The Kitchen, Kempinksi Al Mouj in Muscat

HBA has once again created a piece of interior art with their signature stamp of intricate grills and delicate patterns laid out to perfection. With, of course, the firm’s favourite colour palette of browns, golds and monotones. It is difficult to find fault with their design.

And so, The Kitchen at the Kempinksi Al Mouj in Muscat is no surprise. Designer Sarah Hamid of HBA Dubai worked on this restaurant project converting a 220 square metres of indoor space plus another 140 square metres outdoors, into a slick, inviting, and beautiful culinary joint.

The client had requested an all day dining restaurant concept – a journey through “the Boulevard of Delights” so to speak.  They wanted a restaurant that would offer a wide culinary range, both indoors and under the open sky.

The interiors are somewhat multifunctional, with the buffet units designed to be flexible and adaptable (during non-breakfast times, they are used as display or dining tables) and the adjoining café becomes a spillover breakfast space plus a moody café later on in the day.

Spatial planning and zoning was an integral part of the interior design – a journey of discovery for the guest right from arrival, as they meander through a deconstructed path that directs, guides and allows them to explore and discover the various cooking experiences.  During this process, they come across the various staging counters, angular in form and topped with a travertine effect composite.  A mix of seating styles feature fabrics textures and tones in an earthy blend of hues inspired by the regional culture.

All the furniture and decorative material were custom manufactured and sourced. The aim was to employ local craftsmen and natural resources as much as possible.

The entire project was fitted out by S&T interior contracting with WSP handling the project management.