Project Name:
Koi Kitchen
Client:
Mr. Manohar Gopal, CEO, Featherlite
Year:
2023
Project Area:
10,000 sq.ft
Koi Kitchen was envisioned as the reinvention of an aging restaurant into a warm, contemporary Pan-Asian dining space. The challenge was to completely refresh the interiors within budgetary constraints while retaining structural elements. Our approach relied on transforming the ambience through wall treatments, lighting, and a refined color palette.
Soft tones of teal and green, paired with warm, indirect lighting, established an inviting, cozy atmosphere. Asian-style cane pendants brought a handcrafted charm, while wallpapers inset into arched frames added texture and subtle cultural references. The highlight of the design is a dramatic mural of an Asian woman, not painted but imprinted across ceramic tiles, turning a wall into an architectural artwork. Existing furniture was retained, rejuvenated through new upholstery and paired with warm timber finishes for continuity. Integrated branding and playful wall signages added vibrancy while reinforcing the restaurant’s identity.
By layering texture, light, and cultural motifs, the restaurant now feels intimate yet contemporary - a setting that celebrates the essence of Pan-Asian dining.
While elegance was a key driver, we also wanted Koi Kitchen to have a personality that was fun and approachable. We created this feature wall to be a delightful, textural moment within the space. The soft green vertical fluting adds a layer of modern sophistication, while the whimsical script, "Get ready to wok and roll," serves as a playful nod to the dynamic energy of Pan-Asian cuisine.
We believe every restaurant should have those special corners that feel like a private discovery. For this intimate nook, our intent was to create a sophisticated and focused dining experience. We chose a deep, immersive teal for the walls to evoke a sense of calm and luxury. The modern, high-top seating, with three-dimensional lettering creates an elevated yet warm ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a memorable conversation over exquisite food.
In the main dining area, our goal was to blend comfort with enchantment. We designed the long, deep blue banquette to provide plush, comfortable seating, set against a calming sage green wall. The true magic, however, lies in the arched niches. We envisioned these not just as decorations, but as illuminated "windows" looking out onto a lush, tropical world, using vibrant wallpaper to create a sense of depth and escapism.
For the entrance, we wanted to make a striking first impression that blended contemporary cool with artistic depth. We deliberately juxtaposed this with the timeless beauty of our custom tile mural. This mural, imprinted across ceramic tiles, becomes the restaurant’s defining feature. Unlike a painting, the tiled treatment integrates art into the very architecture, making it tactile and lasting. The mural is framed by muted teal walls and paired with warm cane pendant lights above, while surrounding dining tables in solid wood with green-upholstered chairs echo the color palette. This blend creates a focal corner that feels both dramatic and serene.
A niche painted in bold teal becomes a canvas for branding: “The Perfect Spot for Pan-Asian Delights.” The cane pendant lighting above casts a soft glow, adding intimacy to what could otherwise be a transitional space. This mix of bold wall tones, contemporary furniture, and handcrafted lights creates a crisp, welcoming corner that complements the restaurant’s dynamic design language.
