Old-Money Charm Meets Gen Z Cool in Bollywood’s Rising Star Tusharr Khanna’s Home

From his great-grandfather KS Kulkarni’s modernist art to custom furniture and a sneaker collection that speaks to his Gen Z soul, actor Tusharr Khanna has built a home that is part design statement, part personal archive, and entirely a reflection of his creative mind.

Stepping into Tusharr Khanna’s home is like walking into a well-curated mood board brought to life—except this one has a backstory, a personality, and a strong espresso waiting for you. This isn’t a space dictated by fleeting trends; it’s a love letter to good design, sentimental artefacts, and the journey of a man who once lived in a family friend’s servant’s quarters and is now basking in the comfort of his self-made sanctuary.

“I like simplicity, neutral tones, and spaces that don’t demand attention,” says 20-something Tusharr Khanna as he welcomes us into his Mumbai home on a quiet Saturday morning. Tucked away in the bylanes of the western suburbs, the space is a reflection of his understated aesthetic—curated with the help of his mother, who played an integral role in bringing his vision to life. Together, they designed a home that is an exercise in restraint, with an earthy palette of beige, black, and white punctuated by just the right amount of drama.

A sunflower in a ceramic vase? Naturally. A Barcelona jersey framed like a museum piece? Absolutely. “I like when something catches the eye without screaming for it,” he says with a knowing grin—much like his own effortless screen presence.

Textile Roots & The Art of ‘Just Right’

Growing up in a family of textile manufacturers, Khanna knows the power of fabric—how it drapes, how it softens a space, how it invites you in. “Textiles are like the soundtrack of a home,” he muses, smoothing a hand over his custom sofa that took two months of deep research to finalise. Every material in his home is chosen with intent—wood left raw, upholstery textured yet inviting, lighting warm and flattering.

But the real showstopper? The KS Kulkarni originals hanging on the walls. His great-grandfather’s modernist masterpieces—part of India’s art education curriculum—hold a place of honour. “Growing up, these were just there. Now, I truly get their value,” he says. “Minimalism isn’t about having less. It’s about curating only what matters,” he shares while brewing a caramel espresso in his prized Nespresso machine. Here’s a room-by-room guided tour by the man himself!

The Living Room: Cosy, But Make It Chic

Khanna is a big believer in the science of sinking in—hence, the plush, custom-designed couches. “I was done with L-shaped sofas. Everyone has one. I wanted something that felt sculptural but practical.” The space is an open invitation to lounge, read, and engage—except don’t think about moving anything because he has borderline OCD tendencies. “If things are out of place, my peace is out of place,” he admits.

The Bar: Moody & Mysterious

Every home needs a plot twist, and Khanna’s is his dramatically dark bar area. “I associate drinking with a moody, almost cinematic energy,” he explains. Black walls, deep tones—it’s like a grown-up hideaway where his framed Barcelona jersey sits proudly. “I got this custom-made in Spain. It’s got my birth date, 22, on it. I wasn’t going to let it collect dust in a drawer,” he shares justifying the perfect spot for it!

The Coffee Nook: For the Barista at Heart

“If I wasn’t an actor, I’d be a barista,” jokes Khanna, gesturing toward his dedicated coffee corner—a perfect little escape where a sleek espresso machine sits against minimalist wooden shelving. “Coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about the ritual.” He takes his morning espresso seriously, and this nook, warm and compact, reflects that passion.

The Bedroom: Where Royalty Meets Reality

“I want to feel like a king when I sleep,” declares Khanna, pointing to his oversized headboard. The room is a sanctuary—a space for deep rest, big ideas, and immersive cinema nights. His Bose sound system? Impeccable. His TV? Borderline too big for the space. “I love films. This room is my private screening room.”

Beside his bed, a reading nook beckons—a carefully curated stack of books lives there, waiting for moments of pause. “Reading is my escape. I wanted this corner to encourage that.”

The Walk-In Wardrobe: Fashion Over Guests

Khanna made a bold choice that most wouldn’t—he traded a guest bedroom for a walk-in wardrobe. “People visit for a few days. My wardrobe is with me every day,” he says unapologetically. The result? A meticulously organized haven of sneakers, jackets, and statement pieces. “Everything has a place, and that makes getting dressed a pleasure, not a chore,” he shares. Having collected sneakers for over a decade, his 50-piece sneaker collection now sits proudly in a dedicated display section within his open wardrobe—a curated showcase of his style evolution.

The Lego Collection: Pure, Unfiltered Joy

Amidst all the design sophistication, one thing stands out: his Lego shrine. “I’ve been obsessed since I was a kid. I still build—it’s my stress reliever.” His crown jewel? A detailed R2D2 from Star Wars. “It’s nerdy, but hey, it reminds me that creativity should be fun.”

Lessons for First-Time Homeowners (According to Tusharr, Who Knows a Thing or Two)

1. Know yourself before designing your home. “Don’t chase Pinterest trends. Your home should reflect who you are.”
2. Design for yourself, not for guests. “People leave, but your space stays with you.”
3. Balance aesthetics with functionality. “If something looks good but isn’t practical, it’s a waste of space.
4. Give your passions a place. “For me, that’s coffee, books, and Lego. Your home should celebrate your quirks.”

A Space That Feels Like Home

Khanna’s journey—from living in a borrowed space to crafting a home that’s truly his—is one of self-discovery. “This isn’t just a house. It’s my personality, my energy, my story in architectural form.”

And that, ultimately, is what great design is about. Not about what’s fashionable, but about what feels right. A space that welcomes you back, every single day.

Also read here, This minimalist home by Meena Murthy Kakkar masterfully blends the warmth of heritage with the elegance of restraint