THE FRONTIER

Location : Madhya Pradesh Bhavan, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Area : 1700 sqft
Principal Designers : Neha Changwani, Komal Sachdev

The Frontier Post restaurant is situated in Navi Mumbai’s MP Bhavan. it’s a part of a growing chain of restaurants across India, and this can be its first outlet in Mumbai.

The aim with designing this space was to take care of a coherence stylish with the opposite outlets, while giving it a novel individuality of its own. Since this branch of The Frontier Post is found in a very commercial complex which caters primarily to a working professional crowd, the look was created to reflect a singular blend of Afghani and Awadhi sensibilities with an overarching contemporary essence. A balance was carefully caused between traditionalism and modernity – both intricately woven carpets and sleek black lighting exist harmonized with one another during this space.

The Frontier Post may be a respect to the historical North-West Frontier which was a locality of British people Indian Empire. In the 18th century, this was a locality uniquely steeped in culture, and an aim to originate a culinary revival of this place in time was the propulsion behind conceptualizing the restaurant. it had been this rich cultural significance, including the creative insights of two designers with distinct individual styles, which greatly informed the planning of The Frontier Post. While Neha Changwani and Komal Sachdev run independent practices, they collaborated on this project seamlessly. designers combined their unique perspectives and expertise, and in doing so, delivered to fruition a special creative vision.

In order to evoke a way of curiosity within a visitor, a definite cobalt blue colour was chosen for the door. Detailed with rivets and door knocks, even the doorway embodies a captivating antiquity. The door leads into an airy 1700sqft space which features a combination of both informal, low couch and fine-dine seating, also as a bar.

Though it hasn’t been pictured, an inspiration to introduce outdoor seating is underway. Large, pre existing glass walls form a component of the structure of the restaurant, seeing because it is situated on the bottom floor of an industrial complex. so as to take care of a sense of privacy, black cut-out jaalis were fitted onto the glass.

The colour scheme selected for the restaurant comprised subtle contemporary tones like grey with pops of colour to reflect the standard influences that guided the planning. A visually striking monochrome fabric was selected for the chairs, that sported a maximalist Ikat print. Neutralized by solid rust orange and blue sofas, the impression was that of a seamless balance. In line with a more modern spirit, the walls were treated in concrete grey chalk paint, further augmented by a matte black ceiling. In an endeavour to be as mindful about resources as possible, a bit of the furniture utilized in the restaurant was refurbished. a replacement life was leased to the couches and bar shelves through meticulous redesign and a spotlight to detail. 

While the overarching elements exhibit a more contemporary quality, the decor and art set against them are heavily influenced by Indian, and more particularly Afghani and Awadhi elements. An ornate rug custom made by The Rug Story with colours from the project’s mood board makes a striking statement as wall art, while serving as a point of interest for the design. Regal portraits of the Maharajas and Maharanis of the North-West Frontier Post from the 18th century tie together beautifully the concept of the restaurant, further accented by ornate mirrors placed at regular intervals. Apart from the black track lighting which serves a functional purpose, perforated metal jaali lights are liberally used across the restaurant within the kind of pendant lamps and table lanterns that cast intricate illumination patterns on the walls. A unique visual element of interest, the knotted rope detailing which encompasses a number of the hanging lights provides a deliberate break from the simplicity of the ceiling. The loose yet sculptural nature of the rope detail provides a noteworthy contrast to the composition of the lighting within.

In an endeavour to bring the fascinating history of the region to life, close attention was paid to even the littlest elements that added a royal flair to the atmosphere. From the design within which the grey sheer curtains are draped to the rope detailing on the ceiling, every aspect of the planning ties into Afghani and Awadhi traditionalism.

Neha Changwani
Founder INC Design Studio
Website : https://incdesign.in/
Instagram : @nehachangwani

Komal Sachdev
Designer + Planner
Website : https://komalsachdev.com/
Instagram : @ksdesigner_planner/
Facebook : kkomalsachdev