Raag, meaning "melody" in Indian classical music, is a 1,800-square-foot Indian cuisine restaurant designed by LDG Studio. Its standout feature is the seamless fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics and modern design, highlighted by a sitar-inspired logo, intricate jaali work, and a draped ceiling adorned with dance mudras. This blend of music, architecture, and culture creates an immersive dining experience that mirrors the harmony of a musical performance. Designers share more details with SURFACES REPORTER (SR). Take a look:
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Upon entering Raag, one is immediately embraced by a fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern sensibilities. The restaurant’s logo, symbolic of a sitar—a quintessential Indian musical instrument—sets the tone for the space.
This logo is not just a graphic representation but is embodied in a focal niche, which features an elegant sitar installation. This niche draws attention as both a visual anchor and a tribute to the classical roots from which the concept of Raag is derived.
A Dance of Colors and Textures
Raag’s interior features a lush green palette, symbolizing harmony and nature. This is paired with warm walnut wood flooring, showcasing intricate patterns inspired by traditional Indian motifs.
The walls display traditional paisley designs in watercolors, symbolizing fertility and eternity, set against sand-finished surfaces with golden accents for a luxurious touch. The textured walls and wainscoting enhance both visual depth and durability.
Divided Levels and Arched Elegance
Raag’s spatial layout is cleverly divided into two levels, offering varied dining experiences. Arched partitions, inspired by classical Indian architecture, provide both structural support and rhythmic design, reflecting the melodic flow of a raag.
The intricate jaali work, with its delicate lattice patterns, complements the arches. This traditional craft enhances privacy while allowing glimpses of adjoining spaces, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth and mystery to the interiors.
Enchanting Draped Ceiling and Blush Pink Chandeliers
One of the highlights of Raag is its draped ceiling, designed to captivate and enchant. The ceiling fabric is printed with dance mudras—traditional hand gestures that are integral to Indian classical dance forms. These mudras, depicted in fluid lines and graceful poses, tell a story of their own, embodying the cultural and spiritual essence of Indian dance. The ceiling thus becomes a floating tapestry, engaging diners with a sense of movement and cultural immersion.
Adding to the ceiling’s allure are blush pink glass chandeliers, designed in a style reminiscent of traditional Indian lanterns. These chandeliers cast a soft, warm glow that enhances the space's romantic and serene ambiance, creating a setting that is perfect for intimate dining experiences. The interplay of light and shadow from the chandeliers mirrors the nuances of musical compositions, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Ornamentation Inspired by Indian Heritage
Throughout Raag, wall lights and mirrors feature intricate ornamentation, inspired by the opulence and artistry of Indian heritage. These decorative elements are carefully chosen to complement the space's overall design theme, ensuring that every corner of the restaurant resonates with the aesthetic of Indian classical art forms. The mirrors, with their detailed frames, not only reflect light but also visually expand the space, making the restaurant feel more open and inviting.
The walls are further adorned with golden hints that catch the light, adding a subtle shimmer that enhances the restaurant's elegant ambiance. The use of gold, a color often associated with luxury and divinity in Indian culture, adds a regal touch to the interiors, making the dining experience at Raag truly memorable.
Rhythmic Accents and Musical Allusions
Adding a unique touch to the restaurant's decor is the fluted column that features a rhythmic candlelight chandelier. This chandelier is designed to evoke the ripples of sound created by music, symbolizing the flow and rhythm that is central to both music and life. The flickering candlelight creates a dynamic visual effect, much like the variations in a musical piece, casting moving shadows that dance across the surfaces of the restaurant, enhancing the sensory experience.
Raag celebrates Indian culture, music, and cuisine through its thoughtfully curated design, offering a space where tradition meets modernity.
Project Details
Project Name: Raag
Project Category Interior Design
Project Location: Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, India
Project Size: 2000 square feet
Project Status :Built
Architect / Designer: Jayati Gupta, Abhinav Gupta, LDG Studio Co-Founders
Photographer credits: Atul Pratap Chauhan
About the Firm
LDG Studio is an innovative interior design and build practice led by the talented sibling duo, Abhinav and Jayati Gupta. With offices strategically located in New Delhi and Goa, the studio extends its creative services across India and Nepal, specializing in residential, commercial, and hospitality design.
