Project by

Minnie Bhatt

Minnie Bhatt Design

About Minnie Bhatt Design

Minnie Bhatt, founder of Minnie Bhatt Design, is a celebrated interior designer known for creating timeless, expressive spaces that blend warmth, function, and individuality. A graduate in interior design, Minnie’s journey began serendipitously when she was asked to design the interiors of Mumbai’s Silver Beach Café—her first café project, which turned out to be a turning point in her career.

Since then, she has gone on to design over 100 restaurants, carving a niche for herself in the hospitality design landscape across India and beyond. With a strong foundation shaped by her upbringing amidst Mumbai’s Art Deco architecture, Minnie brings a deep appreciation for enduring styles and character-rich spaces. Her designs reflect an intuitive approach, prioritizing the client’s lifestyle, brand ethos, and personal narrative over trends or personal imposition.

From residential projects to large-scale commercial spaces, Minnie Bhatt Design adapts effortlessly to context and scale, known for its ability to troubleshoot and manage complex on-site challenges. The studio’s signature style leans toward natural, sustainable materials, exuding a sense of understated elegance. Yet, Minnie remains flexible—welcoming opulence and eclecticism when the project calls for it.

With over 25 years of experience, Minnie continues to be inspired by travel, real-world experiences, and a deep-rooted passion for design. Her unwavering enthusiasm makes each project a unique journey, resulting in spaces that are as personal as they are timeless.

HORTUS

Design Team: Drishti Valia & Prachi Zagade

Site Area: 4200 SQ.FT

Completion of Project: January 2023

Client Name: Issac Alexander

Rooted in the legacy of Hortus Malabaricus, this evocative bar and lounge in Kochi by Minnie Bhatt Design brings botanical history to life through immersive design storytelling. Inspired by vintage floral illustrations, the space unfolds under suspended ceiling sculptures—illuminated art pieces that anchor the room in both light and lore. Deep green walls envelop plush lounge seating, while a custom bar pays tribute to the Malabar butterfly, its façade crafted in engraved monochrome tiles and mirrored honeycomb textures.

Design Highlights:
• Suspended ceilings with custom botanical artwork and strip lighting
• Bar front inspired by the Malabar butterfly, adorned in engraved tiles
• Honeycomb-textured illuminated bar back with antique mirrors
• Elevated private nook with hand-painted florals and antique brass lighting
• Flooring in wood and terrazzo; floral mosaic tabletops
• Soft furnishings in floral pastels and jewel tones
• Striped smoking room with metal and stained glass doors

Summary
Hortus is a vibrant interplay of history, fantasy, and maximalist indulgence. Every detail from dried florals in glass cloches to custom accent lighting creates an atmosphere of layered luxury. More than a lounge, it’s a theatrical tribute to nature, nostalgia, and the rich cultural tapestry of Kochi. A botanical reverie, reimagined as a bar.