New Cafe Kinya Brings Warmth to Bangalore’s Coffee Culture
With Kinya, Bangalore-based Studio Bomb created an intimate coffee space where patrons can share the founder’s passion for a good cup and the simple ritual of enjoying it. Principal architect Shankar Kallutla tells us more
How did you first meet the client?
The client is a good friend I’ve known for a while. Our shared interests and our conversations with his interest in our body of work naturally led to collaborating on this project when he decided to turn his passion for coffee into a cafe.
What was his brief to you?
He’s a passionate coffee lover who envisioned a cafe as a haven for those who share his appreciation. His goal was to create a space that went beyond just serving coffee — it was about fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals who value the ritual and joy of a good cup. He wanted a setting where people could slow down, relax and connect with both the beverage and their surroundings. The vision was to craft a cosy, intimate cafe focused not just on the coffee, but also on the experience of savouring it in a thoughtfully designed space. This vision guided our approach to designing a warm, sensory-rich environment using natural materials and a minimalist yet inviting aesthetic.
What’s great about the neighbourhood and what makes the location unique?
The neighbourhood offers a calming escape within the bustling city. Nestled in a serene area, the space is shaded by large trees that cast dappled light on the cafe’s facade. This hidden retreat, surrounded by lush greenery, enhances the cafe’s philosophy of simplicity and connection to nature, reflected in its earthy material palette and indoor-outdoor spaces, encouraging visitors to slow down and unwind. Much like in traditional India, where the tree serves as a central gathering point and communal space, this space naturally evolved into a meet-up zone where patrons can connect and share moments together.
How did you approach the project? What design references or narrative did you try to incorporate?
The concept for Kinya is inspired by the idea of creating a unique and intimate experience, rooted in the client’s native language, Tulu, where kinya means ‘small’. The project embraces the idea of celebrating the simplicity of life’s rituals, specifically the comforting act of enjoying coffee. That led to our focus on designing a space that feels like a retreat amid the bustle, with the narrative is about encouraging people to slow down, savour the moment, and connect with themselves and others.
Tell us a little about the material choices for the space.
We opted for a palette that emphasises natural, tactile materials. The use of lime plaster, thatch and stainless steel allows for a play of textures and light, enhancing the aesthetics and creating a calming and immersive atmosphere. The earthy tones and soft finishes reflect the intention to craft a space that feels like a warm embrace. The materials were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also for their ability to engage the senses, making the experience of visiting Kinya not only visual but about touch, texture and comfort.
Tell us about some of the custom pieces.
We brought the space to life with several custom elements that highlight artisanry. The cafe bar, designed with stainless steel accents, contrasts with the warmth of lime plaster and natural thatch elements. The seating and tables are designed to align with the overall aesthetic of simplicity and comfort, blending into the open and airy space. These custom pieces reflect the hands-on approach of the artisans, focusing on creating a genuine, lived-in environment rather than chasing perfection.
Do you have a favourite element or design detail in the architecture or interiors?
One of the standout elements to me is the thoughtful interplay of textures, with lime plaster wrapping all the interior surfaces to create a soft, organic glow that shifts with natural light throughout the day, modulating the ambience. The stainless steel accents to add a sleek contrast, bringing a modern yet timeless feel to the space while enhancing its compactness. The exterior thatch wall adds a layer of depth and earthy character, interacting with the light to create a warm, inviting façade. Together, the lime plaster and thatch unite the natural tones inside and out.
What other features are you most excited about?
I think one of the most exciting features is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The design dissolves boundaries at any time of day, creating a fluid experience that allows visitors to fully appreciate the connection between the interior and exterior. This approach transforms the cafe into an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood rather than a confined space, encouraging people to linger and immerse themselves in the moment. It’s a place where people can gather, connect and share conversations.
Images by Jovin Dsouza & Karthik Shetty
