) — and colorful, locally purchased jute rugs are just a few of the many examples of the age-old vernacular elements that have been given a contemporary lift.
A traditional jhoola (a swing that is a staple in many Indian homes, installed especially in courtyards and gardens), made by the designers, has been placed almost exactly in the middle of the space and immediately draws one’s attention. “This two-seater swing was created from a plank of wood and hung from teal-blue ropes,” Gupta says.
The home stands out for its eclectic vibe, brought about by the combination of traditional Indian furniture and design elements and a modern layout. A charpai (a low, wood-frame bench with a seat of woven rope, usually found in homes in rural villages), a Gond painting (a kind of Indian tribal art), an intricately carved wooden screen framing a mirror on the wall — reminiscent of Rajasthani jharokhas (enclosed balconies or windows in ancient forts) — and colorful, locally purchased jute rugs are just a few of the many examples of the age-old vernacular elements that have been given a contemporary lift.
A traditional jhoola (a swing that is a staple in many Indian homes, installed especially in courtyards and gardens), made by the designers, has been placed almost exactly in the middle of the space and immediately draws one’s attention. “This two-seater swing was created from a plank of wood and hung from teal-blue ropes,” Gupta says.
The corner pillar of this large space displays more accessories: There are mirrors of different shapes and sizes and terra-cotta panels.
The living room is surrounded by balconies on two sides. “These balconies feature tall greens and act as screens blocking the outside world,” Gupta says.
The living room is surrounded by balconies on two sides. “These balconies feature tall greens and act as screens blocking the outside world,” Gupta says.
Next to the living room lies the dining area. “We have designed this as a more stately and formal space,” Gupta says. While the chairs are upholstered in a rich blue color, the reigning hue is a quiet shade of white, lifted by warm notes of brown wood and a cluster of sharply styled black wire lamps suspended above the table. The wall inset with mirror panels, which was built on site, brightens and expands the room. A second inset of windows opens into the living area, connecting the two spaces. The floor is polished, sea-green river wash stone, which reappears throughout the house.
Tables and chairs: Peacock Life
Tables and chairs: Peacock Life
Each bedroom in the house has been designed and curated to suit its inhabitant yet also respond to the unifying theme of the whole home.
Khan’s bedroom is a tranquil, white space that is accentuated with bright blue cushions and a headboard of the same color. Another Gond painting behind the bed immediately catches the eye. “Both Irrfan and Sutapa are very artistically inclined and creative in their outlook. Here, we have created a focal point with a drawing on the wall that was done by the in-house artists at Peacock Life,” Gupta says.
Khan’s bedroom is a tranquil, white space that is accentuated with bright blue cushions and a headboard of the same color. Another Gond painting behind the bed immediately catches the eye. “Both Irrfan and Sutapa are very artistically inclined and creative in their outlook. Here, we have created a focal point with a drawing on the wall that was done by the in-house artists at Peacock Life,” Gupta says.
On the other side of Khan’s bedroom is a bay window that offers a view of his private study. “This is a beautiful spot that combines a multitude of spaces — a tall library wall, comfortable seating, a reading nook and a study room tucked away at the back,” Gupta says.
Sikdar’s room is tailored to her likes and tastes. “This room displays floral motifs, more Gond art and antique pieces, and is an individualistic area that stands out on its own. This room also has a tiny balcony, just big enough to hold a round yellow table and two chairs,” Gupta says.
The four-poster bed is from Peacock Life, the table lamps have been made by artisans from Jodhpur, and the Gond art is from Sikdar’s personal collection.
Next to the parents’ bedrooms and adjacent to the kitchen are the children’s rooms — this is a peek into Babil’s room.
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Who lives here: Actor Irrfan Khan, wife Sutapa Sikdar and their two sons, Babil and Ayan
Location: Mumbai, India
Size: 3,660 square feet (340 square meters); four bedrooms and five bathrooms
Designer: Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane
This fifth-floor apartment opens to a vast living room. The space is flooded with natural light through full-length glass windows. To the left of the entrance lies the dining room and four bedrooms: Khan’s room with its attached study, Sikdar’s room and the rooms of their two sons. All the rooms have attached bathrooms.
“Our aim was to design each space as a representation of its inhabitant’s distinct personality. We also wanted to bring in a seamless connection with the [common areas],” Gupta says. The designers imposed a cohesive plan to connect various areas of the apartment.
The color palette of the living area is vibrant, with blues and greens on a backdrop of gray. “The living room, inspired by garden spaces, has an exposed ceiling with a floral light installation that almost looks as if a [vine] has naturally clung to the slab and spread across the expanse. A deep-blue water body with the gentle sound of water overflowing from the urn placed at the center adds a sense of serenity [to] the space,” Gupta says.