Exploring the synergy of culture and design
New York’s Hommali restaurant transports you to a traditional Thai home while offering a contemporary urban dining experience. Nestled at the edge of the West Village, this establishment is the creation of Bangkok natives Chef Chattchakorn “Benz” Khajornchaisan, General Manager Kritayanee “Air” Promsarin, and Operations Lead Pichalak “Picha” Srigungvarl. Their move to New York and subsequent connection in the city’s hospitality scene paved the way for this elegant fusion at the establishment.
A design inspired by Thai tradition at the Dining Venue
The restaurant, designed by Surrane Design, features an inviting eight-seat bar, a cozy 20-seat dining den, and a semi-private mezzanine adorned with personal touches from the founders. Including spaces like a wine room and a dry-age room, Hommali offers both intimacy and openness. The earthy palette reflects the life cycle of a rice plant, drawing from the vibrant greens and rich browns that symbolize growth and sustenance. The venue truly captures these elements beautifully.
Capturing the essence of a Thai household
Hommali features design elements reminiscent of traditional Thai architecture. The central dining den mimics a courtyard, enhanced by a terracotta floor, a nod to vernacular structures. Guests are welcomed by a rice plant-themed light installation, introducing them to a space where tradition meets innovation at this unique location.
For more captivating designs like Hommali’s, explore Witchaya Jingjit’s futuristic architecture and see how tradition meets modernity.
The bar, wrapped in sandy fluted tiles, leads to a space where plush leather and velvet seating coexist with charming, vintage decor. These areas are partitioned by striped curtains and open shelves displaying relics from the 1960s and 1970s, including Thai cookbooks and art pieces like bamboo sculptures by the acclaimed Thai artist Korakot Aromdee.
Enhanced dining in immersive surroundings
Ascending the wood-lined stairs takes diners to the mezzanine—a secluded refuge with frosted glass railings and a large skylight. Décor, such as 3D-printed plant motifs, provide a serene ambiance. The mezzanine can be discreetly sectioned off with curtains for a private dining experience, offering a unique atmosphere that only this restaurant can provide.
Hommali serves innovative Thai cuisine crafted by Chef Benz, featuring dishes like a seafood cocktail with razor clams evoking tom yum flavors and a Tomato cocktail blending michelada elements with a Singaporean rice wine base and Thai chile essence. The unique offerings at this dining spot make it a standout in the West Village dining scene.
Unravel more design inspirations by visiting Franck Bohbot’s stunning captures of historic architecture.
Surrane Design, a Brooklyn-based studio led by Bud Nitaya and Yoon Her, continues to define spaces that are both artistically rich and deeply connected to cultural narratives. The West Village also recently welcomed other unique venues such as Love Thy Neighbour and The Cherry Lane Theatre.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the interior of Hommali restaurant?
The interior of Hommali restaurant was designed by Surrane Design. The design captures the essence of traditional Thai architecture and combines it with modern elements.
What inspired the design palette at Hommali?
The design palette at Hommali reflects the life cycle of a rice plant. It draws from vibrant greens and rich browns that symbolize growth and sustenance.
What unique design features does Hommali’s bar have?
Hommali’s bar is wrapped in sandy fluted tiles and features plush leather and velvet seating. The area includes charming, vintage decor partitioned by striped curtains and open shelves with relics from the 1960s and 1970s.