Designed by Studios PMB, the all-new Lava Lounge in Amritsar serves up more than delectable food – it promises an experience.
With the amplifying levels of stress and scarcity of time among millennials, the importance of leisure and recreation, especially in the form of gastronomical explorations in plush settings has become exponentially high. Most patrons today are looking for an experience that feeds all the five primary senses rather than purely taste buds. The Lava Lounge in Amritsar, designed by Praneet Bubber, founder and creative director of Studios PMB is an all-new destination that is exclusive in the design concept and has a strong sense of being aesthetically unprecedented.
Spread across 665 sq. ft. area, the Lava Lounge is a carefully orchestrated narrative of design, where every element speaks to the seamless balance between opulence and intimacy. It is a space crafted to elevate the social experience, yet imbued with personal moments of retreat. Sharing his insights on what inspired him to conceptualize the lounge, Praneet says, “The inspiration for Lava Lounge stems from a desire to craft an immersive, multifunctional space that seamlessly combines modern aesthetics with warmth and luxury. The design harmonises contemporary elements like dyed wood veneers and exposed travertine with dramatic gold accents, creating a rich sensory experience. The spatial arrangement encourages both interaction and privacy, responding to the client’s brief for a dynamic lounge-bar setting”. He further adds, “The concept behind the restaurant’s design is rooted in creating a fluid, adaptable space that fosters both connection and exclusivity. The layout encourages interaction with open-plan areas while maintaining intimate corners for privacy. Inspired by the need for flexibility, the design allows seamless transformation to accommodate different party setups.”
The theme followed by Studio PMB in designing the space is one of dynamic contrast and luxurious minimalism. The space blends bold, dramatic elements with subtle, refined touches to create an atmosphere that is both energising and inviting. “Dark tones, particularly black and gold, are juxtaposed with lighter materials to establish visual balance and depth. The integration of contemporary forms with warm textures reflects a modern aesthetic, while also ensuring comfort and versatility”, informs Praneet. Flexibility is a key aspect of the theme, with the design allowing for easy reconfiguration of the space to suit different event needs. Overall, the theme focuses on delivering a high-end, sophisticated ambience that engages the senses without overwhelming the setting.
The lounge’s seating arrangement embodies this intention. Sleek, kidney-shaped amoebic sofas in rich textures create an inviting softness, while wood, leather, and fabric chairs offer tailored comfort and style. Tables, adorned with high-gloss marble tops and accented by antique brass legs, stand as luxurious islands, ensuring no space feels underutilised. “The ceiling, often an overlooked feature, became a bold design statement in this low-heightened space. With the height constraints of just under 10 feet, we had to think vertically without expanding physically. A brushed black PVD metal ceiling was introduced to add depth, reflecting light subtly while adding a contemporary edge. To counterbalance this dramatic treatment, the ceiling meanders along the inner walls, creating a rhythm that echoes the energetic vibe of the space”, adds, Praneet.
Natural light floods in through expansive windows, but it is the strategic use of artificial lighting that sets the mood. A combination of LED strip lighting and pinhole lights creates a dramatic play of shadow and focus, illuminating the tables and food without harshly lighting the guests—a deliberate choice that enhances the intimate ambience. “The goal was to make the space feel alive with light, but never glaring—everything is about subtlety and nuance,” Praneet notes, capturing the essence of the design’s lighting strategy. The choice of materials further deepens the sense of luxury and warmth. Black-dyed wood panelling, hand-gilded with intricate gold leaf detailing by the artist Sunil Kapoor, wraps the room in opulence. These golden waves sweep across the walls, drawing the eye and adding a tactile richness that contrasts beautifully with the otherwise minimalist decor. The tactile interplay of materials is a defining feature—natural wood veneers bring an organic warmth, while travertine stone and sleek metal accents introduce modernity.
The contrast between black, white, and gold, accented with soft upholstery, injects a sense of drama that is at once bold and elegant. Praneet informs, “One of the most distinctive features of the space is the gold chain mail curtain designed by Metfab. This daring addition complements the lounge’s black and gold theme and introduces a distinct edginess that sets it apart.”
The bar’s main entrance, a gold fabric-sandwich door framed in gleaming gold, echoes this metallic opulence, ensuring that every detail aligns with the overarching theme of luxury and innovation. Beyond aesthetics, the space is designed for versatility. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger party, the layout allows for easy reconfiguration. Yet, the project wasn’t without its challenges. Explaining the design hurdles and how the team overcame them, Praneet says, “The narrow, L-shaped layout tested the team’s ability to fit all of the client’s requirements without compromising on flow or comfort. It’s about solving the puzzle—finding ways to meet every need while still allowing the space to breathe. Through strategic planning and careful selection of furniture, the lounge bar maintains a sense of openness, despite its compact size”.
The contrast of bold and neutral tones, coupled with dramatic lighting, injects energy and sophistication into the space. Emphasising balance, the design incorporates varying ceiling heights to enhance the sense of openness, using visual layers to create depth. Overall, the design merges modern elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere, delivering a dining experience that adapts effortlessly to social and functional needs.
