Positive Energy

Architech Jimmy Mistry's house is designed to reflect warmth and energy, says Sneha Joshi

Jimmy Mistry , a wel-know architect, it known for his unique style a fact that is reflected in his own house. "When we decided to move, Parsi Colony was the best option as I feet this is one of the most well planned place in the entire city," he says. "The colony is very well organized. The greenery, the arrangement of the houses – these things are taken into consideration and properly done in order to have maximum place to move and breathe."

The house was originally a 3 BHK apartment carved out of 1,500 sq. ft. Misty decided to conver it into a 2 BHK, "I come from a very humble background," he explains. "Therefore when I moved to this house a little over three years ago my main focus was space."

Mistry has used the guiding principles of feng Shui to ensure peace and harmony. "My friend and renowed Fent-Shui expert Dr Nitin Parekh worked with me on this dream project. For me its is important that my house emits positive energy and that everybody who enters it should feel pleasent and welcomed every time," he says.

The first thing you see when entering this house therefore, is a 'Picture of Depth', depicting a walkway through a forest. "According  to Feng Shui or Vaastu, there should not be an empty flat wall at the entrance of any house. Thus this painting is situated here,' he points out.

The theme of the house is a black and white back ground. "People ask us, three yound children and a which Background – how do you manage this combination? I agree it is not easy. After every get-together, we have an gument about this. We have changed the furniture and uphoistery many times, but white is what we come back to every time,' says Delna Mistry, Jimmy Mistry's better half. Red has been used in some places because it considered auspicious.

The furniture is completetly custom-made. Carved out of recycled plywood, it has been designed to suit the taste of all family members. I',m strictly against the use of autometic wood. Trees are being brought down very fast and I don't want to be a reason,"says Mistry. "I try and avoid using wood even in my other projects."

The bar corner is the center of attraction is the living room, which is combined with the dining area. "I'm very fond of collecting liquor bottles from different parts of the world. Whenever I go out of India I pick a bottle of the local liquor. Now I have a collection of more that 300 bottles,' says Mistry's socially responsible side. The cabinet, depicting Oval Maidan, is handpainted by deaf and dumb artisits.

The dinner table is set always with beautiful crockery. Vibrand fresh flowers give the table an extrodinary look. There are many scuptures all over the house. Many crystal pieces and other decorative items are in the living room. "Everything is a souvenir from my visits to different places around the world. They all are hand-picked by me and my wife,' say Mistry.

The piano is the living room is a statement of Mistry's dream. "I always wanted a grand piano but there was no place. Therefore this is a tempory replacement. But when I move to a bigger house threre will be a grand piano," says Mistry. Pearl Mistry, 9 the eldes of the children, plays this piano.

The master bedroom has black as the dominant colour. There is a walk-in wardrobe, and the bathroom has been recently renovated with night-sky scenery, which glows in the dark. There is a bathtub, shower unit and basin with a large tanned miror on the wall.

The wardrobe in the children's bedroom, which Pearl shares withher younger siblings. Natalia (6 1/2) and Farahan (4) is also hand painted by deaf and dumb artists with their three favorite cartoon characters.

"We wanted a bunk-bed. So Papa fitted one," says Pearl. However, this bed is used for toys, as according to Feng Shui, sleeping on such a bed is not healthy.

The kitchen is very practical and functional with minimal storage areas. "I just gave him (Jimmy) a list of things I needed and he arraged it for me," says Delna.

Visiting the Mistry's residence reinforces the importance of chossing things which one like rather than those which just look good. They reflect the warmth of relationship between family members and also reflect positive energy.

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