The cafe’s design, akin to crafting a delicate croissant, showcases the artistry of form and function. True to its concept, the café has been designed in layers and each layer has been meticulously crafted: for instance the display counter and bench seating, fashioned from perforated bricks filled with concrete, create a captivating graphic effect. Interestingly, the construction process of each perforated terracotta brick hole filled with cement mirrors the artistry of filling pastries.
The café that been branded ‘Sowl’ is a brew room and bakehouse which promises to be an organic and sustainable café with their thoughtful produce and conscious menu. Sowl, the bakehouse, embodies ‘sustainable, organic, wholesome, and local’—an acronym that encapsulates its ethos.
Editor’s Note: As one enters this café the aroma of the coffee and the baked goodies makes one feel utmost level of comfort and peace. The interior holds the elements of the bakery with its material and texture. The layers of croissant resonates with the undefined textured layers on the wall. Just how a pastry allows the baker to explore, experiment and produce an immersive and flavorful food, the same way the designer has explored with brick and concrete and designed an absolute tranquil, refreshing and delightful space. ~ Shagun Shah
Fashioned From Perforated Bricks Filled With Concrete | The Storey Collective
Terracotta adorns the bakehouse ceiling, maintaining the intended lightness, while round paper lighting pendants add a touch of elegance. Horizontal textured walls echo the layers of a croissant, and the earthy color palette seamlessly intertwines with the furnishings. Overall the ceiling, the concrete-infused perforated bricks, and the paper pendant lights create a graphic allure.
Sowl is split on two zones – an indoor air conditioned space with the display counter and minimal seating as well as an outdoor airy space which is styled to make it feel like a cozy lounge. The café’s dialectic approach to materiality juxtaposes the heaviness of the pattern bricks against the lightness of arched window glazing and minimal furniture and fine veneers.
Colours were chosen to complement the furnishings and predominantly white to act as a backdrop. We have used earthy colour palette, dotted throughout the entire space that intermingles with other objects – the entryway, the rugs, vintage lampshades, decors, hanging lights, chairs and the display shelves in the indoor. It is a playful journey that invites one to join the dots.
Colours, thoughtfully chosen to complement the furnishings, create a harmonious backdrop, weaving through the entire space—from entryways to the interior décor, pendant lights, jute rugs and the vintage lampshades. Sowl’s design invites the users on a playful journey, enticing them to connect the dots in this soulful and sustainable culinary haven.”
The overall materiality and the warmth of the space add an ethereal touch and the bakehouse stands as a testament to the delicate dance between design and gastronomic inspiration. We love how the space feels light and airy at an instant glance, with subtle hues and a raw yet chic material palette, the space throws off an instantly comforting vibe and the materials sourced locally gives us a fulfilment of being able to use the local talent and resources to create a one of a kind ambience.
Fact FileDesigned by: The Storey Collective
Project Type: Café Interior Design
Project Name: SOWL – Brewroom & Bakehouse
Location: Chennai, India
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 4 Months
Project Size: 1200 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Nikhita Reddy
Team Design Credits: Ar. Rukaiya Madraswala & Ritika Baid Mutha
Photograph Courtesy: SathishConsultants for the Project: Interior Designers –Ar. Nikhita Reddy, Ar. Rukaiya Madraswala, Ritika Baid Mutha
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Storey Collective
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Storey Collective
For Similar Project>> A Bespoke Furniture Store Designed With The principle Of Colour Blocking
The client was very keen on using subtle colours with lots of sunlight. This gave birth to a transitional-style interior design with an open-plan layout where the kitchen, dining, living, and entertainment rooms make one huge single space with private sleeping areas surrounding this. The heart of the house is a dining/breakfast counter that has […]
Immerse yourself in this stunning 1800 sqft, 4 BHK residence in the heart of Kalyan. This elegant 4 bedroom house design, named Synergy, is a vibrant celebration of individuality, where unique characters, accents, and energies converge to reflect the distinct persona of each family member. Seven individuals, one family, and six thoughtfully designed spaces come […]
A Story of Unpretentious Elegance. While the world is obsessed with perfection and everything around us screams for attention, there is a home in Mumbai where silence, softness, and the imperfections of natural substances create a haven of tranquillity. The residence, designed by interior designer Neha Desai, is a living embodiment of the Wabi-Sabi Interior […]
The interiors of this home at Nagpur embrace a modern organic interior design, characterized by curved forms, earthy textures, and artistic expressions. A neutral palette of soft beiges, warm taupes, and muted earthy tones sets a serene foundation. The repetition of organic curves and elegant arches—whether in the furniture, wall details, or lighting—has added fluidity […]
This Interior Villa Design has been meticulously crafted to serve as a sanctuary from the fast-paced and often chaotic nature of the outside world. Every element within the space has been thoughtfully chosen allowing its inhabitants to embrace a slower pace and enjoy moments of reflection, relaxation, and calm. This Interior Villa Design Offers A […]
The unveiling of the unique main door in this luxury residence design bore the elegant curvature of an arch, gracefully welcoming visitors into its embrace. Perched like guardians of a hidden realm are the black balls—contrasting sharply against the vibrant backdrop, commanding attention with their striking presence. This Luxury Residence Design Commands Attention With Its […]
Flooring design is an important element for the overall aesthetics and function of your home. Whether you prefer the classic style of marble, the tradition and warmth of wooden flooring, or the practical use of tiles, the right flooring can revive your space. With shifts in design trends, Indian homes are starting to incorporate a […]
When designing a home, interior decor ideas to craft spaces become a necessity. From small plant vases to big furniture pieces everything comes in handy for making space speak one’s personality. But with an ample amount of products available in the market, it becomes daunting at times what to choose. With this blog, we cover […]
The design philosophy behind the interior home designs of the Lokande residence revolves around the core principle of user-centric design, focusing on both aesthetic charm and the practical needs of the inhabitants. Every space is meticulously planned, offering both comfort and beauty, resulting in a harmonious living environment that feels expansive and inviting. The Interior […]
Nestled in a tranquil setting, this beautifully designed home showcases luxury residence design as a sanctuary of elegance, comfort, and functionality spread across three levels. Every space is thoughtfully curated to reflect the needs and desires of its inhabitants, creating a seamless and cohesive living environment. This Beautifully Designed Home Defines Luxury Residence Design In […]