The TPCL guest house in Fort Kochi designed by Design Combine Architects and Designers makes a big impact visually because of its unhindered use of life-size masks, mural paintings, and statues dotting its walls. The guest house comprises two independent apartments on the top-most floor. The building itself is over 20 years old. The double-height ceiling in the lift+ lobby area gives a vast expanse of space while also serving as the perfect canvas for the “yazhis”. Yazhis are mythical creatures often found at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum of temples in South India. This space is otherwise sparsely decorated; the virtual tour of this space made me feel as if I was touring a museum than a guest house. It’s the impressive private art collection of the owner that lends this feel to the space. There are hints of recycled furniture that blend well with the comforts of…