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Theatre artist and actress Sujata Mehta loves collecting bangles, hats and jewelry. These have become part of the interior vocabulary of her south Mumbai home, designed by architect Bhavya Kenkare (Arch Aid). For instance, her bangle collection from around the world is displayed within the top of the coffee table. Her hat collection occupies a pride of place upon a living room wall. The bar displays her costume jewelry within its glass-topped showcase.

Although a compact space, the interior architecture has made more from less by knocking down walls, opening up space and creating circulation within. Thus, light, ventilation and view have become this apartment’s plus points.

In addition, brick-clad walls, gold-embossed wallpaper, wooden flooring, beamed ceilings, chandeliers, brass handles, vintage switchboards and switches add ethnic tones to the space. The master bath is clad in mirror and Jaisalmer stone tiles. The brass and wooden swing along with charpai style seating and bamboo chairs add to the owner’s hometown (Gujarat) vibe.

This ethnicity is very much in tune with the owner’s personal style. Yet, in keeping with her living requirements, there is an open kitchen and a bar which create visual fluidity in the living room. This becomes the perfect place for the owner and her theatre friends to get together, pour over film scripts, emote and learn lines.