Charm Thai Lounge & Restaurant, Muscat

Charm Thai Lounge & Restaurant is located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. The brief from the operators was to create an alternative and different Thai experience. The design aims to create a unique story that links Muscat with Thailand and mixes fiction with some aspects of Thai history.

The interior design and artistic direction reflect the story of the Golden Princess and the imaginary discovery of her magical home in Muscat, once hidden by palm trees and dunes. All elements inside and outside the bar/restaurant were designed by Mojo Interior Design, except the graphic identity. From the existing structural space, the interior architecture space was created which helped support the brand story. The old-style timber framework was created to support the roof that sits on the pedestals, reflecting a Thai-style. The beams were formed using reclaimed timber railway sleepers. Hand-carved elephant heads from Thailand were used as corbels to support the beams. Ornate gold leaf effect carved panels were used on the ceiling and were inspired by a Temple in Chiang Mai.

The restaurant looks like an old house with period detailing such as old timber beams and mud or concrete floors. Further, pieces of high-quality furniture, both old and up to the mid-20th century, have been added. Most of the items were sourced from India and Thailand, including hand-made glazed turquoise 3D tiles from Thailand. Each piece of furniture was hand-finished to achieve the antique feel. The metalwork that was used for the project such as anchor chain, table bases, Old Thai armour, sea urchin lighting and mid-century modern Lotus chandeliers were from Moradabad in India.

The old beams used for the structure have Thai Poems about food and drink, which were chosen with the help of chef patron Shakriya Kanasasanat. Over 6,000 coins were used to produce the metal curtain in the shopfront. Handmade Batiks were used as curtain dividers and old pictures of the Thai Royal Family were sourced to reflect the persona of the restaurant. A tattoo-inspired Kraken was hand-painted onto the concrete floor. Overall, the interiors have been decorated with a modern-artistic approach utilising subtle Thai, travel, mystical and nautical influences.