Kaya Ramesh

  • Bring your cuisine’s ethnic roots to your restaurant’s interiors

    Some restaurant owners want to give a full experience of the food they make and where it’s from to their customers. For this, the interior design must be crafted with care and an understanding of the origins of recipes. Here are 6 ways to do this without the cliché.

    Pick an Era That Resonates with Your Brand Story
    All cultures can be recognised for the different eras they went through. Pick one that resonates with you andthe story you want to tell and allow this to weave into your restaurant’s design.

    Make Traditional Materials and Textures a Part of Your Interiors
    Materials like bamboo, wood, stone, and fabrics tell an authentic story when put together consciously.

    Iconic Motifs and Patterns
    Include patterns, symbols, or artwork that are significant to the cuisine’s origin, such as tile mosaics, tribal prints, or hand-painted murals. Make sure they are not stereotypical.

    Use Colour Schemes Inspired by the Region the Food Comes From
    Research traditional colour palettes of where your cuisine comes from and integrate these lightly or heavily into the décor to give an immersive feel to your restaurant.

    Local Craftsmanship or Art
    With global vendors now being accessible via marketplaces like Etsy, it’s now easy to get your hands on authentic craftsmanship and art from any side of the world. Bring these into your restaurant, display them, and tell the story of your food.

    Tie in the Regional Lighting Style
    Use lighting fixtures that echo the culture, such as lanterns, pendant lights, or chandeliers with traditional designs or materials.

    Bring the Cuisine’s Roots to Life with Subtle Décor Details
    You can use tableware, signage, or planters that subtly nod to the cuisine’s heritage, such as hand-painted plates, woven baskets, or engraved wooden menus. Keeping the balance between authenticity and modern appeal is key to resonate with a broad audience.

    Book a discovery call today to find out how we can create the perfect interior design for your restaurant.

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  • Create an environment that keeps customers coming back to your restaurant

    The success of a restaurant relies on several key aspects: location, competition, quality of food, pricing, customer service, and interiors.

    It’s the right mix of all these key ingredients that allows restaurant businesses to thrive and stand out from the crowd.

    Here are 5 interior design elements that will make customers want to come back to your restaurant to enjoy the environment.

    The Perfect Lighting for Every Occasion
    Whether you serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three, it is key to get the lighting right for different times of the day and to set the restaurant’s ambience. Layered and feature lights can create a wow factor, as well as help you relax your customers and encourage them to spend more.

    Set the Mood with Music and Acoustics
    Planning for discreet speakers during the design process will allow you to set the right mood for your customers. During the renovation process, it’s also important to think about incorporating sound-absorbing materials to cut back on echoes.

    Bring Together a Cohesive Theme That Reflects Your Brand
    Align furniture, patterns, materials, and colours with your restaurant’s concept to tell a story that customers connect with and remember. Using subtle branding throughout the interiors will leave a lasting impression, allowing them to remember how they felt when dining with you.

    Play with More Than One Sense
    Though your customers are here to taste your delicious food, why stop at engaging only one of their senses? Use scents, music, a mix of materials, and fabrics to stimulate all their senses and give them a full experience.

    Optimise Your Seating Arrangement for Comfort and Socialising
    Think of mixing seating options so you can accommodate different customer needs. From a small table for a romantic meal, larger areas for groups of friends or colleagues, highchairs for young ones, and booths for cosier areas—they all ensure all groups feel welcome.

    Get in touch today if you wish to discuss how we can help you design the perfect interiors for your restaurant to succeed in.

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  • The Role of Social Media-Friendly Interiors in Boosting Restaurant Success

    A restaurant is more than a physical place for your business. It has become a marketing tool used across multiple social media platforms to elevate the presence of your brand. The biggest advantage with this is that you will not be the only person promoting your business online if you get it right. Your customers will spread the word for you.

    Platforms like Instagram and TikTok love visual content so creating camera worth interiors in your restaurant will expose your business to multiple thousands, if not millions of people creating brand awareness, curiosity and FOMO. 

    Why does social media friendly interiors matter?

    These visual heavy platforms will increase visibility bringing more eyeballs on your new business than leaflets can ever do. Unique and visually appealing designs attract customers who are eager to visit and experience the place for themselves. A cohesive design reflects and strengthens your brand identity bringing you online recognition.

    The 5 key elements of social media friendly restaurants: 

         1. Instagrammable walls
    Eye-catching statement walls become photo backgrounds for clickers. Making sure this is tied to your brand with create instant recognition.

         2. Unique lighting fixtures
    Creative and feature lighting not only add ambiance but also make stunning focal points for photos.

         3. Furniture and Décor
    Quirky chairs, patterned floors and ceiling, bespoke wall art all create a distinctive aesthetic.

         4. Consistent Branding Throughout
    Carry your brand’s colour palette and theme through the key elements of your interiors, from tableware to napkins.

         5. Interactive Elements
    Offering features such as “create your own dessert” station or a digital photo booth encourage guests to engage and share.

    There are subtle and gentle ways to encourage your customers to share your restaurant and their experience online. Create a branded hashtag and displaying this prominently will encourage your customers to become part of your community. Offer free-Wi-Fi so they can stay connected during their visit. Offer discounts or freebies to guests who post and tag your restaurant on social media.

    Most restaurants who have a long-term plan now have social media as a core part of their marketing strategy due to the healthy return on investment. When your interiors are done right, this pushes for higher engagement online, increased foot traffic and provides low or no cost marketing.

    Designing a social media-friendly restaurant is an investment in your brand’s visibility and customer experience. You can create a space that guests can’t resist sharing online and spreading the word for you.

    Need help crafting a design that speaks to your audience and boosts your social media presence? Book a discovery call today and we will help you bring your vision to life!

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  • 10 design features that will set your restaurant up for success

    “Opening your first restaurant can be exhilarating. When you pour in all your resources, time, energy and dreams into this, you want to ensure the interior design is done right. This is crucial for creating a welcoming space that attracts customers, keeps them coming back and spreading the word.
    Here are 10 must-have design features to consider when designing your restaurant to ensure success from day one.

         1. A Welcoming Entrance

    First impressions matter. A well-designed entrance with clear signage that speaks to your brand and warm lighting that highlights your entrance during evening hours, instantly sets the tone and gives customers a reason to step inside.

         2. Comfortable and Versatile Seating

    Opting for seating that balances comfort and practicality is important. If your target market’s age range varies or the food you serve is different between breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering different choices such as a mix of booths, tables, and high-tops can be appealing. Selecting furniture that will withstand daily wear and tear while being easy to clean is key.

         3. Lighting That Sets the Mood

    Lighting is one of the most significant design elements in any restaurant. Use a combination of ambient and accent lighting to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. It’s advisable to install dimmable lights so you can transition from day to night service seamlessly.

         4. An Open and Efficient Layout

    A thoughtful and practical layout ensures smooth traffic flow for both customers and staff. Prioritise ease of movement while maximizing seating capacity. If you are going to be present on takeaway apps such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo and JustEat, thinking about the drivers’ collection process within the layout of the restaurant will also help you maximise your revenue without spoiling your customers’ dining experience.

         5. Instagram-Worthy Design Elements

    There’s no doubt that social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are now bringing in customers. Design features that customers will love to photograph and share on social media, such as a statement wall or unique lighting fixtures, will help your online presence.

         6. High-Quality Materials and Finishes

    Invest in durable materials for floors, countertops, and walls that can withstand spills, foot traffic, and cleaning products without losing their appeal. This will avoid the extra cost of renovating too soon. Choosing finishes that align with your brand will also strengthen your vision and message to the customers.

         7. A Well-Designed Bar or Service Area

    If your restaurant includes a bar, make it a focal point. A stylish and functional bar encourages customers to spend more on drinks and adds visual interest to your space. The materials selected for the bar can add a high-end feel.

         8. An Acoustically Balanced Space

    Poor acoustics can ruin the dining experience. Use sound-absorbing materials like wall panels or acoustic ceilings to control noise levels.

         9. WC That Reflects Your Brand

    Don’t overlook the loo. They’re an extension of your restaurant’s design and the only place where your customers are not distracted by the people they have come with. A clean and stylish bathroom leaves a lasting impression. You can elevate the experience by going the extra mile and installing full – length mirrors, pleasant diffusers, premium soap and music.

         10. Flexible Design for Future Growth

    Designing your restaurant for the long-term will set you up for success. Ensure that the layout and features can accommodate future changes, like expanding the menu or increasing seating capacity to allow for future growth.

    Getting your first restaurant’s design right is a big undertaking, but with these ten must-have features, you’ll create a space that’s not only beautiful but also functional and aligned with your brand and goals.

    As a restaurateur, if you need help in bringing your vision to life, feel free to book a discovery call—we’re here to help.

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  • Designing your home offices for productivity and success

    Gone are the days of commuting into Central London five days a week for work. With the gift of working from home, we are having to adjust our houses just a little to create a work environment that’s both productive and comfortable.

    Whether it’s an entire room or an area that’s part of a space, a well-designed home office can set you up for success whilst giving you flexibility and great energy. Here are four ways to design your home office in a way that will not compromise your productivity.

    Functional zones: If a room is to become your workspace, specific zones within the home office for different tasks, like focused work, virtual meetings, and creative brainstorming. This will create an environment that’s supportive of your role. Zoning enhances efficiency and ensures that the space caters to various work-related activities without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.

    Ergonomic comfort: By curating ergonomic furniture and a proper setup to ensure physical comfort during long working hours, you will feel invited into your office space. Adjustable chairs, ergonomic desks and carefully selected lighting will reduce strain and encourage sustained focus. An ergonomically designed space contributes to better posture and overall well-being, making it a pleasure to work.

    Personal inspiration: Tailoring your home office’s aesthetics to your individual preferences and work style will make working from home a pleasure. We like to incorporate elements that inspire and motivate you, such as artwork, plants, or personal mementos, which most offices in London cannot accommodate. It’s always uplifting to be surrounded by items that have positive meaning for you.

    Healthy work-life balance: Designing the home office to foster a clear boundary between work and home life is important. Deciding where in the house this workspace is going to be located and establishing a routine that separates working hours from personal time is also key. This separation contributes to mental well-being, preventing burnout and allowing for quality relaxation once you’re done for the day.

    A well-designed home office goes beyond aesthetics, fuelling inspiration, productivity, and success. By addressing both physical comfort and emotional well-being, we’ll create an environment where you can thrive, achieve your goals, and maintain a healthy balance between work and life, all within your home.

    If you wish to discuss how we can create a permanent and inviting home office within your home, book a discovery call today.

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  • Designing your bedroom to be a relaxing escape in the middle of London

    At the start of your day and at the end of that same day, you need your bedroom to be a relaxing escape. Life in London can be rushed and stressful. A space that’s yours, away from your daily demands — where you can unwind and start the day well — has become a necessity. Your bedroom should set you up for a good day and a good night of sleep. Here are 5 ways we create serene bedrooms that will make you feel like you’re in a retreat of your own.

    Calming colour palette:
    When you hire me as your interior designer, we ask you to guide us towards one or two colours that soothe you so we can weave these into a colour palette that’s relaxing and serene for you. We mix these with the right finishes, metals, and accessories to create a bespoke design that resonates with you deeply. We work with these elements so your walls, bedding, and décor can all come together to create a cohesive space that’s calming.

    Luxurious bedding:
    Investing in the right bedding materials such as soft cotton sheets, plush duvets, and comfortable pillowcases will give you the much-needed physical comfort for your relaxing escape. Layering textures with throws, cushions, and a cosy area rug adds a sense of comfort that will elevate the room and your mood.

    Clutter-free design:
    Embracing an organised and clean approach to the design helps keep the bedroom clutter-free and gives you a sense of retreat and relaxation. Smart storage ensures your belongings are within reach but out of sight. We space-plan your storage to ensure you have enough room for your items and extra for future purchases. We also like to select furniture with clean lines and a streamlined aesthetic to ensure there’s a visual flow to the room that brings calmness.

    Soft lighting:
    We are keen on adding more than one type of lighting in bedrooms. We incorporate gentle ambient lighting options like dimmable bedside lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights in addition to ceiling lighting. We pair this with warm bulbs to create a soothing and inviting ambiance during evenings. Whether you are getting ready in the morning or reading in the evening, we want to ensure the atmosphere is just right.

    Creating a serene bedroom involves curating a space that combines calming colours, comfortable textures, a clutter-free design, soothing lighting, and natural elements. This thoughtful combination can help parents unwind and recharge in a peaceful environment after a busy day.

    Book a call today if you wish to discuss your interior design project with us. This call will give me the opportunity to understand your needs and aspirations, and you’ll walk away understanding how we work and what we can create for you.

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  • How do we create a home that’s original and timeless to you rather than following trends?

    Whether you live in Bromley, Greenwich, Dulwich, or anywhere in-between, we love clients who want to embrace originality and timeless interiors that are true to them. Wondering how we find out what works for them? Here’s how we create bespoke interior designs that resonate with you deeply:

    1. Identify your personal style: We focus on understanding your personal style, preferences, interests, and lifestyle. What colours, patterns, and textures resonate with you? The way to do this best is by pausing when you see something you like and asking yourself if you like it or love it. Have you always loved it? Has it always sparked something positive inside you? Can you imagine yourself living with this? If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance you will love it for the years to come. We go through a selection of images with you to understand what sparks your joy.

     

    1. Curate meaningful pieces: We ask if you have any furniture, decor, and art that hold sentimental value or evoke positive emotions. Maybe something you picked up at Greenwich Market recently or something your grandma passed on to you. Incorporating pieces that tell your story adds depth and authenticity to your space, making it truly one-of-a-kind. These pieces will also make you smile every time you enter the room.

     

    1. Invest in quality: We research and find home items that are going to be useful and stand the test of time. This applies to the quality of the furniture but also to the use you will get out of it for the long term. Other than in a young child’s bedroom, the rest of the house should be a collection of items that work for you for many years.

     

    1. Prioritise functionality: A timeless home is also a practical one. Designing your space to accommodate your daily routines and needs is a top priority for us. A well-organised and functional layout enhances the longevity of the design while ensuring a seamless flow in your daily life, making it a pleasure for you to live in and host your guests. We also place importance on how you see your family life evolving in the future. Are you planning to have more children, adopt a pet, or have an elderly parent move in? These and other questions are asked so we can create practical designs that evolve with you and your family.

     

    1. Classic foundations: Creating with classic elements such as the walls, floors, window treatments, and major furniture pieces helps you to always keep falling in love with your home. These serve as a versatile backdrop that allows you to change accents and accessories over time without altering the core design.

     

    1. Timeless Patterns and Textures: Selecting patterns and textures that have stood the test of time also helps. Classic elements add depth and visual interest to your home without becoming dated.

     

    1. Adapt, don’t adopt: While inspiration from trends is fine, adapting them to your personal style rather than adopting them will serve you well in the long run. Incorporate trendy elements in small, interchangeable ways that can easily evolve over time.

     

    1. Seek Professional Guidance: Our experience helps us understand your vision so we can create a space that’s both original and timeless for you. Our expertise can help you strike the perfect balance between personal style and enduring design.

     

    Remember, your home is a canvas for self-expression and a sanctuary to help you take on the world. By embracing your individuality and following these principles, we can craft an interior that remains beautiful, functional, and meaningful for years to come.

    Get in touch with us today to discuss how you would like your interiors to support your dream home life.

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  • Designing for family bonding

    Open plan living areas have become part of our daily life. However, a thoughtless design can hinger the quality time you wish to share with your loved ones leaving you frustrated and uninspired. Here are 4 design tips we can help you with to harness bonding time between your family and friends so you can you foster deeper connections.

    Open layout for interaction:
    We design open layouts that promotes easy flow, unabstracted communication and good interaction among family members. Arranging seating in a way that brings everyone together, making space for family time doing what you love most, creating a conducive environment for conversations and creating storage for your everyday needs will all promote a healthier, harmonious and togetherness you crave for.

    Comfortable and versatile seating:
    Choosing comfortable and versatile seating options like sectional sofas, cosy armchairs, pouffes and more will give a range of choice for the different moods you and your family will experience in your open plan living. After all, this is the space you’ll spend most of your time in so it’s important to accommodate for all times of the day and night. We also ensure you have additional seating that’s welcoming and comfortable for your guests so everyone can feel right at home.

    Tech-free zones for quality time:
    Designated tech-free zones within the living room to encourage quality time without distractions is also something we get requested. We can create cosy reading corners or board game areas where phones and screens are set aside so you can all be present to enjoy your precious days together.

    Interactive entertainment:
    Integrating interactive elements such as a media centre for your family movie nights or space to play your collection of records is something we take into consideration when designing if you enjoy these. We ask you how frequently you want to use these and a few other questions to understand how central to the design these elements need to be. We make sure that the entertainment setup engages everyone in a comfortable way.

     

    By incorporating these design elements, an open plan living room can become the centre of your family life for sharing special moments, experiences, conversations, and bonding. It’s a space where your family will come together to relax, play, and connect, fostering stronger relationships and create memories.

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  • 5 reasons why Interior Design Masters on BBC/Netflix is not a true reflection of the real world

    I have a love hate relationship with this show. I love seeing the creativity of every designer who exuberates a variety of styles and how hard they work pouring their heart and soul into every project however there are things that make me cringe too. For instant what’s required from them to win the competition. There’s something wrong with the picture this show paints for anyone who hasn’t worked with an interior designer before. Here are 5 important things we do differently at KaVaRa Interior Design.

    1 – Client’s brief:

    On the show, the client’s wishes isn’t always a big part of the creativity the designers come up with. The designers often run with their own visual concepts without addressing the end users’ style. The owners of the premises seems to be obliged to accept this and hope for the best.

    At KaVaRa Interior Design, we clearly and carefully extracts a detailed brief from each client for each space we work on. We make it our job to deeply understand what you want, need and wish (practically and aesthetically in equal measures) and turn this into bespoke designs. We adapt our ideas based on your continuous input, making sure the final design aligns with your vision, meets your practical needs and budget.

    2 – Personalisation and client collaboration:

    The show accentuates the individual designer’s creative vision however it does not fully capture the collaborative nature of real-life interior design projects. There’s also no sign of designs being adapted and amended along the way to suit the clients’ requirements and preferences.

    When you appoint KaVaRa Interior Design, you are guaranteed to be listened to attentively. All our designs are bespoke. We work with you throughout the project, so your input is at the centre of our creation, ensuring a meaningful outcome that resonates with you, your family and daily life. We also design with your evolving needs in mind to future proof your home, so you don’t have to go through another interior design project for years. 

    3 – Unrealistic timelines:

    On the show, designers often work towards very tight deadlines, completing projects within just a few days. The show doesn’t mention how much work has gone into each project behind the scenes before briefs are delivered to clients. Even the few days they are given to execute on the designs don’t show the long hours they are working with their sleeves rolled up (often 12 or more hours each day). They are pushed to work this way due to budget constraints put on by the production company.

    At KaVaRa Interior Design, we collaborate extensively with our clients over a number of weeks to create well-thought-out and carefully executed designs that align with the client’s preferences and needs. We call this the roadmap to get to the best design for your home. This is how we create spaces that resonates with our clients and their budget. A little patience goes a long way.

    4- Limited budgets and resources:

    While the show may showcase impressive transformations, it doesn’t transparently address the financial and resource limitations the designers often face. The budget mentioned on the show is only for the products used in each project. This is often tiny which means designers are forced to hand-make many elements and find bargains that might not be great in quality. The labour cost for tradesmen (decorators, carpenters, flooring specialists etc) and the designer’s fees are all excluded in the budget mentioned.

    Real-world interior design projects involve working with larger budgets to cover all costs and not only materials. We are here to balance creativity and your budget, taking into consideration quality materials that are long lasting. It’s also our job to have open conversations with you about how achievable your budget is from the get-go so you can avoid unwanted surprises and disappointments.

    5 – Long-term functionality and durability:

    The show’s format often focuses on quick transformations and immediate visual impact. Some of the designers are new to hand-making things or even DIY and this can manifest in the end results. Real-life interior design projects go beyond aesthetics. We consider the long-term functionality and durability of the chosen materials, furniture and lighting in order for these to support your home life in the long run. Ensuring that the design withstands daily use, changing lifestyles, and the wear and tear of family life is a critical aspect that does not receive the same level of attention in the show.

    While “Interior Design Masters” provides entertainment and showcases creativity, it does not fully capture the nuanced and well-planned process that occurs in real-world interior design projects. Collaborative client-designer relationships, careful consideration of the budget allocation, and the dedication to creating bespoke spaces that are reflective of our clients (not us) are integral aspects that differentiate our interior design service and results from the portrayal on the show.

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  • The art of entertaining: 3 different dining room styles

    Most homeowners in London love to receive people and entertain. Is there a better feeling than hosting your loved ones under your own roof? A gathering that brings everyone together, where you can create memories and spend quality time with the people that mean the most to you, is part of home life. Everyone’s style of hosting is different, and that’s why designing your dining room in a way that supports your hosting style is key. Here are three styles of dining room design for you to consider.

    The elegant host:
    Incorporating a formal dining table with a luxurious look and attention to detail will create an atmosphere of refined elegance. Choose upholstered chairs for added comfort; encouraging guests to linger around the table during extended dinner conversations will result in late nights of laughter and joy.
    Ambient lighting, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, enhances the sense of sophistication by adding depth and providing an inviting glow.

    cottage dinning room

    The casual gatherer:
    Whether it’s a terraced, Georgian, or Edwardian detached house, or whether it’s a rustic look or an urban-style dining table that invites a relaxed and approachable vibe, this design is for the hosts who invite guests around whenever they like. Have breakfast with school mums, lunch with your sibling or dinner with friends here. Mix and match seating with a combination of chairs and benches for a laid-back atmosphere that will make your guests feel right at home.
    You can integrate versatile storage solutions like sideboards or open shelving to display curated décor items and easily accessible serving ware too.

    modern yellow dining space

    The modern entertainer:

    Choosing a sleek and minimalist dining table with clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic reflects a modern sense of style. This is for the hosts who want minimal maintenance yet wish to make their guests feel welcome. Bringing comfortable yet stylish chairs with unique shapes adds an element of design that will get your guests talking.

    dining-room2-4-min

    Each design approach caters to different types of hosts, ensuring that the dining room aligns with your entertaining style, the capacity required, personality, and the overall atmosphere you wish to create. Your social gatherings are important so let’s get it right. Years from now, you will look at your dining room and allow those memories to come flooding back. The heart-warming moments that make life meaningful are those we share with others.

    Book a discovery call here if you wish to discuss your project. We would love to hear your needs and aspirations for your home.

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