Cafe Facet

CAFE CAFE FACET FACET

E D I T O R ’ s L e t t e r

Our goal in ‘Café Facet’ is to uncover the inspiration behind a Café design, explore its unique features, and showcase how architecture can transform a

simple coffee shop into a destination. Join us as we take a closer look at the elements that make a Café so special, from the layout and decor to the innovative use of space. Through interviews with the designers and stories from regular patrons, you'll gain insights into the creative process that shaped extraordinary cafeterias.

Suryansh Khandelwal

THEELEGANCEOFNATURE

Located in Jubilee Hills, the stretch of the Banglows along the roads leads to Theory, a café surrounded by a lush garden

The open yard in the middle features various garden plants, complemented by hanging vines and blooming flowers cascading over the terracotta roofs, enhancing the appeal of the spaces A water fountain in the yard adds to the serene atmosphere and also serves as an Instagrammable fountain. Pavan said, canopy. This unique location allowed the project's lead operator, Pavan Kumar, the space to create the perfect ambience With two verandas serving as outdoor spaces and terracotta roofing that naturally cools the area, Theory creates a refreshing atmosphere, blending different elements in its 4000 sq ft outdoor space.

Pavan emphasizes that the cafe needs to be inviting for customers to hang out there. To achieve this, it was necessary to "go all out" in making the project

In terms of lighting, the walls and other elements around the cafe have a lot of earthy tones inspired by Mangalorian styles. The cafe depends a lot on natural light. The canopy of plants deflects most of the harsh lights during the day, and its shadows create depths and add texture to the ambience Theory is experienced differently at different times of the day as the colours change because of the sun.

Vis Jajo

where coffee meets open road

Suryansh

TKhandelwal

he engine roars to life as you step into this cafe. It is a retro-inspired garage-themed haven that merges the world of coffee with

the adrenaline-fueled culture of automobiles Here, the smell of fresh espresso mingles with the faint scent of motor oil. “The cafe's design was crafted with youth in mind, capturing their love for automobiles,” shared Srinivas, CEO of Motown Stories.

The walls are painted with vibrant graffiti and intricate murals, with images of classic cars and superbikes. The café's Art Deco-styled architecture exudes elegance with its sleek geometric lines, bold colours, and elaborate motifs. Nassem, the cafe manager, said,

The roof and beams are made of rugged metal, creating a backdrop that evokes the feel of an old-school garage.

This quirky retro cafe is a goldmine of visual opportunities It's the perfect setting for capturing memories or simply snapping photos with friends Motown Stories Cafe stands out as a unique and vibrant experience in the world of cafes From the sleek lines of supercars to the high-end bikes, every detail has been crafted to create a space as dynamic as it is welcoming.

a floral fantasy

Aravind

Stepping inside Cafe Aster is like entering a secret garden, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the subtle sweetness of blooming asters The cafe's

design is a delightful play on its namesake flower, Aster Ravi Prakash, the owner, says, "We have used a muted colour palette with pops of lavender and white, reminding of the aster's delicate petals." Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in warm natural light, while the mirrors create an illusion of an even more significant, airier ambience Wrought-iron furniture with floral motifs adds a touch of classic elegance, furthering the cafe's theme

resembling blooming flowers to the subtle aster detailing on the pottery.

Every detail whispers the cafe's name, from the custom-made pendant lamps

Deep armchairs upholstered in plush velvet beckon patrons to linger, while communal tables with woven chairs are filled with content that people left Power outlets tucked into nooks cater to the digital nomad crowd, while a bookshelf overflowing with novels provides a literary escape. Whether one craves a quiet corner to work or a vibrant space to socialise, Cafe Aster adapts to every mood.

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ROASTERY COFFEE HOUSE, EMBRACING PONDICHERRY'S MUSTARD YELLOW CHARM

Amidst the lively pulse of Hyderabad, Banjara Hills harbours a tranquil haven: Roastery Coffee House With its roots deeply

enrenched in an 80-year-old building, the cafe is a fusion of nostalgia and modernity Ravi, the manager, says, “We wanted people to linger longer, blending home-like comfort with diverse spaces”

Sunlight flows through windows, casting a warm glow on the mustard yellow and white hue exterior reminiscent of Pondicherry architecture

Indoors, wooden beams crisscross the ceiling, while European-inspired harlequin floors and French doors add elegance The walls, painted in a light, neutral colour, serve as a canvas for the eclectic artwork and framed photographs that adorn them, creating a gallery-like atmosphere. Plants adorn every corner, hanging and in pots and warm pendant lights with paper-like lampshades create a soft glow

Seating caters to all, from cosy indoor nooks to alfresco delights in the lush courtyard. “Our cafes are hangouts for all age groups,” says Ravi The courtyard's harlequin floors is paired with white metal bistro chairs paired with round tables. The lantern-style lights hanging from the ceiling cast a warm, patterned glow in the evening

Roastery Coffee House is a sanctuary where laughter and chatter fill the air, offering moments of camaraderie and contentment

gouri shermila

vhouse-style building, Aaromale

ounded by Anvesh Alluri, this 20d architectural gem was once sidence of Byreddy Rajasekhar a prominent political figure.

reborn, infused with the spirit of munities The U-shaped building, reminiscent of Kerala's traditional architecture, exudes an old-world charm with its stone, red brick, and terracotta features. Yet, within its walls, a modern spirit thrives, creating a community of artists, storytellers, musicians, and entrepreneurs

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Leaf Café, notable for its blend dern and rustic architecture, ces diversity and homey tics. The exposed brick walls, n beams, and vintage furniture café's design create a cozy and tmosphere. The café features a an atrium decorated with hanging plants, creating a serene village atmosphere It mixes modernity with village tradition through separate smoking and smoke-free zones. The cottage courtyard's furniture evokes an old castle, creating social interaction in the café's layout The lighting creates a peaceful, intimate atmosphere The interplay of light and shadow invites a homey feel Raghu Ranjan, a customer, working in the IT sector, said, "Whether it's a casual or business meeting, we prefer this café for its comfortable ambience, away from the city hustle" the cafe embraces a holistic approach, integrating nature, sustainability, and attention to detail to create a memorable experience.

Kayal, the visionary behind Essential Traditions, shares, "We aim to take things back to their roots, preserving our rich cultural heritage" This ethos resonates throughout the café and its affiliated stores like Dupatti, which showcases pure cotton handloom products

As Anvesh puts it, "Aaromale is a space where creativity flourishes, and every nook tells a story of passion and heritage" With its inviting ambience, Aaromale Café stands tall for the artistic souls seeking solace in a busy world.

credit: pallavi kumarI

g. himavardhan goud

TThe Den of Roses

a Samineni’s dream was a DIY ect shaped to form the La Vie Rose Cafe. At the centre, two ed trees are present esenting the tree of life

he Gallery Cafe is an art project unto itself All the elements – food, music, decor, and events –weave seamlessly into the overarching narrative of art and culture. Walls host paintings of upcoming contemporary artists, books line shelves, tables and chairs are handcrafted, and everything is on sale, where one can buy hand-painted furniture The cafe is a space for anyone inclined towards art, giving visual and sensory treats from the minute one enters. Visitors' eyes are driven towards a tree that is the centrepiece of the cafe The design, layout, and aesthetic are carefully crafted with artistic elements, making the entire space feel like an art installation or a curated gallery shoot out the roses to cover ceilings and walls, all handmade to form a rose canopy The cafe is a mixture of shades of pastel pink designed to create a uniform synergy.

The interior is beautifully decorated with literature, modern art, and photographs Each piece of furniture is handpainted, and the furnishing choices are equally unique Creative elements, including contemporary art, enhance the vast space. The cafe has a vibrant ecosystem celebrating art in all its forms. credit: vis jAjo

During the day, most of its light comes from the glassy windows, and at night, with fancy lights

The cafe has six different sitting areas- a larger one at the centre with the two trees of life, one opposite to the counter, two-party spaces adjacent to the counter, a secluded glass window, and a balcony space with muted and natural overtones

The central ball pit on the stage draws in most of the children who visit, representing the diverse range of customers. The café exudes an atmosphere of festivity, with every nook offering picturesque settings for celebration

credit:g himavardhan goud

BLENDOFFLAVOURANDFORM

Ahidden gem in Hyderabad's busy Banjara Hills is breaking the cafe mould Katha Specialty Coffee and Artisanal Bakehouse offers a unique

experience transcending mere sustenance Pravishta Nadella and Aditya Jaiswal seeded the idea, but Prerna Kolluri brought it to life, crafting Katha's absorbing architectural story

"Our goal is to merge nostalgic architecture with modern design elements artfully," Prerna said As guests enter, they're welcomed by an exclusive in-shop gallery on the first level, carefully designed to display the ageless allure of film photography.

Guests explore upstairs to the listening zone, a collaboration with Revolver Club magazine, where the pop and crackle of spinning vinyl records blend into the essence of the café Katha's architectural ambitions go beyond its boundaries, offering a stage for local architects and designers during their monthly design pop-ups, celebrating the city's lively architectural scene

In a city awash with food and lifestyle hideouts, Katha aspires to make a mark

through architectural innovation,” shares Prerna She envisages broadening Katha's architectural reach with upcoming design auctions, solidifying its place on the pedestal of architectural ingenuity.

In a cityscape where architecture marvels might often go unnoticed, Katha is a powerful representation of the transformative potential of creative architectural minds

credit: sonam yadav

Lush Café creates an ambience that transports you to the heart of the city's historic charm while offering a contemporary twist. The traditional designs, such as jali work on the

walls, rustic details on furniture, fancy arches, and handcrafted tiles, are all inspired by Hyderabad’s old culture, aiming to make customers feel like they are in old Hyderabad Also, clean lines, a glass wall, and subtle accents seamlessly blend old and new Hyderabad vibes.

The café spans two floors situated atop a building, it boasts a homey aesthetic on the second-last floor and an additional floor on the terrace.

Located in Kavuri Hills, customers can enjoy views of Hyderabad's nightlife and the nearby Durgamcheruv lake while sipping tea. Earthy tones and bright hues on the terrace's floor evoke an aura of a beautiful night. On the first floor, a palette of warm, earthy tones, like rich browns, vibrant oranges, and deep reds, creates a peaceful setting.

Lush Café captures the essence of Hyderabad's vibrant culture. It offers a unique space where tradition and modernity coexist, inviting guests to experience the city from a fresh perspective

pallavi kumari

credit: PALLAVI KUMARI

A Portal to Europe

Stepping into Zuci is like entering a portal to a European wonderland.

F+S Designs, the masterminds weave a captivating narrative through architecture and decor.

A crimson archway, reminiscent of oldworld Europe, frames an abstract installation of spheres. These metallic orbs, bathed in the soft glow of spherical lights, cast dramatic shadows on the burnt sienna wall Venetian-plastered walls, and plush, dark-wood panelling add a touch of elegance. The geometric ballet begins with arches frame display cases overflowing with chocolates and gleaming polished metalwork adds a contemporary touch.

Aparna, owner and head of the design of the cafe Zuci (pronounced 'shoochy'), takes its name from the Sanskrit word for “pure,” a promise reflected in their handcrafted chocolates.

The lighting highlights the rich textures and colours, while the comfortable seating invites guests to linger and savour.

Zuci is a testament to the power of storytelling through architecture, creating a space that perfectly complements the decadent delights within.

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credit: m aravind

a modern chic

Lé Vantage café, located in the Jubilee Hills, is a testament to the art of understated elegance Since its opening in 2017, the café has redefined what it means to create

an inviting yet sophisticated space Its founders, Amulya Reddy and Sanjeev Reddy, envisioned a café that served delightful beverages and offered a unique atmosphere. With its earthy, minimalist look and breathtaking Western-inspired architecture, Lé Vantage has quickly become a cult favourite in Hyderabad

The journey began with taking a single room and turning it into a beautiful European country's architecture

Stepping through the curved entrance, café-goers are greeted by a rustic and refined scene. The space is divided into open, semi-open and indoor seating zones with light furniture to allow hassle-free movement and ease of rearranging the seated layout

The arrangement of seats here is perfect for groups, creating a sense of camaraderie Inside, the café offers a clean, modest design, with textured walls adorned with unique ceramic installations Every detail, from the furniture to the lighting, reflects the meticulous thought process and passion that went into crafting this space.

This café is a destination that captures the essence of European charm while providing a canvas for Hyderabad's vibrant social scene

The House of Illusion

As you step into Farzi Cafe, you might feel like you've entered a different realm The cafe is a mesmerising illusion, where every corner tells its

own story Spread across 14,000 square feet, Farzi Cafe seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces A modern chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the entrance, casting a warm glow over the checkerboard-tiled floor below. Potted plants set the mood for the adventure that awaits

One room beckons with a cosy library, its towering bookshelves filled with over 6,000 books, concealing the café’s identity into a delightful illusion. The shelves are colour-coordinated, adding a vibrant touch to the warm, earthy tones Additionally, three chandeliers create a soft glow over the space

Indoors, the Farzi tree, a striking installation crafted from metal and wood, lit with light strips. “At Farzi Cafe, we create an ambience beyond ordinary dining, transporting customers into a world of illusions,” says Thiru, the cafe manager The sleek leather seats and dramatic lighting create an atmosphere of understated luxury The dark hardwood flooring contrasts with the textured walls, adding depth to the space Inside, you might also notice a room with a large tree surrounded by wooden branches hanging from the ceiling

Every element is thoughtfully curated to offer an extraordinary experience, delighting the senses and leaving a lasting imprint

masked by the concrete jungle of Madhapur, The Hush cafe is an off-beat sight to its contrasting surroundings.

An array of suspended lanterns on metal chambers make the entry welcoming and eye-catching with the parallel lanes of bamboo shoots. The design brief for the barren land prior to this designer cafeteria was to reflect tropical nature.

The ‘Hush’ on its backdrop and a photo booth mural on the wall- this innovative approach has given the cafe an opportunity to accommodate events and open-mics. The metal and cane patterned roofing hovering over the stage alongside another tropical-themed mural make the view picturesque.

The cane roof acts as an insulating material to space during the dreadful summers and complements the theme of tropical The open seating surrounded by a white perforated boundary behind planters and dangling decorative lights on the top sets the mood.

The wall accents within the space are handmade by terrarium makers. Every single piece of furniture and lighting has been designed to blend with the feel factor of the space and radiate the perfect amount of light.

g himavardhan goud

credit: g himavardhan goud

ART IS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, BUT WHAT YOU MAKE OTHERS SEE.

- EDGAR DEGAR