Translating elements of Thai culture into a contemporary design language award-winning design practice A-nrd Studio has created an interior concept for Kolae which features a material and colour palette that captures the aesthetic of South-eastern Asian architecture.

Playing with surfaces, textures, and patterns A-nrd Studio has drawn inspiration from details found in the charm of Old Town Bangkok translating and juxtaposing stylistic elements such as fluted oak and decorative timber framework with stone, natural textiles, ceramics, and leather.

On the ground floor of Kolae, a cement floor, exposed brickwork and limewashed walls in warm tones create a humble and homely, welcoming environment. An open kitchen counter and cocktail bar dominate the space. Crafted from textured clay plaster with a dark oak counter, it features a stylised ‘stilted’ skirted base which takes its cues from the traditionally elevated houses on stilts which are seen across Thai architecture. A common thread which ties the plan together, this design device is used subtly across the base of Kolae’s bespoke barstools, café tables and benches designed by A-nrd Studio and crafted from hand-planed oak with natural stone surfaces and linen upholstery. A back bar suspended bespoke shelving which dances across exposed bricks decorated with authentic ceramics and greenery.

A bespoke panel of handmade ceramic tiles in neutral tones with a blue accent crafted to form an irregular patchwork decorate the wall. A collaboration between A-nrd and Thai ceramists lamunlamai studio the clay used to handmake the tiles is mixed with food waste to create a new and more sustainable type of decorative tile. Lighting on the ground floor takes the form of handmade Abaca pendant lights, architectural spots and concealed-up lights that wash walls with ambience.

On the first floor, the connecting stairwell continues to draw from Thai architecture with an enclosed dark oak frame encasing a patchwork of seeded glass panes. Here traditional bamboo blinds hang. Continued use of limewashed plaster across the room creates cohesion between floors, alongside the natural stone tables which on this level are paired with sculptural oak dining chairs and bespoke booths designed by A-nrd Studio and upholstered in a warm light brown heritage leather. A private dining room is located behind linen curtains in an intimate niche space. Limewashed walls, exposed bricks and an original old wharf door create the structure to the atmospheric dining space with bespoke booth seating. A large sculptural pendant light from Pinch made from plant fibre and linen hangs over the dining table from an exposed brick illuminating the private sanctuary-esq space.

On the second floor of Kolae A-nrd Studio have created a convivial and relaxed loft diner. A pitched limewashed roof features exposed timber beams from which oversized traditional Abaca lanterns hang. Here all the earthy tones and materials utilised by the studio across Kolae come together. Bespoke natural stone tables designed by A-nrd can be joined to seat larger parties of up to 16 for a further private dining room or separated into tables of 4 and are paired with woven leather wooden armchairs.

Deliberately minimalist and modern, the richly layered texture and warmth of Kolae’s interior exudes authenticity through A-nrd Studio’s fresh, contemporary approach to design and customer experience.