Inside Malayalam star Soubin Shahir’s Kerala home: A 6,300-square-foot Kochi apartment that looks like a mini forest with walnut dining table and nature-inspired theme

Imagine entering a home where leafy plants greet you at the entrance, a fallen tree trunk doubles as a seat, and earthy interiors bring the outdoors inside. Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir’s 6,300-square-foot apartment in Kochi offers just that. Rather than filling his home with elaborate decorations, the actor has created a space that reflects his deep love for nature. From a green-filled foyer to a dining table carved from a single slab of walnut wood, every corner has a story rooted in simplicity, childhood memories and Kerala’s natural surroundings.

A fallen tree trunk welcomes guests into Soubin Shahir’s home

The first thing visitors notice about Soubin Shahir’s Kochi apartment is its abundant greenery. The plants begin right at the foyer, creating the feeling of walking into a miniature forest rather than a conventional urban home.

According to Architectural Digest, the entrance of the Malayalam actor's abode features various foliage like variegated gigantium, papyrus and pandanus. There's a falled tree trunk structure that serves asa seating area. Instead of choosing something straight out of an interior design magazine, the couple relied on natural elements.

How childhood memories inspired his love for plants

If you are wondering why is the Manjummel Boys' star obsessed with nature, then the answer lies in his childhood memories. In an interview with Architectural Digest, he recalled that his 'Amma' (mother) used to give him the task of watering the plants in their family garden. This chore developed into an attachment with nature and its elements.

He further added that he always wanted more greenery than a small garden, if he were ever to build a home for himself. And his dreams finally came true. However, an interesting fact about his house, as per Architectural Digest is, Soubin Shahir's house has almost no flowering plants.

Why Soubin Shahir’s home has almost no flowering plants

Generally, people love to add vibrancy and drama by bringing in colourful flowers for visual appeal. But not Soubin. As per the publication there are no flowering plants except for an aromatic lily, which might have been placed strategically to add a hint of sweet fragrance.

Earthy interiors bring Kerala’s traditional homes into the living room

Beyond the foliage-filled entrance, the living and dining areas interiors use earthy colours, natural materials and understated finishes to create a warm, grounded atmosphere. The publication further reported that Soubin's house's designer Oommen Thomas drew inspiration from Kerala’s tropical aesthetic.

One of the most noticeable features is the pigmented black micro-cement flooring, inspired by the traditional black-oxide floors found in older Kerala homes and lime-washed walls. Woven cane ceilings, soft linens and rustic wooden furniture complement these details. The addition of the walnut table further adds character to the room, while keeping the family connected to their roots.

About Soubin Shahir

Soubin Shahir is not just an actor, but also a director and producer who has primarily worked in Malayalam cinema. He marked his acting debut with Annaym Rasoolum in 2013 and shot to fame with Premam. Later, his role in Sudani earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. He was last seen in the movie Manjummel Boys.