In the heart of Mumbai, actor Malavika Mohanan’s family residence stands out as a soulful tribute to Kerala’s cultural richness. Thoughtfully designed by her parents, the home reflects a blend of artistic sensibilities, intellectual depth, and a strong connection to heritage.
“We were very particular about the fact that we didn’t want the space to look like a cookie-cutter home,” Malavika shares, adding, “We wanted it to reflect where we are from, our love for the arts, and our love for heritage.” This vision is evident throughout the house, which features a curated mix of locally sourced artefacts and pieces collected during the family’s travels.
One of the first elements that draws attention is the distinctive red flooring, inspired by traditional Athangudi tiles commonly found in South Indian homes. “This is one of my favourite features of the home,” Malavika explains, “I think it’s a very interesting colour to have on the floor and it’s very interesting to have the signature piece of your living room be the tiles.”
The interiors are further enriched by cultural details such as an intricate Tanjore painting sourced directly from Tamil Nadu, and a Kerala-style temple corner adorned with a traditional brass ‘Vilakku’ lamp that has been part of the family for over a decade.
Nature also plays a central role in the home’s design. “I love starting my morning by looking at a lot of greenery, and we have a lot of that in my house,” she says. With three balconies filled with plants collected from across India, the home offers a rare green escape in a dense urban setting. “Our garden has also been curated through the course of all our travels… I don’t have a green thumb, if it were me living alone, I don’t think any of the plants would be alive!” she laughs.
Her personal space mirrors her personality—filled with books, travel souvenirs, and a handcrafted lamp from Fez. The highlight, however, is her custom-designed walk-in wardrobe. “My vanity, which is one of my favourite pieces in the house, was designed specifically for where it’s meant to be placed,” she shares, describing it as one of her most cherished possessions.
Despite changing lifestyle trends, Malavika values living with her family. “I like coming back home to my family, they’re my support system. Why wouldn’t I live with them for as long as I can?” she says. Surrounded by creativity—her father a cinematographer, her mother a writer, and her brother an archaeologist—her home doubles as a space of inspiration. “Home is my recharge space and creative haven; being here fuels me to go out and put on a good show,” she affirms.
Source: Architectural Design
