Chetan Hansraj's home with the midas touch

Television actor Chetan Hansraj and his pretty wife Lavinia along with their four-year-old son Ethan occupy a cozy 1,000 sq ft apartment in a tree-lined bylane of Bandra.

Marbonite white flooring, off-white walls, plenty of golden coloured candles and candelabras; light gold coloured velvet sofas; gold-rimmed mirror; golden vases, plaques and cushions impart a festive look to the living room. “I have always loved the colour gold even as a little girl. It exudes a radiant, vibrant and opulent look,” says Lavinia about her favourite shade. With so much of gold, the interiors could have looked garish, but Lavinia has managed to balance it with a few well selected artefacts. For instance, multi-coloured stained glass hanging lamps, a purple table runner, orange and black cushions, etc. balance out the abundance of the sunny shade.

Not a believer in Vastu or Feng Shui, but Lavinia feels positive energy is the key essential for a good home. The couple moved into this apartment four years ago when their son was born. Though the home is entirely Lavinia’s domain, Chetan was as much a part of the decision-making process where the furniture or soft furnishings were concerned.

Since the house is small, their bar area doubles up as a dining table and is part of the open kitchen format. On the opposite side is a small seating area which is beautifully dressed up with two chairs, a table and a flower arrangement sporting fairy lights. With a keen interest in beautiful interiors, Lavinia plans to launch her own soft furnishing line just in time for Christmas.

With a young child around the house, don’t so many lit candles pose a problem? “Our son knows he’s not supposed to touch a lit candle as it’s dangerous,” says Chetan. “I’m always telling Lavinia that she’s planning to convert our house into a Church,” he adds jokingly.