People of Belarte - Taro's House
Let me introduce you to Marco and Shreya, a talented creative duo based in North London, where they live with their chihuahua, Taro. Marco works in motion design for the games industry, while Shreya specialises in branding. Together, they’ve built a beautifully warm and inspiring home that reflects their shared love for coffee, music, and interior design.
EXPLORE MARCO AND SHREYAS FAVORITES
Can you introduce yourselves?
We’re both deeply passionate about coffee, interiors, and music. These elements play a big part in how we spend our time and shape the way we live. Our goal was to create a space that reflects this — one that’s not only comfortable and functional but also creatively inspiring. From the cozy corners where we enjoy our daily coffee to the carefully curated music playlists that set the mood, everything in our home is designed to fuel our creativity and help us unwind. It’s a space that nurtures our passions and feels like an extension of who we are.
Tell us about your wall mural. Why did you choose this design?
We chose the Shifting Gradient Ochre wall mural because we absolutely love the warm, beautiful hues it brings into the room. Living in London, the weather can often be cold and gloomy, which sometimes makes the space feel a bit dull but this wall mural really makes a huge difference to this space. Even on the cloudiest, rainiest days, it adds so much warmth and coziness making the room feel inviting and bright. One of our favorite things about it is how it almost looks like a watercolor painting, even up close — the subtle gradients and texture make it feel so dynamic and unique.
How would you describe your interior style?
Natural, textured and lived-in. We focus on using natural materials and neutral colours, while creating visual interest through textures. The space is curated, but it also feels welcoming and lived-in. We like things to feel real and personal and don’t shy away from a little clutter or mess because it reflects the way we live. Over time, we've gathered a collection of books, vinyl records, ceramics, and other meaningful items that we love to showcase in our home. These aren’t just decorative pieces — they’re things we use every day and that hold personal value. Each item tells a story and adds to the unique character of our space. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between a thoughtful design and a space that feels comfortable and authentic to us.
What’s the story behind your beautiful home and the home café?
We’re a fairly introverted duo who spend a lot of time working from home, so we wanted our space to feel more like a personal studio — a place where we can experiment, create, and immerse ourselves in the things we love. We even created our own home café to recreate some of our favourite drinks at home. Our focus is to live with intention, especially with the little moments at home. Even though our space isn’t huge, it’s incredibly cozy and thoughtfully designed to fit everything we need, the perfect environment for both work and play.
What are some key things to keep in mind when designing a small apartment?
When designing a small apartment, the most important thing is to disregard conventional rules and focus solely on your needs. Once you do that, the space stops feeling small. For us, that means not cluttering the space with things that don’t serve a daily purpose — like a guest bedroom that’s rarely used. Another key strategy is opting for lightweight, modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to make room for different activities, helping maximize the space in a flexible way.
How do you create a space that feels curated but still lived in?
It’s all about balancing intentional design with personal comfort. While our home is thoughtfully arranged, we mix decorative pieces with items that hold personal significance — like books, art, and objects that tell a story. The space feels cohesive, yet still shows signs of everyday life. A little clutter, when managed thoughtfully, can add character, making the space feel real and lived-in rather than overly polished or sterile.
