Olympian Manu Bhaker’s home makeover is a gift to her parents

The essence of the renovation is captured in the living room, where clean, understated design is elevated with thoughtful detailing. A striking Sabyasachi wallpaper from the Nilaya range by Asian Paints, adds depth and character to the living room. Inspired by traditional Pichwai art and the Vrindavan tales of Krishna, its delicate pattern of flora and fauna brings a subtle, timeless charm to the space “This wallpaper was my mom’s pick,” Manu says, explaining how her mother’s taste influenced much of the home’s design. The room also features a sleek TV cabinet, a thoughtfully designed trophy wall showcasing her medals, a simple sectional sofa and nesting coffee tables. By leaving room for future additions, the design reflects a family home that is still growing and evolving.

The minimalist bedrooms carry the same thoughtful interior styling. Manu’s parents’ room features soft blue tones, designed to create a relaxing retreat. Manu’s own room retains touches of her personality, with a hand-painted doodle wall standing out amidst a pastel green palette and a moss-green headboard. Her brother’s room, meanwhile, features a neutral Swiss Coffee-coloured wall and a window ledge that’s transformed into a cosy reading nook, blending simplicity with practicality.

With mindful decluttering, thoughtful design accents and signature services by Asian Paints Beautiful Homes, this makeover offers a compelling example of how design can honour both past and present. The Bhaker family apartment provides valuable lessons for minimalist city homes, demonstrating how to balance functionality and sentiment.
 

Style Guide for Minimalist City Homes Inspired by Manu Bhaker’s Apartment:

1. Establish a Focal Point with Statement Walls

Incorporating a statement wall can add depth and character to a minimalist space. For instance, using a bold wallpaper from the Sabyasachi for Nilaya collection by Asian Paints can serve as a captivating focal point. This approach allows the rest of the room to remain understated, maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.

Using the colours from the wallpaper can also help set the colour palette for the rest of the room. It provides an easy guide to incorporating colour in fabrics, décor accessories and even other wall colour combinations, making it particularly useful for those hesitant to experiment with colour in compact, minimalist city apartments.

When selecting a colour palette, consider how the tones will interact with natural light and the textures in your space. To enhance the palette, incorporate texture through materials—such as linen curtains, woven rugs or matte-finish walls—which can add visual interest without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. This approach ensures your chosen colours work cohesively across different surfaces and lighting conditions, creating a balanced and inviting environment.

To maximise efficiency, categorise belongings by function or frequency of use and designate specific storage spaces for them. Incorporating dual-purpose furniture and hidden storage solutions, like ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with under-storage, can further enhance the room’s functionality while maintaining its streamlined appearance. By keeping surfaces clear and storage intentional, you create a space that feels both comforting and practical.
 

5. Incorporate Multifunctional Furniture

In urban apartments where space is limited, choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes is beneficial. For example, a sofa-cum-bed or a day bed can provide seating during the day and transform into a sleeping area at night. Similarly, nesting tables provide flexibility—expanding to accommodate guests or extra surface space when needed and neatly tucking away when not in use. Additionally, incorporating wall-mounted desks or foldable dining tables can free up valuable floor space.

By blending functionality with personal touches, Manu Bhaker’s apartment is a reminder that good design isn’t just about trending aesthetics—it’s about making a home that feels lived in, loved, and uniquely yours. This home renovation project in collaboration with Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Service demonstrates that thoughtful details and intentional design can transform even a compact city apartment into a place where memories are made and cherished.

Photography by Stories In Motion