This Mumbai apartment is a minimal, monastic den

Old steel boxes are repurposed as shelves to store the precious mementos. From vintage perfume bottles and badges to first ever credit cards, things of emotional value find a home in this cupboard.

Cabinet of Curiosities houses heirlooms passed down for generations in the family. The cupboard, bought at a flea market was carefully painted to bring out a vintage effect. You can adapt the idea to store books, china ware or even convert it into a puja room.

The dining space is non-pretentious and kept simple with a bare table surrounded by black chairs, which adds a little contrast to the otherwise white surroundings. For small spaces especially, such streamlined furniture saves space and can also perform multiple functions.

A smart way to utilise the empty space between two pillars is to go vertical. Here, Elsie used a sleek bookshelf that also doubles up as a place to display objets d’art, making for a colourful corner.

Placed in a recessed alcove between two pillars, the neutral toned sofa is propped with some bright cushions. To completely utilise the space behind furniture, you can build floating shelves or hang artwork as well.