Custom chandeliers, ribbon curtains, vintage arches: IT couple transforms 700 sq ft Mumbai apartment into a whimsical French fairytale cottage

If you grew up watching fairytales like Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, then you are no stranger to rustic cottages, dreamy castles, magical interiors, and whimsical details that make ordinary spaces feel extraordinary. But what if you could live the reality? An IT professional couple from Mumbai, Ankita and Kshitij Mishra, have made it possible. Their 700 sq feet apartment in Powai, which took 2 years to build, is an ode to Ankita’s childhood love for fairytale novels, especially Snow White and a fondness towards whimsy, magic and art.

Fairytale charm meets old-world cottage style

Ankita wanted a home that resembled the old-world charm of French and English cottages. Needless to mention, her home is painted in similar shades of beige and brown, soft-pastel, earthy tones with vibrant hues of red and pink for an extra dose of colourful vibe. Warm lighting and wooden furniture elevate the welcoming allure of the property.

A multitude of gold-plated and intricately designed framed hang on the walls while a custom-made chandelier swinging just above the dining table adds some regalness. An ottoman magically opens up into a storage box, indicating that equal attention has been given to functionality. Additionally, the same ottoman transforms into a centre table and a gaming table where the couple play games or dine.

Whimsical interiors blend beauty with functionality

A floral-printed sofa opens up into a bed while the curtains have ribbon linings, contributing to the aesthetic appeal. Frilly lamps, cutesy clocks, antique crockery — all add up to the fantasy touch. In a conversation with The Humans of Bombay, Kshitij revealed that an alley in the house is named the ‘passage of love’ because he and his wife love taking pictures in the spot. Meanwhile, arches curve into doorways, and hand-painted details dominate every corner.

The multi-purpose room has a mint-coloured box, decorated with flower embroidery, which once again opens into a giant bed. The master bedroom comes with vintage mirrors and dim lighting, as if transporting the couple into a dreamy countryside. What is even more fascinating is that every detail, be it a switchboard, tissue box, or door handles — everything reverberates with playfulness, with small bows enhancing the romantic space. The powder bathroom has floral prints, a vintage mirror here and all the faucets are purely made from brass, reports Architectural Digest.

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Final takeaway

Together, the residence reflects its owners’ imagination, proving compact living need not sacrifice personality. Cleverly conceived furnishings maximise utility without compromising visual delight, while nostalgic accents create an inviting atmosphere. Every corner balances practicality with storytelling, resulting in an intimate retreat that feels playful, elegant, personal, and wonderfully transportive throughout everyday life.