The aesthetic is muted, the decor minimalist, and within its restful confines, the homeowners far removed from the fanfare and footlights of showbiz. Inspired by the classic New York loft, this pad owned and shared by actor Alia Bhatt and her sister Shaheen is steeped in neutral hues and imbued with a charming old-world air.

“Given that Alia travels a lot, hotels are a mainstay of her lifestyle. Thus, I envisaged a cosy home that would bring her back to her roots, yet be high on style and luxury. The house is designed for entertaining and spending time with family and friends,” says Richa Bahl, founder and chief interior designer of her eponymous design firm Richa Bahl Design Studio.

The main door opens into an enclosed foyer, characterised by wood-panelled flooring and a custom Windsor bench. The walls wear a white exposed brick finish that serves to add texture to the muted palette. An ornate stained-glass double door leads into the living room beyond.

The living room is dominated by subdued shades, soft lighting and deep-toned wood finishes. The U-shaped seating area, composed of a daisy sofa and buttoned bench, and a chocolate armchair, defines the heart of the room, while the flooring in shades of charcoal balances the lightness of colour in the rest of the room. Sweeping windows offer vistas of the verdure outside.

“The house was originally divided by a long lobby. I broke this down to create a big open living room that now stands at the centre of the house. The palette is deliberately antithetical to the heavy spotlights and electric atmosphere of Alia’s professional world,” says Bahl.

White sofa and cushioned bench: Roche Bobois; centre table: The Raj Company; chandelier: Savoy House

The dining area abuts the living room, gaining plenty of natural light through a window that spans the length of the wall. The teal-legged dining table is topped by a polished stone tabletop and flanked by Windsor chairs on one side, and a teal bench on the other. Wooden rafters on the ceiling lend a rustic accent to the dining space, while globular glass pendant lights spotlight the table.

Pendant lights: Savoy House; dining table is custom-made; dining chairs: Crate & Barrel

Beside the dining area, a knock-back nook – consisting of a buttercup-yellow bench, an upholstered divan and an ottoman – provides a spot for lounging post breakfast.

Bhatt’s love for tea is reflected in a stately wood-panelled tea bar that stands to the right of the main door. A mahogany-toned cabinet flanks the bar to the right, hosting tchotchkes and bibelots from Bhatt’s travels.

“The artwork across the home echoes light tones, while the photographs feature iconic Mumbai locations. I wanted to create a vintage-inspired contemporary look that would truly stand the test of time,” says Bahl.

In the kitchen the mint cabinetry is played up by a white subway backsplash and accented with silver hardware. Wooden shelves lend organic texture to the smooth surfaces. The floor sports a monochrome pattern, breaking the monotony of the solid blocks of colour.

Cabinets: Spar Arreda, Italy; wooden racks are custom-made; accessories: Crate & Barrel and Ikea; wall and floor tiles: C. Tribhovandas & Co

In the kitchen the mint cabinetry is played up by a white subway backsplash and accented with silver hardware. Wooden shelves lend organic texture to the smooth surfaces. The floor sports a monochrome pattern, breaking the monotony of the solid blocks of colour.

Cabinets: Spar Arreda, Italy; wooden racks are custom-made; accessories: Crate & Barrel and Ikea; wall and floor tiles: C. Tribhovandas & Co

In the master bedroom, a dominant palette of wood and white prevails.

The master bathroom continues the signature white-and-wood palette, and classic simplicity of the bedroom (not seen here). A bathtub takes centre stage, while colourful pThe master bathroom also has an ensuite steam room, clad in wooden panels.atterned tiles add pops of vibrancy to the pared-back setting.

The home’s fourth bedroom was refashioned into a spiffy dressing room, with a sage-panelled door that connects directly from the main entrance

The door opens to reveal an eclectic mix of old-world and modish decor. A cement-tiled floor conjures a lived-in appeal, while white walls and colonial-style windows serve to amplify the luminosity within. Wardrobes embellished with cross-patterned mirrors highlight the wall beside the window, while a voluminous glass dressing table anchors the wall opposite. The glass and mirrors visually minimise bulk, and create a room full of light and space.

“As a standalone space, the dressing room affords privacy from the rest of the house during makeup and fitting sessions. A lobby divides it from the neighbouring living room,” says Bahl.