How to build your own Antilla?

Love it, hate it, but you can't ignore it. Whatever your opinion on the extravagance, Antilla, rising 27 floors in to the sky, is a Mumbai landmark hard to miss as you drive around the Pedder Road-Altamount Road area. Tara Kaushal writes.

Love it, hate it, but you can't ignore it. Whatever your opinion on the extravagance, Antilla, rising 27 floors in to the sky, is a Mumbai landmark hard to miss as you drive around the Pedder Road-Altamount Road area. While you may not call 4,00,000 square feet of real estate your home, there's nothing stopping you from incorporating some signature elements from Mukesh and Nita Ambani's home into your humble - well, arguably humbler - abode.

HT Image

Colour me cream: Cream-beige-brown is the base of the Ambani home. Pale and bright gold accentuates the decor. For your home, start with cream walls and marble floors. Wood, mother of pearl and crystal further the theme.

Adopt an Indo-modern style: Nita Ambani says her home is "a modern home with an Indian heart". The furniture has delicate detailing. Little motifs in the marble add character. Large Ganesha and Shiva statues are juxtaposed against manicured lawns.

Choose elaborate chandeliers: The Ambanis' ballroom has a chandelier-covered ceiling, which requires space and high ceilings. A modern crystal chandelier in a large-ish living room creates a luxurious effect.

Grow a garden: Antilia has multiple terrace and vertical gardens. Ask a landscape architect or create a garden with help from the net.

Choose the best your money can buy. The Ambani house has one-of-a-kind designs, like the Gingko-leaf bathroom sinks. While money doesn't guarantee taste, it can get you professional services! Call in the experts. The Ambanis did.

The writer is former launch editor of BBC GoodHomes, and co-founder of an interior design website.