Design
Desert hues beckon
Adding to the rather small list of rooftop restaurants in Chennai, the newly opened Rajputana at JP Hotel, Koyambedu, offers a bird’s eye view of the city. As it’s an outdoor restaurant themed on the northwest frontier, the focus had to be on the exterior design and ambience rather than the interior, says the restaurant’s architect, J. Ramanan.
Walk into the lobby and you’re greeted with traditional lamps in vibrant shades that contrast with the restaurant’s overall earthy tone. “Rajputana reflects the colours of the desert such as yellow and brown and we have incorporated materials such as terracotta into the design. To strike a balance, artefacts sourced from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Jodhpur adorn the walls. Their bright colours are inspired by the traditional outfits worn by the people of these states,” he says.
One cannot miss the metal sculptures, murals and paintings on the walls that capture the country’s rural landscape. Ramanan adds, “The walls have been painted by artists from North India and we have created a rustic ambience coupled with pergolas and gazebos.”
Keep it classy
Tucked away in a quiet bylane of Teynampet, Double Roti is the latest café in town known for more than just its food. A reflection of the quirky identity the Delhi-based brand stands for, its interiors are colourful, yet rustic.
Japtej Ahluwalia, co-founder, says, “It’s a reflection of our lifestyle. The brand identity stems from edgy, brass tacks and utility-based visuals that are carried forward to the design.”
The pipes on the ceiling are thus not just about edgy looking aesthetics but also function as lights and conceal the wiring. Wooden chairs and stools in cheery shades complement the exposed brick walls that give the restaurant a casual vibe. “A great mix of food, music and a lively environment is what draws people and that’s what our design focus is,” he adds. The restaurant has been designed by Sidharth Ninan Architecture.
Feel at home
The multi-cuisine restaurant at The Raintree on St. Mary’s Road that was re-branded a few months ago, now bears a new look and name — Colony. The interiors, design, furniture, colour scheme and artwork of the revamped restaurant reflect the city’s charm. Interior designer Jeffery A. Wilkes, contemporary visual artist Anamika. V and artist K.R. Santhana Krishnan have worked on the new design. Swetha Reddy, executive director, The Raintree, says, “Design plays a very significant role in the hotel industry. Guests are constantly looking for something fresh, and it’s essential to give them a different experience to take back home.”
Colony has a palette of Persian travertine marble, which is earthy and resembles frothy cocoa. Warm oak that feels like baked bread complements the stones. At the far end of the restaurant, there are glass door pantry cabinets lined with Madras plaid, that house the dishes, pots, napkins and wares. “We have tried to create a casual atmosphere, like in your kitchen. Banquettes in turquoise add a touch of glam,” says Reddy. There is also an art installation inspired by the traditional south Indian spice box, Anjarai Petti.
