By Abhya Adlakha
With nearly three decades of experience and a portfolio spanning 500 projects, Minnie Bhatt has established herself as one of India’s most distinctive interior designers. Her journey began unexpectedly at Mumbai’s Silver Beach Café in Juhu, which served as a catalyst for what would become a remarkable career designing over 100 restaurants across the country.
As the founder and design director of Minnie Bhatt Design, she has crafted spaces that range from premium restaurants like Burma Burma, PCO, and True Tram Trunk to private residences for notable personalities such as Ronnie Screwvala. What sets Bhatt apart is her approach to design—rather than imposing a signature style, she creates spaces that authentically reflect their owners while maintaining versatility and character. Her work, which she describes as largely intuitive, draws from her vast field experience and international travels, allowing her to navigate between understated residential projects and bold commercial ventures with equal finesse.
In this exclusive interview with PEAKLIFE, Minnie discusses her creative process, the evolution of her design philosophy, and how she continues to find inspiration after 28 years in the industry.
What led you to pursue a career in interior design?
Minnie Bhatt: It actually stemmed from boredom with my B.Com studies at HR College. I wasn’t particularly engaged with the coursework, and a lot of time felt wasted. When a school friend mentioned she was planning to take the entrance exam at Sophia Polytechnic, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I got in, partly because I had done my elementary art. But the real turning point came during my internship at Fine Lines Designers. What started as a year-long internship turned into a three-year position, and that’s where I truly discovered my passion for the field.
What do you love the most about it?
Minnie Bhatt: The beauty of our work lies in its diversity. Each project brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, whether it’s designing for a brand or a homeowner. We never repeat aesthetics, which keeps things incredibly dynamic. Every day presents different challenges and concepts to explore, and that’s what keeps us passionate about what we do, even after all these years.
How does your approach differ when designing a private residence, like Ronnie Screwvala’s home, versus a commercial space like True Tram Trunk?
Minnie Bhatt: With Ronnie’s home, we worked with a very understated aesthetic. They prefer subtle, homely interiors without anything too loud, focusing on pure materials like wood. The design had to align precisely with their taste, lifestyle, and preferences. But with True Tram Trunk, we could push creative boundaries because the concept demanded it. The name itself is a play on “too damn drunk,” so we wanted the space to feel slightly surreal—like how you perceive things when you’re buzzed. That’s why we incorporated wireframes in the design; they create this intentionally blurred effect that captures that feeling of altered perception.
How do you handle the challenge of switching between different design mindsets, especially when working on multiple projects simultaneously?
Minnie Bhatt: It’s one of the most challenging aspects of our work, to be honest. Sometimes we’ll have a submission deadline for one project while our minds are deeply engaged with another. Even after all these years, I still find it difficult to make that mental switch. When you’re creatively invested in one direction, pivoting to a completely different aesthetic or concept can be quite demanding. It’s an ongoing challenge—one that I’m still learning to navigate. I suppose it’s always a work in progress.
Where do you find your creative inspiration, and who are some of your influences?
Minnie Bhatt: I’m an avid reader, particularly of architectural biographies. Charles Correa remains my eternal inspiration—I deeply admire his work. These days, I also find inspiration in unexpected places, like social media, where you encounter perspectives from designers worldwide. These insights often help shift your thinking, especially when you’re creatively stuck. Of course, keeping up with my contemporaries’ work is equally inspiring. I believe inspiration is everywhere; you just need to stay receptive to it.
After working on hundreds of projects over the years, which ones stand out as particularly special to you?
Minnie Bhatt: Several projects have left a lasting impression. On the residential side, Ronnie’s home and a house we designed for him in Goa were particularly memorable. In the commercial space, True Tram Trunk and Burma Burma hold special significance. Ishaara at Palladium is another project close to my heart, as was La Poz in Kala Ghoda, though it’s no longer operational. More recently, we completed Zoi in Ranji, which has already become one of my favorites.
How do you balance client expectations with your creative vision, especially when designing Instagram-worthy spaces like True Tram Trunk?
Minnie Bhatt: So, this used to be a challenge earlier on in my career, when clients would put up a bit of a fight, you know, in what they wanted. But this dynamic has evolved significantly over my career. With residential projects, we tend to be more accommodating since it’s a personal space that needs to reflect the inhabitants’ lifestyle and preferences—they’re the ones living with it daily. However, with hospitality projects, I’ve noticed a shift. Clients now focus primarily on operational functionality while giving us creative freedom with the aesthetics. It’s a welcome evolution that allows us to fully realize our design vision while ensuring the space serves its intended purpose.
What are some exciting projects currently on your drawing board?
Minnie Bhatt: We’re working on a luxury nail spa at Kim’s Corner, Warden Road, housed in a classical building, which is particularly exciting. Another significant project is Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune in Indore, which is nearing completion. We’re also expanding the Burma Burma footprint with three new locations—in Delhi, Bangalore, and Chandigarh. Each project brings its own unique set of challenges and creative opportunities. I’m really excited.
Having witnessed the evolution of interior design over the years, what trends do you see emerging?
Minnie Bhatt: Design is inherently cyclical. We’ve moved from classical interiors to minimalist spaces, and now we’re seeing a fusion of contemporary and classical elements. Currently, there’s a strong preference for fluted panels, and wainscoting has made a comeback. What’s interesting is how these cycles manifest—it’s never a direct repetition but rather a modern interpretation of classic elements. In residential spaces, we’re seeing a shift from Japanese-inspired minimalism back to classical influences. The hospitality sector has undergone a similar transformation, moving from minimal to maximal aesthetics. It’s a continuous evolution where old meets new.
Maximalist or minimalist design?
Minnie Bhatt: I find minimalism a bit too austere for my taste. While it can work in temporary spaces, it doesn’t hold my interest long-term. I prefer spaces with character—not necessarily maximalist, but filled with carefully chosen elements that have staying power. For me, longevity in design is crucial. I focus on creating warm, layered spaces with pieces that will remain meaningful and relevant over time. The key is achieving that perfect balance where everything comes together to create an inviting atmosphere.
Sustainability has become such an important part of everything. How do you try to incorporate sustainability in your design?
Minnie Bhatt: Sustainability is something we consciously keep in mind while designing. I love working with natural materials like terracotta, bamboo, and rattan—they’re not only sustainable but also have such a beautiful aesthetic. I personally enjoy incorporating them into my projects whenever they fit the vibe of the space. Terrazzo is another material I adore, and I’ve used it in many of my designs. It’s all about being mindful and finding ways to blend these elements seamlessly into the overall look and feel.
