The design philosophy of Kadali revolves around adaptive reuse, nostalgia, and a modern rustic interior aesthetic, seamlessly blending elements of traditional South Indian homes with contemporary hospitality design. Rooted in childhood memories and vernacular craftsmanship, the space preserves structural elements of the former residence while integrating indigenous materials like Athangudi tiles, Mandana stone, Kadapa stone, and oxide finishes to create a tactile and visually rich environment. Inspired by the banana plant, a symbol of abundance, the design embraces biophilic elements, maintaining existing mango trees and lush greenery to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.
Editor’s Note: “Kadali, a celebration of nostalgia and rooted elegance embraces South Indian heritage. A restaurant that lives like a home, humming with hospitality and inviting diners into a journey of timeless joy and experience. Here, the design flows like a cherished memory across the courtyards and kitchens – earthy, still, and alive.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Kadali Showcases the Charm of Modern Rustic Interior with Natural Materials | Sona Reddy Studio
Located in Jubilee Hills, the restaurant integrates views of KBR National Park, fostering a tranquil, immersive dining experience. The spatial narrative mirrors a traditional Telugu home, where spaces unfold organically, encouraging a sense of discovery and homecoming. Additionally, the design ensures it ages gracefully over time.
The entrance of Kadali sets the tone for a warm, immersive experience, drawing from South Indian heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
A grand antique wooden door with brass detailing welcomes visitors. Inside, cool stone flooring and oxide-finished walls create an earthy, grounded ambiance.
Subtle brass lamps and vintage wooden elements enhance the nostalgic charm, while lush banana and mango plants offer a soft, natural transition from the bustling outdoors into this serene sanctuary.
The reception area is designed to be both inviting and functional, blending traditional elements with contemporary comfort.
A hand-carved wooden reception desk serves as the focal point, complemented by woven cane seating and intricate wooden lattices. Soft, diffused lighting accentuates the warm terracotta and natural stone palette, creating an environment that feels both rooted in tradition and effortlessly elegant.
The dining area is envisioned as a convivial space, where guests gather over authentic, home-style South Indian meals. Long communal tables of reclaimed wood, handcrafted ceramic tableware, and traditional brass utensils reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship.
A semi-open kitchen allows guests to witness the artistry behind each dish, with brass and copper cookware lining the walls.
If designed for a workspace or conference setting, the area retains a sense of warmth and collaboration, featuring wood-panelled walls, earthy textiles, and subtle lighting, encouraging engagement and focus.
The private areas, whether a chef’s cabin, guest retreat, or commercial kitchen, are designed with intimacy and purpose in mind. Bedrooms feature handwoven textiles, wooden four-poster beds, and traditional murals, evoking the charm of ancestral South Indian homes.
The commercial kitchen, in contrast, is a highly functional space, maintaining pristine finishes, open shelving for easy accessibility, and modern equipment, all while incorporating traditional storage solutions like brass canisters and wooden spice boxes.
An inner courtyard or terrace becomes the heart of Kadali, embracing nature and open-air living. A central water feature, inspired by traditional temple step-wells, provides a sense of tranquility, while stone seating nooks, banana leaf canopies, and hand-carved pillars create an immersive retreat.
This space serves as a flexible zone, equally suited for relaxation, cultural performances, or intimate dining under the stars, ensuring a multi-sensory experience that lingers in memory.
Fact File
Designed by: Sona Reddy Studio
Project Type: Restaurant Design
Project Name: Kadali
Location: Hyderabad
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 7500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Sona Reddy
Photograph Courtesy: Pankaj Anand
Firm’s Website Link: Sona Reddy Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sona Reddy Studio
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