Step inside Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti’s Goan holiday home

The journey of restoring Casa Zen was personal and entirely hands-on. In 2021, they took on the challenge of bringing the old structure back to life, preserving its heritage while making it their own. “Between Warsi and me, we’ve built three homes together from scratch, with many, many arguments in between,” Maria says with a smile, offering a glimpse into the passion and occasional chaos that fuelled the process.

Every decision, from hunting down hand-painted, Portuguese style Azulejo tiles in Bicholim to commissioning stained glass windows by an artist in Mumbai, was made with care and intent, resulting in a space that feels as vibrant and grounded as the couple themselves.

1. More is More: Mix, Match and Play with Colours, Textures and Patterns

The villa is an eclectic mix of colours, textures and playful design—from dainty floral murals that adorn bedroom doors painted in bold colours to quirky details like fish sculptures that peek both inside and out of its walls. The dining room is a special delight and it’s dramatic flair is particularly easy to replicate in compact city apartments. A lush, jungle-themed wallpaper from Asian Paints sets the tone and all the seating is painted in forest greens and earthy tones of blue and purple using Asian Paints Woodtech Emporio Pu Palette. “I think sometimes less is more, but sometimes more is less,” Maria says, summing up her fearless approach to mixing patterns and finishes.

The sheer size of vacation homes can often feel overwhelming to decorate but the Warsis have made Casa Zen feel intimate by creating cosy corners throughout. From loveseats in the verandah to benches in bedrooms and armchairs in corridors, there’s a spot for every mood—whether it’s for morning coffee, a leisurely chat or even cosy reading nooks. Each seating area feels thoughtfully placed, making the home both functional and welcoming.

Pro Tip: Add bright, printed soft cushions and throws in jewel tones to make breakout spaces inviting, no matter the season.

3. DIY Darlings—Salvage, Restore and Upcycle

Old bungalows like Casa Zen come with treasures waiting to be rediscovered. The couple lovingly restored original shell windows and doors and scoured antique markets and their own family homes for big, statement furniture. Maria also channelled her creativity into upcycling furniture and adding thoughtful details, like the two-tone walls and painted mouldings in the bedrooms.

In the walkway, a bright blue cabinet is splashed with gold accents (an effect that can be achieved with metallic paints by Asian Paints) is a standout. In the primary bedroom, a monochrome palette spells serenity and wooden balusters are accented with black and white paint to match the walls that feature a large mural of dandelions.

Use Asian Paints Woodtech Emporio PU to restore wooden furniture to create timeless classics (using a clear finish) or experiment with faux finishes and colours from the PU Palette for a fresh, bespoke look.

5. Garden of Glory: Lush Outdoors Matter Too

In vacation homes, the outdoors are as important as the indoors. At Casa Zen, the garden is alive with tropical plants, terracotta planters and comfortable seating for lazy afternoons by the pool.

Pro Tip: Add layers to your outdoor space with different heights—tall palms, mid-level ferns and flowering pots. A well-designed outdoor bar can be a bold centrepiece for entertaining.