Nice vs. Nasty

By Marina Correa

Photography: Courtesy the architect

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Rough finishes, exposed concrete, carved wooden creatures and graffiti-etched walls coupled with bright splashes of colour are a wicked mix of materials and textures at The Big Nasty - restaurant and bar at Bandra, Mumbai…

“The concept of creating a ‘nasty’ space for 21 year-olds and above was very interesting and unique to begin with,” gushes Shabnam Gupta, principal architect, The Orange Lane. At a time when high-end and swanky interiors rule, this grunge-inspired, industrial décor deviates sharply from the norm. But it’s no surprise coming from Shabnam, who is known to take the road less traveled.

 

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Situated on the second floor of a fully ready and partially functional residential building, access to the site proved to be a laborious one while the team was working on the project. Also the number of structural columns and curvilinear periphery was an issue that was deftly dealt with.

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In continuity of the design, street graffiti and potted plants line the pathway from the main gate of the building right up to the entrance of the bar. Indirect lighting, monkey heads with varied expressions, a wooden shark, industrial aluminum flooring, metal jali, exposed brick work, steel chairs and tables and built-in concrete seating complete the grungy look and infuse a masculine vibe to the space.

 

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To add an element of fun, bright furnishings in bursts of red and yellow, multi-hued window panels and shiny sari balls exude a cheery atmosphere. Subtle, yet defining a different tone is the white piping along the red sofas that hark back to the 1970s decade.

 

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Incorporating the canary yellow signature colour of The Big Nasty, the open AC ducting reflects the same hue. Framed photographs hanging from multiple columns add a certain charm while foam cylinders stuck onto the ceiling not only keep echoes at bay but add an edgy feel to the ambience.