A long drive through the Taj Express highway leads to former model Ramneek Pantal’s house at posh and quiet Green Village flats in Noida. A quick glance inside the small yet compact house reflects her aesthetic preference — simple, sober, subtle.
The little gallery entrance is adorned with a huge wooden mirror along with a glass table decorated with silver artefacts. “I have a huge obsession with silver stuff. I don’t like jewellery but love silverware and antiques. I usually get them from a shop called Oma in Khan Market. You will find many silver knick-knacks including silver tray, a peacock and a vase placed around the house. I just feel silver adds a royal touch to the décor.”
The small entrance leads to the living room and small dining area in the corner. The living room is closest to Ramneek’s heart as she has beautified it with her most precious items. From a 35-year-old chest given to her by her parents to paintings made by her mother and a mini bar she gifted her husband on her sixth anniversary, the place has fond memories. “I have been taking care of these items for years. My father got this chest for my mother from Bhutan, which she later gifted to me. These items keep the warmth and happy moments alive.”
With a fusion of ethnic and modern look, the decor also comprises of stylish ceramic statutes from Hong Kong and artificial flowers which she gets from New York. The house even has many dog statues, which reflects her love for dogs. “I’m really fond of dogs, but can’t afford to keep them as I have to take care of my kids. Hence, I fulfill that love by buying these statues.”
The living area opens up to a small little balcony which is Ramneek’s favourite place, where she loves to spend her morning hours. “It’s like waking up with the sun. I read my newspaper and have coffee. It’s also my best place for yoga,” she says.
Bright colours and cartoon characters pep up the kids’ room. “It was Adhiraj’s (Ramneek’s son) idea to do up his room with all his favourite cartoon characters including Ben 10 and Spiderman. Besides, I have tried to make the kids’ room informative by framed paintings of alphabetic letters, animals and epic stories done in a fun way so that children can understand and relate to them.”
Ramneek’s bedroom is uncluttered with just a Plasma TV, her wedding portraits and her mom’s paintings. “Heavy décor simply depresses me,” she sums up.