The Punjab of garishly coloured trucks and dhabas is brought to life in the Indian restaurant interiors of this space, done by us. The client’s brief was very simple—bringing dhaba ambience into fine dining and giving us complete freedom to explore and experiment with the space. Turned into a multi-mural’d Indian restaurant with an uber colourful interior design—the walls are decorated with hand-painted wall art depicting scenes from Punjabi village life, fields of mustard flowers, folk dancers performing bhangra etc—adding a fun element and being the highlight of the space. These artistic touches bring authenticity to the space, making guests feel as if they are dining in a vibrant Punjabi setting.
This Indian Restaurant Interiors Are Brought To Life with Punjabi Dhaba Inspiration | Indigo Roots
When we set out to design Satluj Punjab, our goal was not just to create a restaurant but to build an experience -one that immerses diners in the warmth, vibrancy, and rustic charm of Punjab. Murals, graffiti wall art, truck art reproductions, colourful upholstery and quirky printed wallpapers- all come together to give that authentic Punjabi vibe to the restaurant.
Every design choice was made with the intent of capturing the soul of a traditional Punjabi dhaba while ensuring a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for guests.
Punjab is synonymous with energy, colors, and an infectious zest for life, and we wanted every inch of the restaurant to reflect that. The theme was inspired by roadside dhabas and truck art, blending folk elements with contemporary dining comfort. Our primary challenge was to create a space that felt authentic yet modern, ensuring that it was not just visually appealing but also functionally efficient.
A key design decision was to embrace a bold and lively color palette. Punjab’s essence comes to life through vibrant hues, incorporating bright yellows, rich greens, and blues into the walls, furniture, and decor.
The textures were just as important -we used quirky wallpapers, hand painted mural wall arts and a warm clay colour palette and copper lighting accents to evoke a rustic yet warm homely environment.
To create depth and variation, we played with wall treatments, mixing traditional hand-painted murals with graphic truck art. The flooring is a mix of terracotta tiles with patterns, reinforcing the raw, earthy aesthetic of a dhaba.
Functionality was as important as aesthetics. The seating arrangement strategically blends communal tables for large groups with cozy nooks for intimate dining experiences. The open-plan layout with bright coloured tapestry ensures a lively, bustling environment, much like a traditional Punjabi eatery.
Lighting played a crucial role in bringing the space to life. Instead of conventional fixtures, we used lantern-style hanging lights and copper lamps, reminiscent of old world charm of roadside eateries. The warm, golden glow enhances the richness of the colors and textures, making the space feel inviting.
We knew that beyond color and furniture, it was the finer details that would make Satluj Punjab feel truly authentic. Walls adorned with decorative hand-painted wicker wall plates, quirky truck art, and humorous one-liners add a touch of authenticity to the setting. Moreover, these elements bring a playful and lively vibe to the space. The partition with miniature tractors, traditional utensils, Punjabi dhols and other accent pieces further enhances the storytelling.
The main counter is a remake of a typical Punjabi truck part with a caption you sure will read in a Punjabi accent naturally!
These elements make the restaurant a visual treat, capturing the essence of Punjab’s lively roadside eateries. Moreover, they evoke the vibrant atmosphere where millions of street food vendors contribute to the color, sounds, and smells of India.
Designing Satluj Punjab was more than just aesthetics-it was about creating a sensory journey. Every color, texture, and decor piece was carefully curated. As a result, guests feel as if they have stepped into the heart of Punjab. The result is a space that doesn’t just serve food but tells a story-one of heritage, festivity, and warmth.
Fact File
Designed by: Indigo Roots
Project Type: Restaurant Interior Design
Project Name: Satluj Punjab
Location: Bhayli, Vadodara, Gujarat
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 3 Months
Project Size: 2400 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Ruchi Desai
Photograph Courtesy: 2613 apertures (Bhavik Shah)
Firm’s Instagram Link: Indigo Roots
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