HAPPY HOME MAKEOVER MINI MATHUR, KABIR & BLUE KHAN

WHEN THE CELEBRITY COUPLE DECIDED TO EMBARK ON A RENOVATION JOURNEY, THEY HOPED TO INFUSE THEIR TWO-DECADE-OLD HOME WITH THE SPIRIT OF AN 'AANGAN' REFLECTING THEIR GLOBE-TROTTING ADVENTURES. AS THEIR DREAM TOOK SHAPE, IT NOW STANDS AS A STUNNING VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THEIR PROFOUND PASSIONS: THE JOY OF COOKING, THE WARMTH OF FAMILY AND THE ADVENTURES OF TRAVEL

- NAYARE ALI

In the concrete jungle that is Mumbai, discovering a small oasis of open space worthy of being called a balcony feels akin to striking gold. Possessing a 1,000 sq ft expanse of the splendid outdoors, enveloping every common area of the house is a veritable stroke of luck. Mini Mathur and Kabir Khan know just how fortunate they are.

The couple has called their Mumbai suburban apartment home for over two decades. It's where they've raised their children, Vivaan and Sairah, and their magnificent husky, Blue Khan. It's a place that is filled with cherished memories for them. "As we grew, we have added more space to the house,” says Mini. Until now, the vivacious TV host and her filmmaker husband had chosen not to employ the services of an interior designer, opting instead to decorate the space themselves. Describing the house, she says, “It was a collection of items we’ve gathered during our travels. Whenever we come across something we like, we incorporate it into our living space.”

Given her discerning taste, Mini had her eye set on Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane for her impeccable home design. “I’ve admired Shabnam’s work for quite some time. I had already made up my mind that if I ever decided to renovate my house, I would choose her because our preferences and styles align perfectly,” she expresses.

Shabnam recalls how they bonded instantly on meeting. “When Mini first approached me, it was for a swanky new penthouse they had liked. But after we visited the place together, we decided to revamp and extend her existing terrace apartment. I believed it had immense potential and possessed a charming, old-world personality,” says the interior designer.