Mallika Dua’s forest-themed home in this concrete jungle

Green is Everything

Intrinsic to this plan to make it as ‘her’ as possible was knowing what the idea of home meant to her. The most important lure to achieve that, it seemed, was greenery—or the suggestion of it. “I grew up in Delhi, which has so much of that [greenery]. Our house too had a garden. And I needed that energy here,” explains Dua. It all started when she saw the nature-themed wallpaper from Nilaya; one look and she was sold. It dominates an entire living room wall and sets the nature-inspired tone that Dua was after.

Things took off from there with choices of fabrics, artworks and other assorted décor accents in the same family as the wallpaper. “Slowly the entire living room had this forest theme. There was nature or wildlife in every element—the ottoman, upholstery to the Gond artworks. It doesn’t feel like I live in a concrete jungle when I sit here.” 

Accents of All Kind

While nature and all things earthy were the living room's locus, Dua’s personality was also as much at play. The desire to ensure every dressed-up corner had a story to tell stitched together a design that is completely her. “I wanted to move away from the all-beige and all-grey aesthetic and bring as much colour and pattern as possible.”

The little accents and accessories are yet another Dua hallmark. “As my followers on social media know, I’m kind of obsessed with décor accents. I love buying showpieces that add to my space.” She simply couldn’t help herself and the catalogue of offerings from Beautiful Homes Service augmented this objective. The knick-knacks are a constant feature throughout the space. A striking centrepiece snags attention in the warmly coloured dining nook. Her vanity room’s ikat wallpaper sets up a pretty patterned space. And thoughtfully bought accents complement her night-sky-like bedroom too.  

Vanity Design

In a home overflowing with her personality, Dua’s profession gets a well-considered look-in too. Her vanity room, sufficed with prints and patterns and a statement planter is, she says, her perfect getting-ready space. “I didn’t want a plain room with a big Hollywood mirror.” But the functionality is undeniable too, especially in the custom-made hydraulic wardrobe. It is very functional, easy to use, and looks really sexy!”