Malaika Arora's Scarlett House is a charming paradox. The interior – with its striking design rooted in vintage maximalism – is belied by its exterior: a quiet Indo-Portuguese bungalow in Bandra’s Pali Village, where time slows down, and the Maximum City’s soaring new developments give way to colourful two-storey dwellings in narrow lanes. In this milieu, Scarlett House stands out, poised to become one of the hottest new spots in town. “It all started with the germ of an idea about building the next coolest café, and it was love at first sight with the first site we visited,” Arora says. “We were enthralled by the charm of this quaint red Portuguese gem in the winding lanes of Bandra – visually and emotionally, it couldn’t be better for us. And needless to say, this structure became the inspiration for the name Scarlett House.”
Arora’s ambitious vision for the “next coolest café” wasn’t hers alone. She teamed up with restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi to bring Scarlett House to life, enlisting some young blood to infuse fresh energy into the space – her son, Arhaan Khan, and Malaya Nagpal. Nyishi Parekh, principal architect at Splendour Living, was brought on board to design the interior. Speaking of what influenced the design, Parekh says, “The inspiration lay in the building itself. The café is set in a quaint, weathered bungalow that blends old-world charm with rustic simplicity. The design was inspired by a combination of nostalgia, history, and the desire to evoke a sense of warmth and timelessness.”
Living Room Glamour
From the eclectic, mismatched furniture to the vintage dinnerware on display, the restaurant's interior unfolds as a cheery, sunlit living room. A charming blend of whitewashed walls, distressed accents, warm wooden tables, glazed tiles, and retro works of art come together in style. The space feels authentic in its layering, with curios collected with care over time. “A lot of the rugs and decorative lights in the space have been picked up from the weekend markets of Paris,” Parekh says. “Watch out for some joyful ceramic crockery that sits on the wooden shelves as you enter the café. These handmade, artisanal pieces reflect an era of craftsmanship where every piece was unique, and the gorgeous hand-painted patterns reinforce the vintage aesthetic.”
Arora adds to this, sharing her vision for the interior. “It was one of quiet and warm luxury,” she says. “The place is embracing, such that once you enter, you stay on for hours without wanting to leave – while we take care of all your needs, right from breakfast all the way to you savouring a warm plate of food at supper.” The result is an environment that is warm and homely, yet undeniably glamorous, transitioning with ease from day to night.
Restored With Care
Both Arora and Parekh operated with the aim to work within the context of the bungalow, retaining its inimitable essence. This meant having to refurbish parts of the old structure to its former glory. The bungalow’s charming windows were meticulously restored, ensuring their functionality while retaining their period style. In addition, the original wooden floors had to be restored as well. Parekh says, “Old buildings often come with inherent quirks, imperfections, and character that modern structures simply cannot replicate. Whether it’s worn beams or creaky floors, these elements are embraced rather than hidden. Our design process became an act of incorporating the building’s authenticity into a new vision but never losing its character.”
Malla’s Favourites
The culinary fare at Scarlett House folds seamlessly into Malaika Arora’s ethos. Designed by Chef Beena Noronha, the menu transforms as the day progresses and incorporates international flavours with an Indian twist, using ingredients sourced from across the country. A whimsical addition to the menu is a page dedicated to ‘Malla’s Favourites’, containing reinterpretations of Arora’s personal recipes, such as her popular baked fish or banh mi stuffed with offal.
In many ways, Scarlett House feels like an enchanting repository of culture and design. “The Portuguese bungalow is symbolic of a blend – outwardly old-fashioned but loaded with values and stories within, much like Scarlett House,” Arora concludes. “The same theory manifests itself in the design and décor – until you open the door to Scarlett, you wouldn’t know what lies within. And as you keep stepping into it, the experience grows richer and unfurls tons of surprises.”
Scarlett House is set to open doors on December 3.
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