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Two homes, one apartment building and endless inspiration at the Panday residence. Take a tour of the actor’s space with the new season of Asian Paints Where the Heart Is
What makes a house feel like a home? For Bollywood’s sweetheart Ananya Panday, it’s the little things: the soft pastel hues, the cosy seating that invites friends to linger and the golden light pouring in from her balcony. But it’s also about staying close to her roots, quite literally. Moving into her first apartment was less about leaving the nest and more about expanding it. Her new home is just an elevator ride away from her parents’ apartment in the same Mumbai building, a move that feels as practical as it is quintessentially Indian.
In Season 8 of Asian Paints Where the Heart Is, Ananya takes us on a tour of both her serene, minimalist apartment and her family’s bold, eclectic home.
“When people think about my house, I want the first word to be warm,” Ananya says and her apartment truly lives up to that promise. A visual ode to femininity, romance and subtle luxury, the transition reflects her personal and professional growth. Whether it’s the quirky fashionista Bae in Call Me Bae or the introspective Ahana Singh in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Ananya’s apartment feels like a set her characters could inhabit.
With a neutral palette infused with millennial pink and baby blue, the space feels like a soft sigh of calm amidst the chaotic rhythm of the city. Its minimalist interiors and open-plan layout beautifully embody the Scandinavian chic aesthetic, offering plenty of design inspiration for anyone looking to transform a compact city apartment into a calming sanctuary.
Her parents’ home is a vibrant contrast to her serene apartment—a bold, eclectic space designed to bring the family together. “This has been our happy place since 1971,” says her father, Chunky Panday. The marble-floored living room, anchored by velvet sofas in jewel tones, exudes elegance, while the glass-walled sunroom in the terrace, with geometric flooring and lush greenery, adds a contemporary edge. Every corner is thoughtfully created to encourage connection and shared moments.
Together, both these homes show how thoughtful design can cater to different needs and lifestyles. Whether you’re creating a personal retreat or a lively gathering spot, these homes provide plenty of real-world inspiration:
Minimalist interiors don’t have to be flat or dull. Textured walls, such as those achieved with Asian Paints Royale Play, can create subtle depth and interest in neutral spaces. Ananya’s home uses statement wallpapers with pastel floral motifs in her living room and walk-in closet and you can get the look with the Nilaya collection of wallpapers by Asian Paints.
Pro Tip: For a budget-friendly approach, consider accents like two-tone walls or ombre walls in complementary shades like a soft blush (Tinge of Mauve) paired with creamy beige (Double Cream) from Asian Paints. These subtle textures create a sophisticated and romantic vibe without overwhelming the room.
Compact homes often benefit from an open-plan layout, like Ananya’s apartment. Her living room flows seamlessly into her dining area creating a sense of spaciousness. “I wanted every seating area in my home to feel comfortable and to accommodate as many friends of mine as possible,” she shares. And to that end, every sofa, armchair and bench in the home in upholstered in plush, soft fabrics with ample depth for optimal lounging. Curvy, L-shaped sofas or circular dining tables with vintage-style chairs in light wood or upholstered neutrals also add a softness.
Pro Tip: To enhance the functionality of small spaces, stick to minimalist lines and matte finishes. Use fluted wall panels or textured room dividers to subtly demarcate areas without breaking the flow.
Ananya’s home is designed with flush doors that blend into the walls. This thoughtful detail enhances the minimalist aesthetic, making the transitions between rooms feel seamless and uninterrupted. The fluted wooden panels introduce subtle texture, adding visual interest to the neutral walls while cleverly concealing hidden doors. This design choice amplifies the open and cohesive feel of the apartment, making it ideal for compact city homes.
Pro Tip: For those inspired by this look, incorporating flush walls with understated textures or matte finishes can achieve a clean, uncluttered aesthetic while maintaining functionality.
Soft furnishings bring the cosy, feminine vibe of Ananya’s home to life. Think boucle fabrics, pastel linens and velvety cushions. In her living room, neutral rugs in different sizes and patterns adds warmth and comfort, while light, sheer curtains filter natural light beautifully.
Pro Tip: For a quick makeover, swap out old cushion covers or bedding with printed or textured fabrics in shades of pink, mauve or beige. Pair these with monochrome palettes or light pastel hues to achieve a balanced Scandinavian chic aesthetic.
Mirrors are a simple yet effective way to create the illusion of space in compact apartments. Ananya’s living room features large mirrors that make up the wall panelling in the TV lounge, making the room feel larger and brighter. For renters or budget-conscious renovators, a strategically placed mirror can transform even the smallest rooms.
Pro Tip: Painted ceilings are another way to add dimension to a minimalist space. Soft pastels and warm neutrals can create a cocoon-like effect in bedrooms or cosy reading nooks while using the same colour for both walls and ceilings can help make a room appear more expansive.
Ananya’s minimalist kitchen features baby blue shutters and Smeg appliances in mint green that are the stuff of Pinterest dreams. To recreate this aesthetic, opt for neutral or pastel cabinetry with matte finishes and bold accents like brass or gold handles or drawer pulls. Terrazzo floors or countertops in soft, earthy tones can add warmth while tying the entire space together.
Pro Tip: For small kitchens, keep clutter out of sight with hidden storage solutions, and use open shelves sparingly to display only the most beautiful or meaningful items. Stick to monochrome palettes or neutral colour combinations, and add a touch of greenery with potted herbs or small plants.
The family living room’s bright blue sofa is a showstopper that anchors the space. Bold, jewel-toned pieces add character and a touch of luxury. Pair with complementary textures such as leather, velvet, metal or wood, and balance the boldness with neutral flooring like marble.
The glass-walled sunroom, featuring geometric, black-and-white flooring and surrounded by greenery, showcases how indoor and outdoor elements can harmonise. Incorporate natural light with large windows, mirrors or glass doors, and bring in plants to blur the boundaries between inside and out.
The family home uses bold artwork, textured walls, statement rugs and colourful furniture to layer visual intrigue. From the bright blue sideboard to the whimsical patterned armchairs, every piece contributes to a lively, curated aesthetic.
Take inspiration from the Panday family home, where a thoughtful balance of private spaces and communal areas fosters harmony. Create more than one central hub in your home, no matter the size, a space where everyone naturally gathers such as a cosy lounge, an engaging multimedia room or an inviting terrace with ample seating and natural elements. Pair this with well-defined private spaces that allow for solitude, ensuring every family member feels at home while still encouraging shared moments of connection.
Photography by Stories In Motion
Will you be living in your space during the renovation ?
DEC 2023
Please Select Date and Day
Appointment Date & time
17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM