A Fresh Mediterranean Flair

Featuring a clean, free-spirited architecture with pops of contemporary elements, this cafe and lounge transports one to the serenity of Greece

Capital city Delhi offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for those who believe in living life king-size. From street food to high-end fine dining, the many charms of this city never cease to amaze. Foodies as well as restaurateurs have always been attracted to the beguiling history that Delhi has to offer in terms of lip-smacking food and refreshing drinks. In the midst of all the dazzle of Khan Market and hustle and bustle of Hauz Khas, a new contemporary cafe and lounge called Kleo has recently emerged in Malviya Nagar, which pays an ode to Greek mythology.

This aesthetic and zestful cafe mentally transports one to the vibrance and serenity of Greece. Owing its name to Queen Cleopatra, the clients envisioned the place to feature a simple and clean-lined architectural design with pops of contemporariness in its decor, and bases in the very essence of Greek elements.

The cafe perpetually follows an extravagant colour-oriented theme, bringing in tones and hues of blue and white, mimicking the Pantone shade that encapsulates the logo and brand name of Kleo. This shade of blue brought about in the furniture and lighting fixtures stands out amongst the monochromatic walls and floors, making a statement of belongingness and continuity in the space. A full-grown tree that pre-existed on the site was retained, and the lounge was planned around it, providing a soft play of shadows through its foliage.

As we approach the entrance, we come face-to-face with the avant-garde and futuristic facade, with sheen marble-finished stone cladding. This entryway changes its look and feel depending on the way the sunlight interacts with the element, making it dynamic in nature on a day-to-day and seasonal basis. The lounge is divided into two zones—the exterior semi-open space housing the outdoor bar, dining area and washroom, and the interior space accommodating an indoor bar, media section, kitchen and dining space. Separated by sliding folding glazed partitions, these spaces blur the boundaries and fuse into one seamless space during the winter season. This sharp-witted and chic partition is the USP of the project, attributing to the curved glass design that has been incorporated, reminding us of the soft curves that adorn Greek architecture and waves that lash the islands.

Perpetuating the theme further, an artful inclusion of a waterbody comes into play with the design, also controlling the micro-climate of the cafe alongside the planters and vegetation that lines the nooks and creaks of this vivid space.  As we move further in, the organic ceiling seizes our curiosity, with a wave-like structure crafted in Plaster of Paris adding buoyancy and action to the space. Finished in morning glory white paint, the concept of a black-and-white backdrop sustains in bits and pieces all around. The exterior walls are clad with a beige limestone cut and arranged in a brick-laying pattern, giving it a smooth and neat appearance. In contrast, the interior walls are customised in a dark grey to light grey gradient going upwards. Tilework, cut down in six different sizes to come up with an enticing pattern, is laid throughout the floors in the outdoors of this vibrant lounge. Indoors, the floors are materialised in grey-coloured flooring.

The design studio takes pride in coming up with glove-fit designs with nuanced customised details. The furniture for Kleo is articulated with unconventional textures and prints on varying fabrics, put together by innovative and steadfast vendors. From different shades of pastel pink, green and chrome yellow, diverse types of seating arrangements—be it sofas, communal tables or even the conventional table-chair setup—were put together to facilitate variations and comfort for the users. Wall-mounted lights, chandeliers and pendant lights wrapped with multiple layers of blue-coloured acrylics bring life to the space through the drama of sciography, which follows from the crooks and colours of these personalised lights.

The nonchalant, free-spirited and pioneering design elements come into play to lend a contemporary aesthetic to the space, fostering impressionable experiences for the users. Kleo celebrates top-notch and exceptional Indian craftsmanship that creates out-of-the-ordinary and functional interiors, relentlessly making its mark in the industry. Kleo is not just a lounge but a clean, chic and contemporary space, acting as an initiator of conversations.

FACTFILE

Project: Kleo, Delhi

Architects: Chromed Design Studio, Delhi

Design Team: Abhigyan Neogi, Tenzin Dodhen, Radhika Agrawal, Vikas Singh

Area: 4,000 sq ft (approx)

Completion: August 2022