Beyond the Plate: How Tiger Lily’s Whimsical Interiors and Culinary Creations Transport You to Another World
Some spaces serve a function, while others transcend purpose to become immersive experiences, living, breathing narratives that unfold through every detail, every corner, and every carefully chosen material. Tiger Lily in Hyderabad is one such place. More than just a restaurant, it is an embodiment of vision, collaboration, and an instinctive understanding of space—one that envelops you in a dreamy world, as if you’ve stepped into a blooming lily or a garden of roses. Designed by Nilasha, of her eponymous studio, in collaboration with Sri Priya Reddy, co-owner of Tiger Lily, and Rachana Kari and Anisha Reddy, founders of a branding agency, Studio 318, this 5,000 sq. ft. project was more than just a commission. It was a homecoming—a deeply personal endeavor that convinced her to return to India in 2019 and lay the foundations for her eponymous studio.
But Tiger Lily was never just about one designer’s journey. It was a confluence of like-minded individuals, a meeting ground for those who had lived in New York, absorbed its eclecticism, and returned to India to carve out something new. The owners—a husband-and-wife duo venturing into hospitality for the first time—wanted a space that would redefine Hyderabad’s evolving dining culture. In them, Nilasha found creative partners who shared her ambition, and together with Studio 318, a budding creative agency, they shaped a vision that was as much about storytelling as it was about design.
The name ‘Tiger Lily’ was not an afterthought, nor was it chosen simply for its poetic resonance. It was an identity that embedded itself within the very DNA of the space. While the restaurant’s physical form was still emerging, the branding was taking shape alongside it, ensuring that its essence would be seamlessly integrated into the design. At the entrance, a breeze block wall, custom-crafted with a motif inspired by a sectional cut of a tiger lily flower, sets the tone. This pattern repeats across the space, abstracted and adapted, appearing in the negative space of the bar front, the wall panelling, and even the selection of tiles. It is a quiet but compelling narrative thread, one that does not demand attention yet makes itself deeply felt.
The site for Tiger Lily was a blank slate in many ways—an old structure had been cleared to make way for the restaurant. But what stood tall and unwavering were the eucalyptus trees that had called this land home long before any architectural plans were drawn. Where others might have seen an obstacle, Nilasha saw an opportunity. She made a defining decision: every tree would remain. And so, the design adapted itself around nature rather than imposing upon it. One particular tree, positioned where the bar was meant to be, could have been cut down to accommodate function. Instead, it became the heart of the space, encased in wire mesh at the roof level and enveloped into the greenscape interior ceiling, an organic centrepiece around which conversations now unfold.
The space is more than just a cafe; it's an immersive experience where design, gastronomy, and ambience converge to create something truly special. When Nilasha set out to shape this space, one of the biggest client briefs was that it had to be an Instagrammable hotspot. Every corner had to be photogenic, every element meticulously curated to ensure that visitors not only enjoyed their time but also felt compelled to capture and share their experience. The design team embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, crafting a space that is both visually stunning and effortlessly shareable.
Tiger Lily is maximalist, not in excess but in layers; of texture, of material, of concept. The restaurant’s aesthetic bridges worlds, drawing from the understated elegance of Parisian cafés, the earthy warmth of Balinese retreats, and the contemporary sensibilities of global design capitals. The design seamlessly incorporates the vibrancy of Living Coral—Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019—infusing the space with energy without overwhelming the senses. But the space was never about trends alone. It was about crafting an experience that felt immersive, where every finish and furnishing contributed to a larger, cohesive whole.
Terrazzo, a material that was just beginning to gain traction in 2019, plays a starring role in the restaurant. A matte-finished Crema Verona terrazzo was selected for countertops, a choice that blends nostalgia with modernity. The furniture—custom-designed to reflect the geometric language of the breeze block motif in abstracted or deconstructed forms —complements the overall narrative. The floors transition between patterned distressed spanish tiles and wooden panels, creating a rhythm that guides the eye and the experience.
As the day fades and the city lights come alive, Tiger Lily takes on a different persona. The warm-toned ambient lighting casts a golden glow, accentuating the silhouettes of the eucalyptus trees, their presence felt even in the night. The bar, wrapping around the preserved tree, is illuminated by a light installation that mimics organic forms, casting fluid shadows that move with the evening breeze. It is a space that shifts in mood, an ever-changing canvas that feels intimate yet expansive, personal yet communal.
But what truly defines Tiger Lily is not just its aesthetics or its thoughtful details. It is the spirit of collaboration, shared dreams and unbridled creativity. It is a place built not for the sake of being seen but for the sake of being felt. For Nilasha, this was the project that set the course of her design philosophy, one where ambition met sensitivity, where design met storytelling. And for those who step through its doors, Tiger Lily is a reminder that great spaces are not just designed, they are experienced, remembered, and, above all, lived.