Crafted Spaces, an interior design firm based in Hyderabad, recreates the magic of Rayalaseema in Bangalore. The idea was to ensure that the restaurant design remains in sync with the cosmopolitan vibes of Indiranagar.
Indiranagar in Bengaluru is a foodie’s heaven – known for its eclectic mix of restaurants catering to all kinds of cuisines. Young and old alike throng this space to have conversations over good food. In this league of culinary excellence is Rayalaseema Ruchulu. As the name suggests, it serves food from Telangana, Coastal Andhra, and the Rayalaseema region. Designed by Crafted Spaces, the entire project was completed within a tight timeline of just 45 days.
One of the most challenging aspects of this project turned out to be the layout itself. The client was keen to accommodate seating for around 125 people within a carpet area of 2200 sq.ft, along with a waiting area and private dining rooms. The kitchen also had to function as a central kitchen to serve satellite food counters. Amidst these constraints, the design needed to reflect the trendy vibe of Indiranagar, all while embedding elements of tradition.
Mitali Aharam, one of the founders and principal designers of Crafted Spaces, who led the restaurant’s design, recounts, “At the entrance, we wanted to define the reception and the waiting area. We found a beautiful clock we wanted to highlight. After some contemplation, we realized utilizing ropes would be an easy and quick way to do the same. We built 3-feet-high walls to segregate the private dining rooms (PDRs). We also used different colours for the floors and walls in the PDRs to break the monotony.”
Most of the furniture used in this project was upcycled from the earlier restaurant. The chairs were painted bright red to resemble Guntur chillies, a key ingredient in the cuisine. The remaining palette was kept largely grey to reflect the stony, arid region of Rayalaseema.
This arid look was recreated using floor tiles with a cement finish and a textured wall draped in similar tones. The ceiling was left exposed to blend seamlessly with the design narrative. Adding a nostalgic touch, the wiring was kept external—echoing a time when being social meant meeting over a cup of tea.
In the two private dining sections, a splash of blue – brought in using designer tiles—adds a sense of uniqueness. The warm white lighting helps create a cosy atmosphere while enhancing the visual appeal of the accessories and artwork that adorn the walls.
The accessories and artefacts make quite a statement in the overall design language. Some were sourced from the owner’s private collection, while others came from The Purple Turtles, Bengaluru, and The Art Collective.
Speaking on the project highlights, Supriya Lolayekar, Founder and Principal Designer of Crafted Spaces, adds, “A good design is something that not only aesthetically translates the client’s brief and personality but also allows for optimal functional use of the space. And in executing this project, we attained that balance to the tee.”
The entire project was completed in 45 days, and 90 percent of the furniture was upcycled. Going forward, Crafted Spaces aims to maintain this equilibrium – utilizing ethically sourced materials and wood wherever possible. “In doing so,” Supriya adds, “we believe we can contribute in our own way to combating deforestation and climate change.”
Connect Online: www.craftedspaces.com
