A ’90s Time Capsule In Mumbai: Inside Ismail Darbar’s Vintage-Chic Home

National Award-winning composer Ismail Darbar recently opened the doors of his Mumbai home for a home-tour feature, revealing a space that looks like it has stepped straight out of the 1990s yet feels comfortably lived-in today. Every corner is dotted with personal memorabilia, musical references and handpicked antique elements.

Vintage Vibes And Memorabilia

The living area is anchored by classic wooden furniture, patterned flooring and warm, slightly dim lighting that lends a sepia-toned, retro feel to the space. A dedicated photo wall displays family pictures, moments from his film career and snapshots with industry friends, turning the room into a visual biography.

Shelves lined with trophies and his National Film Award sit alongside indoor plants and curios, merging professional milestones with homely detail.

Piano Corner And Creative Zone

At the intersection of the corridor and living space sits a black piano draped with a red velvet cloth, immediately calling back to the grand sets and orchestrations of his films. Nearby, a gallery-style section features a whiteboard and even a key rack that neatly organises keys of idle cars in the garage, reflecting his love of order amid creative chaos.

Warm, Lived-In Aesthetic

The kitchen carries the vintage brief forward, with rustic lighting and muted cabinetry tones that make it feel like a homely, old-school cooking space rather than a glossy modular setup. The overall palette—earthy hues, wood textures and soft lighting—ties the kitchen visually to the rest of the house.

Vintage Decor Highlights

• Photo wall with framed family memories and career snapshots
• Black piano with red velvet cover as a statement music corner
• Rustic kitchen lighting and warm cabinetry for an old-world feel
• Awards, indoor plants and antiques layered to build cosy, lived-in charm
  
  

Sources: Indian Express, NDTV Lifestyle