When we were first approached to do the Interior Design to transform an old, charming bank building into a vibrant Indian restaurant, we knew we had a unique and exciting challenge ahead! This wasn’t just any restaurant; it was a space with rich history and character, brimming with architectural features that demanded respect and creativity. Our goal was to blend the old charm of the bank with the bold and inviting atmosphere of an Indian dining experience.
Here’s a glimpse into how we achieved this delicate balance through thoughtful design choices.
A Colour Scheme that Tells a Story
The first step in setting the tone for the restaurant was selecting the right colour palette. We chose an elegant combination of teal and orange—two colours that not only capture the essence of Indian culture but also provide a striking contrast against the building’s traditional features. The deep, calming teal evokes a sense of serenity, while the rich, warm orange adds a vibrant energy to the space, creating a sense of welcome and excitement for diners.
These colours are woven throughout the restaurant, from the 'Cristina Marrone' Fabric on the upholstery to the 'Tea with Florence Little Greene' paint on the walls, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The teal tones are particularly stunning against the brass accents, while the orange touches bring life to the space, ensuring a balanced and visually stimulating environment.
Oriental Patterns: Adding Texture and Elegance
One of the standout features of the design is the incorporation of oriental-inspired wallpaper. We chose intricate, patterned wallpaper with hints of gold and deep teal, which pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of India. The wallpaper panels add texture to the walls and creates a sense of luxury without overwhelming the space. It serves as a beautiful backdrop for both intimate dining areas and the more bustling parts of the restaurant, reflecting the cultural fusion we were striving for.
A big challenge was creating chairs that are both practical and beautiful. It's often the case that the greatest challenges become the greatest features and that was certainly the case in this design. We decided to custom make all the dining chairs choosing to use two different fabrics. On the seat of the chairs we chose a robust velvet teal fabric whilst on the back of the chairs we chose a beautiful patterned fabric picking out all the colours in the space and breaking up the block colours seen on the banquette seating. A practical and aesthetically pleasing solution!
Maximizing Seating Without Compromising Comfort
An important challenge was maximizing the seating capacity while still maintaining a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Given the size and layout of the old bank, we had to think carefully about how to arrange the tables around the existing features of the building such as the pillars while preserving the grand, open feel of the space.
We created various zones for dining, from intimate two-person tables to larger communal booths, allowing us to efficiently use the available space. The arrangement ensures that no matter where guests are seated, they feel part of the vibrant dining experience, yet still enjoy a sense of privacy and comfort.
The Old Bank’s Features: A Nod to History
The building’s history as a bank is evident in several architectural features we chose to highlight. We preserved the grand pillars and high ceilings with the original pendant lighting, which provide a sense of openness and grandeur. The ornate moldings and high windows allowed us to incorporate plenty of natural light during the day, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
One of the most remarkable features was the old vault, which we transformed into a private dining room. This intimate space offers a unique dining experience, where guests can enjoy an exclusive meal in a setting that once housed the bank’s most valuable assets. The combination of the vault’s original metal door and plush, modern furnishings creates a perfect blend of history and luxury.
Upstairs Cocktail Bar: A Relaxing Retreat
Above the main dining area, we created a chic and cosy cocktail bar, echoing the same design elements found downstairs. The intimate space is furnished with plush, comfortable seating and bathed in low, ambient lighting to create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere.
The cocktail bar offers a more laid-back vibe, making it the perfect spot for guests to unwind before or after their meal. We kept the orange colour but introduced a darker complimentary colour to bring drama to the space and create a cocoon like feeling, giving the space a seamless connection to the dining area while ensuring it has its own distinct energy. Brass details are carried up to the bar, and we integrated a large mural to elevate the experience.
Brass Features: A Touch of Luxury
One of the unifying elements throughout the restaurant is the brass features. Brass accents were strategically incorporated into everything from light fixtures to the furniture, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to every corner. The warm tones of brass pair beautifully with the teal and orange, providing a polished contrast to the rich colours and textures in the space.
The metallic shine of the brass fixtures catches the light and adds an element of elegance that ties the entire design together. Whether it’s the gleaming brass door handles or the brass light fixtures, each detail was thoughtfully placed to enhance the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
Luxurious Textures: A Feast for the Senses
Lastly, we made sure that the materials and textures chosen for the space created a truly luxurious dining experience. From plush velvet seating to marble table tops and richly detailed wallpaper, every material was carefully selected to evoke a sense of comfort and opulence. The tactile nature of the space invites guests to not only enjoy the food but also immerse themselves in an environment that feels indulgent and welcoming.
This transformation of the old bank into an Indian restaurant was a labour of love that brought together the building’s rich history and the vibrancy of Indian culture. Every element, from the colour scheme to the furniture choices, was designed to create a unique and immersive dining experience that guests would remember long after their meal.
The end result is a stunning, multifunctional space where the past meets the present, and where each detail contributes to a memorable and luxurious atmosphere. Whether enjoying a meal in the old vault or sipping cocktails upstairs, guests can indulge in an experience that is as rich and layered as the history of the building itself.
Comentários