The Platypus Cafe / Radius Interior Design Studio

Sippy Cup, a coffee shop in Beirut, Lebanon, designed by Delphine Gebran Interior Architect, presents a vibrant and interactive space inspired by children's imagination. The establishment serves as a collective space catering to both young and old, integrating children's creativity directly into its design ethos. Delphine Gebran, the interior architect, highlights that her children's drawings and doodles, characterized by vibrant colors and whimsical shapes, formed the fundamental basis for many design elements within the coffee shop. This approach deviates from Gebran’s usual style but imbues the space with unique energy and liveliness, drawing on her personal experiences as a mother of two. The design philosophy centers on engaging children through interactive elements that encourage exploration and interaction. For instance, the walls are adorned with custom-made, perforated wooden panels, allowing young patrons to create their own visual narratives. This interactive feature not only sparks creativity but also enables children to play safely near their parents. Safety is a paramount consideration, with all installations assessed and tested to eliminate sharp edges or pinch points, ensuring that children can enjoy activities without risk. The interior is characterized by a burst of vibrant colors and playful shapes, immediately evident upon entering the coffee shop. Bright, cheerful colors and soft shapes are integral to Sippy Cup’s interior, creating an evolving environment filled with the joy of childhood creativity. The space is conceptualized as a living canvas that changes with each child's artistic contribution. The design consciously blends geometric forms to evoke distinct emotions and influence viewers' responses, from the height and stability of interactive installations to the overall aesthetic. Sippy Cup’s interior features hand-painted accents that are directly inspired by the characters and shapes children typically bring to life on paper, giving the space a unique, handcrafted feel. The coffee shop aims to be a favorite spot for families, offering a welcoming atmosphere for outings and playdates where parents and children can comfortably enjoy their time. The project successfully brings children's doodles and scribbles to life, making their imagination a tangible part of the environment. The enthusiastic response from families underscores the success of the design in creating a stimulating yet safe environment. Sippy Cup thus marries the functional aspects of a coffee shop with a dynamic, child-centric design, providing a space where coffee meets cozy moments for all ages. #SippyCup #BeirutDesign #DelphineGebran #InteriorArchitecture #ChildrensCreativity #InteractiveDesign #FamilyFriendlySpace #CoffeeShopDesign #VibrantInteriors

In Fairfax, California, ceramicist and Pilates instructor Annalisa Chasan and general contractor Alex Martin transformed a large, unused grass yard on their double lot into a functional accessory dwelling unit (ADU) during the pandemic. The couple sought a dedicated space for Annalisa's sculpture practice, previously confined to the main house's basement, and for hosting private Pilates classes. This dual-purpose brief was presented to Obata Noblin Office (ONO), a San Francisco-based architecture and design firm cofounded by Tyler Noblin and Max Obata. The architects approached the design by focusing on orientation, strategically angling the building around an existing magnolia tree. This created a boomerang shape that naturally divides the art and workout spaces while also forming an interior courtyard with the main house. The ceramics workspace features large sliding glass doors that open to the landscape, providing Annalisa with a visual connection to her family. On the street-facing side, a row of clerestory windows, custom-made in Sacramento with powder-coated yellow aluminum frames, allows afternoon sunlight to flood the space. The entire window set, a significant design element, cost $55,000. Noblin and Obata drew inspiration from precedents such as Ryōan-ji, the rock viewing garden in Kyoto, to emphasize views of nature. The Pilates area, similarly, incorporates floor-to-ceiling panes to capture the morning sun, fostering a meditative atmosphere. The homeowners' specific design requests included post-and-beam construction, the distinctive bright-yellow windows, and decks with overhangs. Functionality was also paramount for each internal area. The sculpture studio required a robust sink, integrated into a 12-foot-long zinc countertop, an easy-to-maintain plaster floor from EcoStucco, a dedicated kiln nook, and display areas for Annalisa’s artworks. The Pilates studio needed ample natural light, wood flooring, and space to accommodate a Pilates wall unit and floor mats. These distinct functional requirements informed the unique ambiance of each space. The Pilates studio was designed with neutral tones to create a quiet, intimate, and relaxing experience, while the art space is energetically separate, featuring pops of color in its built-ins and freestanding furniture. A folding screen door physically divides these two zones, but a continuous tongue-and-groove bleached wood ceiling unifies the overhead space. The exterior features cedar shingles on the street-side facade, chosen to blend with the neighborhood's vernacular and the main house's 1912 architecture, with the lemon-hued window frames offering a vibrant contrast. The architects aimed to imbue the ADU with an element of surprise, noting how the building’s personality shifts as one moves around the courtyard. Max Obata, whose mother was also a ceramic artist, expressed a personal connection to designing the light-filled studio for a working artist. The ADU also offers practical versatility, with a tadelakt-clad three-quarter bath designed to serve the Pilates studio but also capable of supporting future use as a guesthouse. A small room off the ceramics wing can be easily converted into a bedroom, and bespoke blue cabinetry provides multifunctional storage, seating, and shelving. Annalisa describes the building's geometries as special and inspiring, fostering a significant burst of creativity for her work. #ADUDesign #CreativeSpace #ArchitecturalDesign #FairfaxCalifornia #ObataNoblinOffice #PilatesStudio #CeramicsStudio #CustomWindows #SustainableDesign

The Copenhagen Contemporary art center has unveiled its new café, Connie-Connie, featuring a unique approach to furniture design. The café's seating arrangements are composed of 25 distinct chairs and benches, each individually designed by various Danish and international artists and designers. This initiative aimed to showcase the diverse possibilities of creativity within furniture design, specifically focusing on wood chairs and benches. Studio Tableau, in collaboration with Australian designer Ari Prasetya, was responsible for the overall design of the Connie-Connie café space. However, the focal point remains the collection of bespoke seating. Each of the 25 pieces is entirely unique, ranging from designs that resemble LEGO constructions to a bench inspired by the form of an I-beam, demonstrating a wide spectrum of artistic interpretation. The chairs and benches were crafted using offcut wood sourced from the brand Dinesen, emphasizing sustainable practices and repurposing materials. Beyond their functional role, all the furniture pieces displayed within the café are available for purchase, offering visitors the opportunity to acquire a unique piece of design art. Copenhagen Contemporary serves as Denmark's international art center, hosting a variety of contemporary art forms including performances, installations, and video art. It is situated in the Refshaleøen neighborhood, within a building that previously functioned as an industrial welding facility for B&W. The new Connie-Connie café is intended to complement the artistic environment, providing a space for patrons to relax and engage with the center's offerings. The café's menu includes a selection of sardines, tuna, and squid, alongside a range of plant-based options and an extensive list of natural wines. This culinary offering, combined with the innovative interior design, contributes to the overall experience for visitors to Copenhagen Contemporary, making the café a destination in itself. The project highlights a fusion of art, design, sustainability, and culinary experiences within a single space, encouraging visitors to appreciate the functional art pieces while enjoying their visit. #CopenhagenContemporary #CafeDesign #FurnitureDesign #UniqueChairs #StudioTableau #AriPrasetya #SustainableDesign #WoodFurniture #InteriorDesign #ArtCenter

This article highlights ten of India's most aesthetically pleasing cafes, emphasizing their unique designs and decor, which cater to a discerning clientele who appreciate both culinary experiences and visual appeal. These establishments move beyond conventional cafe designs, incorporating diverse styles from minimalist chic to vibrant maximalism, offering Instagram-worthy settings across various cities. Beginning in Mumbai, the Banyan Tree Cafe, located in a 140-year-old former ice factory, integrates natural light and a prominent banyan tree into its design, offering healthy plates and comfort meals within an experimental art space. In Bengaluru, Araku Coffee presents a 6,000-sq.ft. all-white space with indoor-outdoor seating, adorned with brass accents and bamboo chandeliers, known for its specialty coffee and global-inspired dishes using local produce. New Delhi's Chica provides a choice between a French garden-inspired outdoor area and a pastel-themed indoor setting, both featuring floral upholstery, vine-covered gazebos, and fountains, serving experimental cocktails and Mediterranean-Asian cuisine. The Daily Cafe in Kolkata captivates with a hand-painted tropical flamingo mural, featuring millennial pink and green hues, a clean minimalist design, arched ceilings, and an al fresco section with vertical gardens. Beluga in Hyderabad, housed in an old bungalow, offers a calming whitewashed ambiance with abundant greenery. Its standout features include a faux cherry blossom tree over a dramatic black-and-white floor and a large plant-covered gazebo illuminated by chandeliers and fairy lights at sundown. Fika in Chennai, a sprawling 10,000-sq.ft. space, deviates from typical Scandinavian design by offering diverse zones like an amphitheater, a glass-encased orangery, a dollhouse-like bakery, private cabanas, and a tree-lined backyard, all bathed in light and greenery. Elgin Cafe in Amritsar showcases striking emerald green fluted walls, tabletops, and tableware, balanced by natural cane furnishings, salmon upholstery, and dull gold accents, transforming from a daytime cafe-bistro to a speakeasy-esque bar. Coromandel Cafe in Puducherry, set in a Palladian-style mansion, features vintage aesthetics with old rose and pale green interiors, hand-painted murals, restored furniture, and statement chandeliers. It offers distinct room designs and outdoor seating, known for its all-day breakfast and Franco-Tamil/European dishes. Moonstruck Coffee in Surat is a Scandi-chic third-wave coffee shop characterized by warm natural light, minimalist design, neutral tones, pared-down seating, a statement blue wall, and indoor plants, providing a strong coffee selection with sandwiches and desserts. Finally, Cafe Rasa in Goa, situated in a heritage building in Panjim’s Fontainhas, functions as a cafe, co-working space, gallery, and boutique. It is flooded with natural light and decorated in soft pastels, embodying the colorful Latin Quarter vibe without being overwhelming, offering a perfect spot for breakfast or sunset views. #CafeDesign #InteriorDesign #IndianCafes #RestaurantDecor #LuxuryDining #ArchitecturalElements #HomeDecoration #CafeCulture #TravelIndia

The MOSH Bar & Dinner, located at Strada Matei Millo 5 in Bucharest, Romania, is an interior design project by INNOCAD Architecture that opened in 2023. The 369 sqm space is conceived as a “Multitalented Space,” capable of transitioning seamlessly between fine dining, mixology, and club environments, aiming to provide an experience that extends beyond mere functional and aesthetic considerations. The design integrates hospitality, art, and design in a distinct manner. The layout of MOSH Bar & Dinner is organized into three primary areas: a garden lounge, private dining, and a central 'epicenter.' The epicenter forms a room-in-room structure, housing a bar, two communal tables, and a DJ booth. This central area is equipped with a high-end sound system from Lambda Labs and features optimized acoustics to support its varied functions. All three main areas are unified under a built-in canopy, which serves as a cohesive architectural element. To the left of the entrance, the garden lounge offers a serene atmosphere with an organic shape, enclosed by windows and abundant vegetation. This area extends visually into a planted forecourt, blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, especially with the use of opening windows. A significant artistic feature in this lounge is “Manic Youth,” an artwork by Austrian sculptor Manfred Erjautz, which is suspended from the ceiling. This biophilic sculpture, crafted from the rhizome of a 100-year-old oak, was specifically commissioned for this hospitality design, contributing to the unique character of the venue. For guests seeking more seclusion, a slightly elevated private dining area is available. This space is enclosed by translucent curtains, providing privacy and an exclusive setting for smaller gatherings. The conceptual foundation of the restaurant, including its logo, was also developed by INNOCAD. The logo is inspired by a place setting, with a circle as its core element, symbolizing a plate, social connection, and unity. This circular motif is subtly woven into the design through a fractal lighting concept and custom curtains that envelop the entire space, defining the private dining sections. INNOCAD Architecture collaborated with 13&9 Design and Richard Taylor from the University of Oregon and Fractals Research to incorporate a science-based design solution aimed at enhancing user well-being. This involved the integration of a backlit fractal pattern into the epicenter’s suspended ceiling. This pattern, known for its stress-reductive qualities, projects immersive lighting onto the floor as dynamic, flying dots, creating an engaging visual experience. The ambiance of the venue can be adjusted through three distinct lighting scenes via a KNX system: a bright setting for dining, a dimmed atmosphere for post-dinner bar activities, and a party mode featuring a movable fractal light, allowing for adaptable environments throughout the day and night. #InteriorDesign #HospitalityArchitecture #BucharestRestaurant #INNOCADArchitecture #FractalLighting #BiophilicDesign #TransformativSpace #ArchitecturalArt #AcousticOptimization

This blog post category, "Restaurant and Café Design," offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary culinary establishments worldwide, focusing on the innovative materials and unconventional forms employed in their completion. It showcases a diverse array of projects, highlighting how architects and designers are pushing boundaries in creating unique dining experiences. Recent features include a bistro in Vietnam with an interlinked peaks canopy that echoes mountain ridges, demonstrating a harmonious integration of architecture with the natural landscape. Another project in Lisbon transforms a pizza restaurant with reflective steel interiors and an open facade, actively engaging with and inviting in the surrounding street activity. Vietnam also features a cafe with a striking red facade that forms a welcoming, hand-shaped entrance, illustrating creative and inviting design solutions. Further examples include a cafe in Spain by Zooco Estudio, whose curved interiors reflect the Art Deco style of the Siboney building it inhabits, showcasing respectful yet modern renovations. Wuhan, China, is home to a luxury farm retreat featuring bamboo-woven domed canopies by Various Associates, emphasizing sustainable and organic design elements. Concurrently, a restaurant in the same LuxeIsland retreat, designed by DL Atelier, uses pyramidal volumes with wood strip patterns to frame its interior spaces, offering a distinct visual and textural experience. The category also covers a hybrid hospitality space in Berlin, where COMMON has integrated a microbakery and pizzeria within a flexible interior, reflecting a growing trend towards multi-functional urban spaces. Selgascano's transparent seaside cafe in China, composed of three parallel glass volumes, exemplifies minimalist design that maximizes natural light and views. A collection of works submitted by designboom guest readers from around the world further enriches the category, providing diverse perspectives on bars, cafes, and restaurants. India Mahdavi's rose-draped speakeasy in Paris, designed for We Are Ona, merges art and gastronomy in a unique setting during Art Basel. Crosby Studios created a bright yellow alien habitat for a dessert shop in Jakarta, showcasing playful and imaginative interior design. IDST’s Wave Restaurant in Dubai combines Memphis playfulness with Mediterranean ease, offering a vibrant and relaxed dining environment. An ice cream shop in Argentina features dessert-shaped sculptures crafted from marble and wood, adding an artistic touch to a casual setting. Another ice cream shop in Thailand is uniquely tucked within a coconut grove, featuring bamboo-clad structures that blend with the natural environment. The blog also delves into a book documenting Japan's Jazz Kissa, exploring the architecture of these unique listening spaces. Maison Malapert's Frivole Restaurant in Paris' fashion district is adorned with vibrant fabrics, creating a chic and dynamic atmosphere. Parisian patisserie ABRA frames its pastries against geometric floors and bold primary colors, making the space as visually appealing as its offerings. Pluto Burger Bar in Poland by Znamy Się features a melting interior with caramel tones and fluid undulating lines, offering a whimsical and inviting experience. Isern Serra's JAÇ hifi café in Barcelona, inspired by Japanese listening bars, provides a modern take on auditory dining. Archermit's 'stone kiln in the valley' in Luzhou, China, boasts a petal-shaped roof, demonstrating innovative structural and aesthetic design. Captain George Flavor Museum in Shanghai, designed by Some Thoughts, blends the narrative of taste with an immersive experience. Kim Lenschow and NIKO JUNE's cafe in Copenhagen doubles as a design shop, highlighting synergistic retail and culinary concepts. Formant Studio's Marne Café in Mexico City layers brutalist and industrial textures for a raw yet refined aesthetic. J.AR office introduces a brutalist garden restaurant with green-tiled surfaces in Brisbane, combining robust design with natural elements. SHAWADS's Quanzhou local fish coffee shop weaves maritime heritage into an ocean-like interior. Zooco Estudio's Regma ice cream parlor in Santander, Spain, features a gridded ceiling with oak and travertine, creating a sophisticated environment. Finally, Ignacio Urquiza and Ana Paula de Alba have designed a sand-toned monolithic restaurant on Mexico’s coast, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Craft & Concept’s Huit Sushi restaurant in Montreux features a custom-made LED wall, adding a modern, dynamic element to the dining experience. #RestaurantDesign #CafeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #HospitalityArchitecture #GlobalDesign #UniqueDiningExperiences

Khushboo Rasaily, founder of Platform Design, a Delhi-based architecture and interior design studio, transformed a 1,200-square-foot empty basement into a serene, minimalist office space. The initial space, lacking natural light, was redesigned to foster interaction among team members while also accommodating her two-year-old daughter. The studio now incorporates public and semi-private workspaces, a conference room, a reading room, a pantry, a library, and a breakout area. The renovation focused on maximizing natural light by opening up the site and utilizing existing double-height spaces. The design aesthetic is characterized by a zen-like minimalism, with white walls and ceilings forming a clean backdrop. The material palette is intentionally simple, primarily featuring birch and plywood, which impart a gentle warmth to the environment. Rasaily emphasizes the inherent beauty and talent of these materials when used effectively. The layout was carefully planned to balance fluidity and privacy. Furniture choices are light and minimalist, designed for flexibility, with pieces easily movable to suit different requirements. Low platforms throughout the studio are designed with integrated storage, optimizing space and functionality. An open-plan workstation, configured in a ‘U’ shape with birch-topped desks, occupies the center of the studio. A low, open bookshelf acts as a subtle divider, creating a semi-private nook for quick meetings or focused work, while maintaining visual connectivity with the main workspace. For the conference room, pine partitions with frosted glass panels were installed to define the space without sacrificing the studio’s overall light and airy feel. Similar glass panels on the opposite side ensure visual access to the adjacent work zone. Beyond traditional workspaces, the studio includes dedicated areas for relaxation and informal gatherings. A compact, zen-like reading zone features a simple bench, a small center table, and a slender floor lamp on a cozy taupe rug. A larger section is designated for events, where the furniture serves multiple purposes; plywood planks on the walls function as both seating and display surfaces, and low platform seating in the center includes built-in storage. The decor is deliberately sparse, with only a few select items such as playful dinosaur figurines made from leftover wood, bookends, planters, and woven baskets. This minimalist approach was chosen to prevent decor from clashing with creative thoughts and ideas. Rasaily highlights that the project, undertaken during pandemic lockdowns, taught her the importance of patience, spatial planning, and the effectiveness of using simple materials to create a successful and aesthetically pleasing space. #WorkspaceDesign #MinimalistDesign #DelhiArchitecture #StudioDesign #BirchPlywood #OpenPlanOffice #PlatformDesign #ZenLikeInteriors #CreativeStudio

The year 2024 witnessed a significant evolution in cafe architecture and interior design, with designers pushing both physical and conceptual boundaries to align spaces with prevailing trends in coffee quality, service, and consumption. Daily Coffee News's ongoing "Design Details" series highlighted numerous innovative projects globally, showcasing how designers are creating compelling environments that foster deeper connections between patrons, their coffee, and local communities. One featured project, Petit Le Café Coffee in Midtown Manhattan, demonstrated an ingenious use of a compact 300-square-foot space, formerly a package delivery room. IMC Architecture maximized this limited area, illustrating how thoughtful design can transform even the smallest footprint into a functional and aesthetically pleasing cafe. In Melbourne, Ula Cafe, situated within the historic Yorkshire Brewery Tower, seamlessly blended historical elements with modern design, creating a space that honors its past while embracing contemporary cafe culture. Sustainability and local materials were central to Boobun Pocket Café in Thailand, where designers repurposed various sizes of wood to form exterior panels, interlocking platforms, counters, and seating areas. This approach highlighted resourcefulness and a connection to natural elements. MOUT Venlo in the Netherlands, transformed from an inward enclosure into an inviting park pavilion by Buro Moon, showcased a remarkable integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing transparency and engagement with the surrounding cityscape. Design narratives often drew inspiration directly from the coffee experience itself. Julius in Kazakhstan, for instance, based its architectural and interior design around a vibrant red La Marzocco Strada espresso machine, turning a functional piece of equipment into a central design motif. MadCoffee in Monterrey, Mexico, envisioned by Madarq Studio, was dubbed "The Creative Room," reflecting an inspiration from both specialty coffee culture and broader design principles, fostering an environment conducive to creativity. Geographical and cultural contexts also played a crucial role. Seven Island Coffee in Busan, South Korea, located on Gadeokdo Island, mirrored the surrounding small islands in its design, creating a sense of place and connection to its unique environment. In Kyoto, 2050 Coffee addressed future challenges by designing a space that acknowledges climate change and labor conditions, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to sustainable coffee consumption. Cycle Cycle in China drew inspiration from rural structures, creating a straw barn-like shed aesthetic with wooden structures and grain sacks, bringing a touch of countryside charm to an urban setting. Parisian Café Nuances adopted a "futuristic retro sunset" theme, utilizing color gradations and orange lacquered shelves to guide the eye towards the stainless steel bar, establishing a signature aesthetic. French Kitsch III in Thailand embraced its name by incorporating historic and modern cultural touches, including "croissant curves" that added a whimsical, thematic element to the patisserie and cafe. WE Coffee in São Paulo featured a tall, winding table as a central organizing element, extending towards the service counter in a shopping center location. The culinary inspiration was particularly evident in Mumbai's Affogato cafe, whose design was directly influenced by the soft curves and swirls of gelato, complemented by an artistic nod to subterranean art galleries. WatchHouse Coffee in London focused on "calming grids" and a functional yet inviting space, exploring the intricate connections between coffee making and customer experience. Finally, Camel Step in Hail, Saudi Arabia, exemplified rustic resurgence by balancing the preservation of a neglected building's historic essence with modern functionality. LAPH Cafe in Vietnam integrated suspended trees and blended traditional cafe styles with a luxurious vibe, while BeanRoom in Taipei featured a dynamic coffee installation, using colorful, bagged roasted coffees as decorative elements, embodying the concept of "product as decoration." Overall, 2024 saw cafe design move beyond mere aesthetics, focusing on creating immersive, culturally resonant, and often thematically driven spaces that enhance the entire coffee experience for consumers worldwide. #CafeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #CoffeeShopTrends #SustainableDesign #ThematicDesign #GlobalCafeCulture #DesignDetails #RetailDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article provides an intimate look into the Sunfish Lake home of antiques dealer Robert Riesberg and his wife, Christine Hartman, which doubles as both their residence and a by-appointment-only gallery for Riesberg's business. Their Federal-style house, built in 1925, is characterized by a blend of traditional design and warm hospitality, furnished with museum-quality 17th, 18th, and early 19th-century antiques, art, objects, and rugs. Riesberg, with over 50 years of experience, emphasizes buying pieces he would personally want to keep, noting that this passion drives his successful career. The home features a series of formal rooms, including a front parlor with a mahogany drum table, sideboard, and a 1760 cherry New England flip-top secretary desk, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Apple. A light-filled formal dining room and gallery, added by Riesberg, is used for parties and family gatherings, showcasing French Louis XV rococo console tables with rare brèche d’alep marble from approximately 1760. The exterior of the home maintains its Federal-style architecture, while the kitchen, though the least formal space, is adorned with 18th-century Windsor chairs and Delft tiles depicting manganese figures from the same period. Creative design solutions are evident throughout, such as a small closet ingeniously converted into a walk-in bar with a Dutch door. The sunporch, featuring terrazzo floors and shelves filled with Delftware, opens to a grape arbor, offering a serene space. The fireplace mantel and paneling were custom-designed based on Connecticut fireplace patterns, symmetrically decorated with blue-and-white 18th-century Delftware. The central hallway boasts ash and walnut flooring modeled after traditional French parquetry, complemented by 19th-century oil landscapes, a late 18th-century portrait, and a Regency commode from around 1710. Riesberg’s study, designed with Connecticut inspiration, features millwork painted in a custom green and houses a substantial collection of books and catalogs on antiques, art, landscaping, and architecture. The article also includes five tips from Robert Riesberg and Christine Hartman for incorporating antiques into one's home. These tips encourage individuals to discover their personal taste by visiting various sources like museums and antique shops, and building a file of preferred items. They suggest taking inventory of existing belongings to identify pieces that don't align with one's aesthetic or function, thereby creating space for new acquisitions. The couple advocates for broadening one's scope beyond furnishing a room strictly by a singular period, encouraging the mixing of contemporary furnishings with antique gems to create a space that reflects individual taste and personality. Riesberg advises understanding the craftsmanship of antiques, particularly those made before the machine age (pre-1840), to appreciate their design details and value. Finally, they recommend taking a slow approach to building a collection, emphasizing that a few beautiful, well-chosen pieces are more valuable than a multitude of mediocre ones, and that truly beautiful homes evolve in stages. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #FederalStyleHome #VintageDecor #HomeTours #LuxuryInteriors #CollectingAntiques

This page provides a comprehensive job board specifically for the interior design industry, hosted by Business of Home. It features a wide array of job opportunities across various roles and experience levels, from entry-level design positions to senior leadership and specialized roles such as architectural drafters and project managers. The jobs are primarily for full-time positions, but part-time, freelance, and internship opportunities are also listed. The platform caters to both job seekers and employers, offering functionalities to filter job listings by location, category, employment type, and compensation. The job board currently displays numerous openings from various design firms and companies. For instance, WECSELMAN DESIGN in Miami is seeking an Interior Designer for high-end residential projects, emphasizing a candidate with strong design sensibility and a curated eye. Jeremiah Brent Design in New York is looking for a Senior Design Documentation Specialist on a contract basis for a historic estate renovation, as well as a Senior Designer specializing in Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E;) for the same project. Mia Todd Studio, also in New York, is hiring a Designer/Senior Designer to lead high-end residential projects from concept to installation. Downey, a boutique residential design firm in New York City, is seeking a Senior Interior Designer with a strong background in architectural design and project management. Bruce Fox Design in Chicago is searching for a Senior Interior Designer with a mature and creative approach to innovative projects. Beyond traditional interior design roles, the board also lists specialized positions. CarbonShack is looking for a Multi-Line Sales Representative for sustainable designer fabrics, Sunthreads, with a commission-based compensation structure and performance bonuses. Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs in Los Angeles has an opening for a Sales Account Manager to cultivate relationships with designers, architects, and trade professionals. Studio Michael Ellison in New York requires a Senior Designer with a passion for luxury interior design and experience in private residential projects. Chused & Co. in Brooklyn is seeking a Senior Interior Designer/Project Manager to lead residential projects, focusing on architectural knowledge and technical drawing ability. Jennifer Messina Interiors in Mill Valley, CA, is hiring an Interior Design Project Manager to oversee all phases of projects, balancing creative vision with logistical precision. Ashli Mizell Inc. in Philadelphia is looking for a Senior Interior Designer for high-end residential projects across the Northeast, coastal Florida, and the Northern Rockies. Jerry Pair in Atlanta needs a Marketing Specialist to engage in various marketing facets within the luxury interior design industry, including e-commerce management and content creation. Julie Hillman Design, an AD100 firm in New York, is seeking an experienced Interior Architect for high-end residential projects. Studio MRS, an Elle Décor A-List firm in New York, is looking for a full-time Interior Architectural Drafter. The platform also provides resources for users, such as a job FAQ section and a dedicated page for employers to submit job postings. Featured jobs are highlighted, indicating potentially urgent or high-profile opportunities. Additionally, there is a classifieds section for other related services, such as office space rentals for designers. The overall structure of the page is designed to efficiently connect interior design professionals with relevant employment opportunities and industry resources. #InteriorDesignJobs #DesignCareers #CreativeIndustry #ProjectManagement #ArchitecturalDesign #SalesAndMarketing #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryDesign

This article presents an interview with Parisian interior designer Rebecca Benichou, founder of Batiik Studio. Benichou, originally trained as an architect in Brussels, established her studio in 2014 after gaining experience at ChartierDalix. She explains her preference for interior design over architecture, citing a more direct connection to people's well-being and the immediate satisfaction of pleasing clients. Benichou's design philosophy emphasizes creating layered spaces that integrate materials, textures, colors, and forms in innovative ways. She attributes the prominent role of light in her designs to her upbringing in the South of France, which also influences her warm, sun-faded color palettes of pink, yellow, and green, as well as her use of organic, rounded forms. Despite not explicitly creating "Mediterranean" designs, a distinct warmth permeates her work. The interview delves into Benichou's career path, revealing that she initially pursued architecture due to her aptitude for math and attraction to art. She discusses her current work on condominium projects and her particular passion for designing small spaces. She views the challenge of fitting all necessary elements into a compact area, such as 10 square meters, as an exciting puzzle, a perspective rooted in her architectural background and focus on functionality. Looking ahead, Benichou expresses a desire to undertake more projects in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, bars, and hotels. She also dreams of designing a kindergarten, attracted by the imaginative potential of spaces for children and the opportunity to create environments full of positive energy. She cites Luis Barragán as a significant inspiration in the design world, admiring his minimalistic approach and bold color choices, which she likens to Le Corbusier but with added warmth through color. The article highlights a recently completed project, Bar Divine in Paris, which Benichou describes as chic yet welcoming. The design process for the bar involved incorporating existing elements, such as raw concrete walls discovered beneath wood paneling and original, slightly aged mirrors and a brass bar. These elements were polished, retained, and augmented with additional mirrors to enhance the sense of space and abundance. The aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1980s while respecting the found characteristics of the space. Benichou also shares insights into the design of her own apartment, which she envisioned as a completely open space, devoid of doors (except for the toilet and bathroom), to improve flow. She aimed to create a welcoming environment for entertaining friends and a feeling of being on holiday. Her apartment features a natural material palette, including a concrete pink floor, terracotta in the bathroom, and tiles in colors reminiscent of the South of France, complemented by curtains that contribute to a warm and cozy atmosphere. She particularly values her custom-designed dining room table and a vintage hand-painted 1950s lamp by Dante Baldelli, which she describes as an object she had a long-standing affection for. Her studio, Batiik Studio, located near Montmartre, is depicted as a comfortable, social space with a storefront, open to the street and even frequented by a neighbor's cat, contributing to a home-like ambiance that clients appreciate. #InteriorDesign #RebeccaBenichou #BatiikStudio #ParisianDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence #HospitalityDesign #ColorPalette #Materiality

The article showcases 'Lip,' a conceptual coffee table designed by 3D designer Deniz Aktay, which reinterprets the traditional coffee table by integrating additional storage and a distinctive aesthetic. Aktay, known for his rendered designs, utilized Maxon's Cinema4D and Corona Renderer to bring this concept to life. The 'Lip' coffee table draws inspiration from a can, featuring a unique split in its tabletop. This central opening divides the table surface into two distinct parts, each with a lipped edge, creating practical space for neatly storing items such as books or magazines. This design element not only offers functional storage but also hints at a larger, hidden storage compartment within the table's base. Aktay's design philosophy for 'Lip' is rooted in the idea of a container whose contents seemingly wish to emerge. He explains that the design aimed to provide a low tabletop with easily accessible book storage, allowing the stored items to be readily seen and retrieved. The construction of the 'Lip' coffee table is characterized by its simplicity and minimalism, despite the complex steam bending techniques that would be required for its physical production. The table is composed of two primary elements: a base and a tabletop, and utilizes two main materials: aluminum and plywood. The metal aluminum base is designed to follow the contours of the wooden top, providing support for the two plywood sections and the items stored within the lipped edges. Aktay deliberately chose bent plywood for the tabletop, despite metal being an easier material to bend, to achieve a more natural surface feel. This choice underscores his commitment to balancing aesthetics with practical considerations. The article emphasizes how minimal interventions can yield significant results in design, highlighting that a simple cut and bend can transform a basic coffee table into a piece with enhanced storage options, varied surface hierarchies for display, and a strong creative flair. Furthermore, the article discusses the impact of hyperreal rendering in modern design. This technology enables designers like Aktay to visualize and iterate on experimental concepts rapidly and effectively, opening new avenues for 3D design exploration. Aktay details his creative process, noting that while the initial design idea for 'Lip' emerged quickly, the subsequent task of refining the 3D shape to achieve the most visually pleasing outcome took time. Following this, selecting appropriate textures and lighting was crucial for creating a convincing rendering. He estimates that the entire process, from conceptualization to the initial visualization, took approximately three hours, underscoring the efficiency that advanced rendering tools bring to contemporary design workflows. #FurnitureDesign #ConceptDesign #InteriorDesign #LifestyleDesign #VirtualReality #DenizAktay #CoffeeTable #3DRendering #ProductDesign

The Brac Bookstore + Café in Florence, Italy, a contemporary literary café located near the Piazza della Signoria, underwent a renovation led by the Florence-based architecture and interior design firm DEFERRARI+MODESTI. The 807-square-foot space was transformed into a relaxed environment for contemporary art, vegetarian and vegan cuisine, books, and various events. The renovation aimed to create a fresh, modern respite from the city's bustling square. The space is functionally divided into three distinct areas. The first is a wooden-paneled bookstore and café, providing a classic yet updated ambiance. The second is a more informal section dedicated to hosting events such as art exhibits and literary readings. These two indoor sections are separated by an outdoor courtyard, which serves as a transitional zone and a key feature of the design. Central to the café's design is the 700-square-foot semi-outdoor space. This area was conceived as a calming and creative walkway, ingeniously designed to also mitigate noise for neighboring establishments. This dual purpose was achieved through a striking textile installation comprising over 5,000 colorful fabric strips. These strips, presented in nine distinct hues, are suspended overhead from a modular structure constructed with steel cables, creating a visually impactful vertical alignment within the space. The fabric installation creates an immersive experience for visitors as they navigate the walkway, enveloping them in a dynamic interplay of color and light. The strategic placement of the textile feature ensures its visibility from various points throughout the café, allowing it to become a continuous element of the interior landscape. The vibrant colors of the fabric strips are contrasted with and complemented by the more subdued, neutral tones of off-white and wood surfaces used in other parts of the café, highlighting the textiles as a focal point. DEFERRARI+MODESTI's design successfully integrates aesthetics with functionality, providing a visually stimulating and acoustically considered environment. The use of fabric as a primary design element not only adds warmth and character but also serves a practical purpose in managing the acoustic properties of the semi-outdoor space. The project demonstrates an innovative application of textiles in interior design to enhance both the sensory experience and the practical utility of a commercial space, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Florence. #FlorenceDesign #CaféInterior #TextileInstallation #ArchitecturalRenovation #ColorAndLight #FabricDesign #DEFERRARIandMODESTI #InteriorArchitecture #AcousticDesign

Project Amber, the Mumbai office for the event management company Big Small Experiences LLP, redefines conventional workspace design through a blend of vibrancy, fluidity, and creative elements. Designed by Studio Bloom, led by Rutuja Tulsulkar, the office spans two units totaling 2,800 square feet across separate floors. The primary design objective was to create an open, minimal, and creatively charged environment that reflects the dynamic identity of the company, moving away from rigid office layouts. The core of the design is the strategic use of amber accents, inspired by the company's brand identity. This bold color is integrated into walls, furniture, and various details, set against a neutral palette of greys, whites, and earthy textures. Textured grey flooring and sand-toned lime-wash walls contribute to a tactile warmth, while custom graphics in the accounts area, designed by Rutva Joshi, add a personalized touch by depicting cities significant to the team. The space also features custom ceiling-hanging shelving, sculptural furniture, and elevated storage solutions that enhance openness, emphasize verticality, and promote a seamless flow throughout the office. Studio Bloom prioritized a fluid layout over traditional partitions and cubicles, creating zones that support both collaborative and focused work. Glass enclosures are used to maintain transparency and manage sound, striking a balance between connection and concentration. Breakout corners, cozy nooks, and informal gathering areas are strategically placed to encourage spontaneous interactions, brainstorming sessions, and moments of pause. The design ensures that while privacy is available, the overall feel remains open and interconnected. The two office units are conceptualized as complementary spaces. The 1,200-square-foot unit houses the accounts and technical teams and includes a central amphitheatre for informal meetings, promoting a sense of community. The larger 1,600-square-foot floor is dedicated to the creative and design teams, featuring open workstations and various collaborative zones. This thoughtful division creates a harmonious rhythm, catering to different work styles and fostering both engagement and moments of repose. Brand identity is subtly woven into the interiors, with the company logo influencing custom lighting fixtures, such as a spiral wooden ceiling light, arched glass panels, bespoke furniture, and door handles. Functionality and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated throughout Project Amber. Ergonomic furniture ensures comfort for long working hours without compromising the design's elegant form. Integrated and elevated storage solutions maintain the airy quality of the interiors. Acoustic treatments are implemented to allow for comfortable conversations without overwhelming the space. Natural light is abundant, complemented by warm task and accent lighting that highlights the amber elements and adapts the office's mood throughout the day. Bent glass elements soften circulation paths and enhance spatial fluidity. The overall design emphasizes tactile finishes and material contrasts, enriching the sensory experience and inviting engagement. Project Amber ultimately redefines the office as an active extension of the brand, serving as a dynamic environment for collaboration and creativity, and moving beyond a conventional workspace to become a living, breathing environment where design and emotion converge. #MumbaiOffice #OfficeDesign #WorkspaceInteriors #StudioBloom #AmphitheatreDesign #CollaborativeSpaces #ModernOffice #InteriorArchitecture #BrandIdentity

In an era characterized by self-aware architecture, the Basic Coffee shop in Beijing, designed by Chinese architecture firm Office AIO, stands out as a prime example of a space meticulously crafted for visual appeal, particularly for social media platforms like Instagram. The cafe, which adjoins a co-working space, incorporates several contemporary design trends to create a "live advertisement" that glorifies the ritual of coffee. The interior design of Basic Coffee is dominated by a monochromatic palette of pastel pink, contributing to its distinct and photogenic aesthetic. The space features a curved timber coffee bar, which serves as a central element. Illumination is provided by globe lights that are strategically placed on the ceiling and walls, emitting a soft, warm glow that enhances the overall ambiance. These design choices aim to create an inviting and visually cohesive environment. Office AIO structured the coffee shop to highlight specific "moments" associated with the coffee-drinking experience. The architects intended these framed views to expose different actions performed by both customers and staff, effectively transforming the cafe into a dynamic visual narrative. For instance, a backlit wall is used to showcase baristas as they prepare beverages, drawing attention to their craft. Separation within the cafe is achieved through a sleek, perforated screen that hangs from the ceiling, dividing the seating area from the waiting area. This design element not only adds to the aesthetic but also helps to define distinct zones within the open space. The intention behind these carefully considered elements is to present each step in the coffee procurement process as a discrete and beautiful event. This approach, while ambitious for a clientele who might be just waking up, underscores the architects' goal of creating a highly curated and memorable experience, akin to a staged advertisement. The design emphasizes the visual journey and interaction within the space, making it a destination not just for coffee, but for its Instagrammable qualities. #CoffeeShopDesign #InteriorDesign #OfficeAIO #BeijingArchitecture #PastelPink #InstagrammableSpaces #MonochromaticPalette #ArchitecturalTrends

Business & Pleasure, a cocktail bar in Calgary, Alberta, was designed by the local firm Studio North to be a contemporary interpretation of a speakeasy, featuring a distinctive barrel-vaulted ceiling. This establishment is located in a back lane within the city's Inglewood neighborhood, nestled among historical brick buildings and close to Studio North's own offices. The lead designers, Damon Hayes Couture and Hayden Pattullo, drew inspiration from the intimate and secluded atmosphere characteristic of early 20th-century speakeasies. Their approach, however, involved modern design techniques, including parametric design, digital fabrication, and innovative material use, to recreate these classic qualities. The interior of Business & Pleasure is characterized by a dark aesthetic, with many furniture pieces and surfaces finished in black, enhancing the speakeasy's secluded feel. A contrasting element is the fir plywood, which is meticulously shaped into barrel vaults of varying widths. These vaults span the entire length of the narrow 350-square-foot (32.5-square-meter) space. The plywood is kerfed, a technique involving a series of cuts, to enable it to bend and form the vaulted shapes. This method also creates a unique cut-out pattern that imparts a translucent quality to the wood. The designers noted that the geometry and pattern of the vaults are subtly varied throughout the room, creating distinct areas and experiences for patrons as they move through the space. The barrel vaults are supported by a series of steel ribs. An innovative system using magnets holds certain panels in place, a detail that Studio North rigorously prototyped at a 1:1 scale and constructed in-house. The entire design process heavily utilized parametric modeling and computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting to achieve the precise and intricate details of the plywood structures. The kerfing pattern on the ceiling changes dynamically, employing a parametric image map to adjust the bridge tabs, resulting in a more interrupted grid around the seated sections of the bar. In some areas, the fir plywood extends seamlessly from the ceiling down onto the walls, forming integrated panels that reach tabletops and define shelving within wall recesses. A custom-designed black barn door, also made from the same kerfed plywood, serves as a divider between the cafe at the front and the hidden bar area. This door features thin vertical gaps, allowing glimpses into the bar and hinting at the concealed space. Globe-shaped paper lanterns are suspended from the wood vaults, casting a warm and inviting ambient light throughout the interior. To further connect the contemporary design with the historical context of speakeasies, artworks and a curated selection of vintage items are thoughtfully displayed on the walls and shelves. Studio North, primarily a design-build studio known for residential projects, previously gained recognition for a laneway house in Calgary that included unique features like a dog nook and a fireman's pole. This project showcases their ability to blend historical inspirations with modern design and fabrication methods to create a distinct and immersive environment. #Interiors #Calgary #Bars #Speakeasies #Alberta #StudioNorth #ParametricDesign #PlywoodArchitecture #DigitalFabrication