Your Design-Led Guide to the Best Cafés in Rome — 7 Local-Approved Addresses for a Multisensory Feast

This article explores a curated selection of coffee shops globally that are not only celebrated for their exceptional coffee but also for their outstanding interior design and architectural concepts. These establishments demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance the coffee-drinking experience, turning a simple ritual into an immersive aesthetic journey. The tour begins in Melbourne, Australia, with Veneziano Coffee Roasters, where local group Technē Architecture + Interior Design transformed an industrial building to highlight the 'bean to cup' process. The space features an open-plan roastery and a metallic palette complemented by a bar-like interior, encouraging interaction between customers and baristas. Next, in Silicon Valley, USA, Coffeebar blends classic Italian coffee shop aesthetics with local biking culture, incorporating elements like terrazzo, copper, and ash alongside cycle-centric imagery, including a bicycle chain chandelier. This location also prides itself on weekly roasted coffee and locally sourced milk, served in a space designed for both communal and intimate experiences. Milan, Italy, introduces Cafezal, a specialty coffee brand founded by Italian-Brazilian friends, drawing inspiration from London’s 'third wave coffee' scene. Designed by Studiopepe, its inky interior with black Marquina marble and satin copper accents creates a trendsetting backdrop for fine coffee from various global plantations. Cape Town, South Africa, offers Swan Café, a crêperie designed by Haldane Martin, which evokes a Parisian atmosphere through bistro furniture, romantic imagery, and a French flag-inspired color palette, alongside copper and brass details that reinforce its avian theme. Dubai's Port Rashid features Pastryology, a café conceptualized by Dutch spatial designer Maja Kozel. Housed in two repurposed shipping containers, it reflects the port's commercial history while exuding warmth with a colorful palette of brass, marble, and pastel hues. A wall mural and a sprawling window offering port views complete the inviting space. Dublin, Ireland, presents Bear Market, which democratizes quality coffee. Its fourth outpost, designed by Design Urban Architecture, maximizes a challenging space with a curved service bar, bare-brick walls, and wooden interiors, complemented by meandering steel tubes and a central steel table for enjoying their house blend. Hong Kong's Sheung Wan is home to Noc Coffee Co., where Studio Adjective created an industrial-feel store with airy floor-to-ceiling windows and shared tables. Bespoke coffee-themed pictograms on the floor guide customers through the space, highlighting the bean roasting area and the 7-meter bar. Berlin, Germany, showcases Bonanza Roastery Cafe, a flagship space designed by Dutch firm Modiste. It's a bright, modern area centered around ethically sourced, single-origin coffees, brewed using a rebuilt 1965 Probat UG-22 drum roaster. Prague, Czech Republic, hosts Misto, a cafe designed by Edit! from a former apartment, featuring clean lines, flowing spaces, and a playful mural by Kateřina Kynclová. Leeds, UK, introduces Stories, a Scandinavian-inspired café with a neutral interior adorned with light woods, marble, and greys, complemented by modern and retro furniture pieces. Amsterdam features Toki, a peaceful oasis blending Scandinavian and Japanese interior design, offering top-tier coffee and a comprehensive drinks menu in a cozy atmosphere. Also in Amsterdam, Bocca Coffee, with its HQ, prides itself on sustainable coffee and features a training lab for baristas, a custom La Marzocco Strada, and a home-crafted 'brew bench' within its neutral-toned, raw wood interior. Tokyo, Japan, presents Blue Bottle Coffee, designed by Schemata, which seamlessly integrates urban efficiency with rural serenity through basswood plywood and geometric lines, embodying the brand's ethos of good-natured design. Mexico City, Mexico, offers Tierra Garat, designed by Héctor Esrawe's studio and Cadena y Asociados, reflecting an authentically Mexican aesthetic with warm textures that echo the coffee and chocolate offerings. Finally, Dubai's RAW Coffee House, located in a converted warehouse, serves as a roastery, espresso house, and brew bar, overcoming environmental and cultural obstacles to deliver quality craft coffee. The Starbucks Coffee Laboratory in Amsterdam is a concept store designed for experimenting with brewing methods and products, specifically tailored to Dutch culture with decorative touches like antique Delft tiles. #CoffeeShopDesign #InteriorArchitecture #GlobalCafes #ModernDesign #CoffeeCulture #ArchitecturalDesign #CafeInteriors #SpecialtyCoffee #DesignLovers

This article explores a curated selection of London's most design-led coffee shops, focusing on establishments that blend speciality coffee with stylish interiors, making them ideal spots for both commuters and those seeking a leisurely experience. The featured cafes are integral to their respective neighborhoods, offering unique atmospheres and culinary delights beyond just coffee. Abuelo Marylebone, an extension of the original Covent Garden location, offers a blend of Aussie brunch culture and Latin American influences. The Marylebone outpost, designed by Prototype Studio, showcases vintage paper lamps, wooden furnishings, and subtle red accents, providing a more mature ambiance. It features a marble counter where baristas serve coffee and pastries by day, transitioning to wine in the evening. The menu includes hearty, produce-led sandwiches and egg platters. Café Petiole, situated in Somerset House, is a plant-based haven with pastel-hued and serene interiors. Designed by Duelle, the space draws inspiration from the botanical world, featuring oversized 'Peony' paper pendants and antique 1930s bentwood chairs. Head chef Rishim Sachdeva curates a vibrant menu with dishes like beetroot, feta, and pomegranate salads, puff pastry tomato tarts, and a variety of sweet treats including pistachio and raspberry tarts. Omotesando Koffee, originating from Tokyo, has grown into a globally recognized boutique coffee chain. Its London branch features a signature cubic kiosk and minimalist interiors, envisioned by Perinelli Design. The design incorporates traditional Japanese materials such as charred cedar boards and granite stepping stones, reflecting founder Eiichi Kunitomo's philosophy of 'Kishōtenketsu,' where every detail of the coffee-making and consumption experience is meticulously crafted. Rose Bakery, located within Dover Street Market London since 2004, is a favorite among creatives. Its understated, utilitarian interior, characterized by stainless steel and wooden details, allows the fresh, seasonal European-style menu and delectable cakes to be the focus. Co-founder Rose Carrarini emphasizes creating a welcoming, home-like environment with high-quality food, including their famous Rose latte. Sevente, a speciality coffee and wine bar on Hackney Road, offers a modern chic interior with a nod to 1970s Italy. The space features red Togo sofas and a sleek concrete bar, serving everything from morning espressos to evening cocktails. It also hosts community events like chess nights and life drawing sessions. The menu highlights premium beans from Emilio’s Coffee and a unique beetroot matcha. Toklas Bakery, located between the Strand and the River Thames, is a beloved community fixture. Its Italian-style marble and wood counter transforms throughout the day, offering viennoiserie and Assembly Roasters coffee in the morning, followed by sandwiches, _strecci_ (Roman-style pizza slices), fresh salads, and soups for lunch. The bakery, founded by Frieze founders Matthew Slotover and Amanda Sharp, also hosts seasonal markets and provides a space for Frieze magazines. #LondonCoffeeShops #DesignLedCafes #InteriorDesign #SpecialityCoffee #LondonFashionWeek #ArchitecturalInteriors #CulinaryExperience #LondonTravel

Los Angeles is renowned for its vibrant coffee shop culture, where establishments are not merely places to grab a beverage but serve as community hubs and showcases for innovative interior design. Unlike the traditional Italian approach to coffee, which is often a private, home-based ritual, LA's cafés are integral to the city's social fabric, reflecting its relaxed charm, creative pulse, and dynamic energy. These coffee shops elevate the experience beyond responsibly sourced blends and freshly baked goods, incorporating bespoke art installations and irreverent interior design that appeal to both locals and travelers. The article highlights several top Los Angeles cafés, each distinguished by its unique design ethos and commitment to quality. Verve Coffee Roasters in the Arts District exemplifies a 'California cool' aesthetic, blending mid-century modern furniture influences with the region's natural beauty through sculptural plants, wooden ceilings, and an organic color palette. This location, a collaboration between its founders and design firms, offers an immersive experience for design enthusiasts and remote workers, emphasizing ethically sourced, high-quality coffee and artisanal preparation. Equator Coffees in Culver City presents a retro-futuristic design, drawing inspiration from the 1960s Space Age and modern retro décor trends. Designed by Kelly Patry, the 1,400-square-foot space features sculptural lighting, metallic accents, and a bold juxtaposition of muted reds and aquamarine tones, evoking a sense of time travel. The design incorporates industrial elements like iron, wood, and metal, while also reflecting California's coastal vibes and Equator's Bay Area origins, offering a visually captivating environment alongside sustainably produced specialty coffee. Maru Coffee, also in the Arts District, is noted for its blend of Japanese aesthetics, modern industrial design, and award-winning coffee. Following its original Los Feliz location, co-founders Jacob Park and Joonmo Kim emphasize minimalism across their brand, from cups to interiors. The Arts District flagship features essential lines, neutral tones, and raw materials, informed by wabi-sabi principles. Concrete floors and exposed beams contribute to an industrial yet welcoming ambiance, inviting visitors to enjoy carefully sourced single-origin drip coffee or iced oat lattes. Café Kitsuné, located in Silver Lake, acts as a cultural bridge between Paris and Tokyo, reflecting the multifaceted Maison Kitsuné brand. Conceived by co-founder Masaya Kuroki, the café boasts a cheerfully nostalgic, old-school market atmosphere, complete with hand-painted murals by Californian artist Jeffrey Sincich. It reinterprets the traditional Parisian café through a Japanese lens, evident in its Shoji-inspired screens and clean-lined furniture. The menu also fuses these cultures, offering French pastries alongside Japanese specialties like houjicha lattes. Laveta Coffee in Echo Park showcases brutalist interiors, which, despite their bare essence, exude warmth and intimacy. The design features linearly drawn stone and wood furnishings, sculptural lighting, and flowerbeds, simplifying indoor-outdoor living. Operated by the Andante Coffee group, this hotspot allows patrons to enjoy cinematic views from its outdoor patio while sipping on innovative drinks like the Filipino-inspired ube latte and indulging in gourmet toasts. Finally, Canyon Coffee, also in Echo Park, stands out for its atmosphere, food, drinks, and distinctive red-brick industrial façade. Established in 2016 by Ally Walsh and Casey Wojtalewicz, Canyon Coffee is a favorite among brew aficionados, committed to ethically sourced, single-origin blends. The interior blends Scandinavian-style woody surfaces with quirky accents and pastel-hued wall art, bathed in Californian sunlight. The design draws inspiration from figures like Georgia O’Keeffe and Donald Judd, creating a dynamic community hub. #LosAngelesCafes #InteriorDesign #CoffeeCulture #ScandinavianDesign #RetroFuturism #JapaneseAesthetics #BrutalistInteriors #CafeDesign #LAHotspots

Coffee shops have evolved into essential parts of daily life for many, serving as places for quick caffeine fixes or extended work sessions. The design and ambiance of these spaces significantly contribute to their appeal, transforming a simple beverage stop into a memorable experience. This article highlights 29 coffee shops from around the globe that are recognized for their exceptional interior design. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Anh Coffee Roastery, designed by Red5studio, features a monochromatic, multi-level space inspired by basalt red land, offering communal seating. Also in Ho Chi Minh City, September, another Red5studio creation, evokes a wind-swept bird’s nest with its curved ceilings, walls, and unique circular wall hangings. Atlanta's Muchacho, situated along the BeltLine, boasts a recently renovated, colorful space designed by Jessica Davis, serving creative coffee drinks and breakfast tacos. In Aspen, Felix Roasting Co., designed by Ken Fulk, offers a maximalist experience with glowing ceilings, jewel-toned velvet seating, and Murano glass fixtures, complemented by bold menu items like s’mores lattes. Torquay, Australia, is home to Third Wave, a compact kiosk with an undulating facade made from repurposed sheet metal, recalling ocean waves. Pristina, Kosovo’s Don Café House, designed by Innarch, uses over 1,300 pieces of plywood to create organic, sculpted walls and coffee bean-shaped light fixtures, mimicking the interior of a coffee sack. Case Study Coffee in Portland, Oregon, features a midcentury vibe with a caffeine molecule chandelier, Heath Ceramics tile, and George Nelson Bubble lamps. R Art of Coffee in Nagakute, Japan, a warehouse transformed by Iks Design, showcases brass and copper accents and a roaster surrounded by bar seating. Washington, D.C.'s Tatte Bakery, founded by Tzurit Or, is known for its warm interiors, incorporating furniture and light fixtures sourced globally to create an authentic cultural atmosphere. New York City’s Voyager Espresso, designed by Only If, is a futuristic space in a subway concourse, with aluminum enamel paint and a circular barista station. Go Get Em Tiger in Los Angeles has multiple charismatic locations, including its Music Center outpost. Citizens of SoHo in New York City, founded by Australians, is a minimalist hub for digital nomads, adorned with local art. Atlanta's Bellwood Coffee, founded by brothers Joel and Charles Norman, sources and roasts beans globally, with one location in a 100-year-old former residence. Carpenter Coffee Bar in Austin, located in the historic Carpenter Hotel, combines Bauhaus influence with a minimalist aesthetic. New York City’s Jumpin Jacks, a creation of hotelier Jack J. Sitt within the ModernHaus SoHo, functions as both a coffee house and a late-night bar, displaying an impressive collection of modern art. Neo Coffee Bar in Toronto, designed by Dialogue 38, Inc., features curvilinear concrete walls, wood accents, and modern furniture in a minimalist setting. Little Cove Espresso in Hong Kong's Sai Kung offers a midcentury-inspired design in a relaxed harbor-side location. Takarkad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides warm interiors and dangling paper lanterns, inviting visitors to linger. Colada Shop in Washington, D.C., founded by a Dominican, specializes in Cuban delicacies within colorful spaces. Los Angeles-based Verve Coffee Roasters maintains its artisanal approach with vintage roasters across its locations, including the stylish Mateo Street outpost. Café Standard in Miami, nestled within The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, captures the city's funky coastal essence with an Arthur Umanoff-inspired bar and surrealist art. Nashville’s Poindexter Coffee, located in the Graduate Nashville, is a popular spot with a bar made of pencils, robin’s egg-blue ceilings, and jewel-toned seating, partnering with a local roastery for a unique house blend. Colo Coffee Andes in Bogotá, designed by Crearq, draws inspiration from Colombian coffee-growing regions, featuring warm wood, tropical plants, and bamboo ceilings. Dodo Bird Donuts in La Jolla, California, housed in a historic building, is a cheerful, striped space by Georgis & Mirgorodsky, with banana-leaf wallpaper and brass accents. Caffettiera in Montreal, by Menard Dworkind, channels the '90s with black-and-white tile floors, a vibrant palette, and nostalgic elements. Kali Mexican Coffee Roasters in San Pedro Garza García, Mexico, designed by Concentrico, incorporates clay tiles and custom wood furniture inspired by rural Chiapas homes. Godshot Coffee Odesa in Ukraine, designed by Petrossjan Architecture Studio, features Bauhaus-inspired interiors with a bold blue, white, and red brick palette, preserving original architectural elements. The Capsule Café in Ericeira, Portugal, transformed by Atelier Réalité, uses a blue-and-white palette to evoke the sea, with a diner-inspired layout. Finally, Bolt Coffee in Providence, Rhode Island, located in The Dean hotel, offers a colorfully nostalgic spot with interiors by ASH NYC, blending custom-designed pieces with antiques. #CoffeeShopDesign #InteriorDesign #Architecture #GlobalCoffeeCulture #ModernDesign #CafeInteriors #HospitalityDesign #CoffeeCulture #DesignInspiration

New York City's vibrant coffee scene extends beyond mere caffeine consumption, encompassing a thriving culture of independent and small-chain coffee shops that prioritize design. This article highlights several meticulously designed coffee establishments across Manhattan and Brooklyn, catering to individuals who appreciate both a quality brew and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. These venues range from those housed in historic buildings to contemporary spaces, each offering a unique design narrative. Flora Coffee, situated in the Met Breuer, reimagines the 1966 Marcel Breuer building with a sensitive renovation by Beyer Blinder Belle. It retains the original robust concrete elements while introducing natural woods, leather, and bronze metalwork, complemented by the building’s original disc-shaped lighting. Devoción, a Brooklyn-based establishment, operates from a former meatpacking plant. Its interior, designed by Studios Go, features a bright and airy atmosphere, highlighted by a vertical garden of coffee plants, reflecting the brand's commitment to freshness and direct sourcing of organic beans from Colombia. Reynard, though a restaurant, serves as an ideal coffee spot within the Wythe Hotel. It showcases a factory-chic aesthetic with original brickwork, timber beams, and soaring cast-iron columns, emblematic of Williamsburg's design sensibilities. Intelligentsia's New York outpost, nestled within the Roman and Williams-designed High Line Hotel, offers a bookish ambiance with raw brickwork, oriental carpets, and Chesterfield sofas, allowing patrons to enjoy their coffee indoors or al fresco in the hotel’s courtyard. Kava Cafe, located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, boasts interiors by Roman and Williams, drawing inspiration from a Venetian coffee crawl. Its design features meteoric oak motifs with exposed screws on the walls and a spiraling, brightly colored terrazzo floor, all inspired by a Chris-Craft boat’s dashboard. Happy Bones, founded by Kiwis, is a minimalist conversion of an alleyway in Little Italy. Architects Hannah Chiaroni-Clarke and Danu Hassik, along with interior designer Ghislaine Viñas, transformed the compact space into a stylish venue with whitewashed brickwork, steel mesh displays, and a large skylight. Sweatshop in Williamsburg brings Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture to New York, established by Ryan De Remer and Luke Woodard. Its effortlessly cool monochrome interiors reflect the founders' passion for design, evident in their furniture and interiors studio of the same name. Chalait, co-founded by Michelle and Ramon Puyane, is Manhattan’s first matcha-focused tea and coffee shop, with its newest and largest location in Hudson Square. Designed by Kontoret, it combines modern Japanese architecture with Scandinavian design, utilizing sustainable materials like black stained pinewood and whitewashed oak to create a serene environment. Finally, Chillhouse in the Lower East Side offers a unique concept, combining a full-service café and bar with a nail salon and massage boutique. Designed by Jeffrey White of Ecology Architecture Urbanism, it serves as a relaxing haven for city dwellers, offering both invigorating caffeinated drinks and calming options. Each of these coffee bars demonstrates a thoughtful approach to interior design, enhancing the coffee-drinking experience through distinct architectural and decorative choices, making them destinations for design enthusiasts. #NYCCoffeeShops #InteriorDesign #CoffeeCulture #ArchitecturalDesign #CafeDesign #NewYorkCity #DesignDevotees #HospitalityDesign #UrbanSpaces

Miami, often celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, also boasts a compelling daytime scene, especially its diverse and design-forward cafés. As Design Miami approaches, a curated list of coffee shops across Wynwood, Miami Beach, and Little Gables highlights establishments that offer not only excellent coffee but also captivating interior design, enhancing the city's creative pulse. Many of these cafés are integrated into renowned institutions like the Superblue Miami digital arts hub and the Frost Science Museum, making them cultural destinations in their own right. The article focuses on seven unique cafés, each presenting a distinct design aesthetic and culinary experience. Yann Couvreur Café in the Wynwood district translates the Parisian pastry chef's culinary artistry into a sophisticated tropical oasis. Designed by Charles Zana, the café reinterprets industrial and mid-century modern décor with glamorous touches, featuring organic tones, sculptural vegetation, and a stand-out mirrored entrance that brings the outdoors in. The blend of French and American cuisine offers a cosmopolitan appeal, with an all-day menu of French staples like fresh pastries, tartine saumon, and Niçoise salads. Façade, a newer addition in Coral Gables, combines Scandinavian-inspired interiors with a sourdough-focused gastronomic offer. Its design features a chic marble bar, tiled accent walls, and rougher elements like wooden cabinets and rattan baskets, bridging past and present aesthetics. The café is known for its high-hydration sourdough, French pastries, stuffed danishes, and specialty coffees like the honey-and-cinnamon-spiced café con leche, along with refreshing smoothies. Coffee@Science, located within the Frost Science Museum, provides a unique experience by integrating scientific themes into its design. William Lane Architect's vision incorporates molecular-like murals, spherical paper and wood lighting, velvety seating, and a 1970s-inspired warm color scheme. This café serves American-style food and drinks within an engaging atmosphere that lives up to the museum's scientific marvels. Blue Rider Café, situated within the Superblue Miami digital arts hub, extends the museum's experiential vision into the hospitality space. British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori designed the kaleidoscopic interiors, drawing inspiration from Miami's energy, architecture, and natural colors, as well as West Africa's vibrant textiles. The café offers rotating culinary and drink options from Miamian food trucks, fostering artistry, creativity, and positive societal discussions. Sadelle's at Kith Miami Design District offers a nostalgic, old-style diner experience with a lavish Art Deco design. Developed by Major Food Group in collaboration with Kith, the café features a pale pink and mint green palette with checkerboard floors, marble, chrome, and gold accents. It serves classic diner fare like pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches, complemented by a selection of cocktails, wine, and coffee, making it suitable for both casual meetings and special occasions. White Rose Coffee stands out as a multi-functional space, combining a coffee shop, tattoo studio, gallery, and nightlife venue. Founded by Javier Betancourt, the boldly decorated space features leathery mid-century modern furniture, original wall art, and photography. It serves specialty brews and pastries, hosts art exhibitions for local talent, and transforms into a lively nightlife spot with DJ sets, making it an inspiring remote working option with ample natural light. Pelican Cafe at Pelican Hotel caters to retro-inspired design lovers with sea-view interiors and Italian-style food. Designed by Renzo Rosso, the café boasts plush, neutral-toned furniture, palazzo floors, olive green walls, and an overall soothing, elegant ambiance. It offers mouth-watering breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict and extravagant all-day dining options such as tuna and mango tartare. The evolving Miami coffee scene also anticipates new additions like Casa Nané in Brickell, promising modern rustic and boho-inspired interiors with an all-day brunch concept. #MiamiCafes #CafeDesign #InteriorDesign #MiamiTourism #ArtDeco #ScandinavianDesign #MidCenturyModern #ArtBaselMiami #HospitalityDesign

Tokyo boasts a vibrant café culture characterized by a continuous emergence of trendy coffee roasters and tea shops. Many of these establishments are housed in exquisitely designed spaces, often created by renowned architects and designers, making them destinations worthy of a visit for their aesthetic appeal alone. This article highlights fifteen such beautiful cafés and coffee shops across Tokyo, each offering a unique design philosophy and atmosphere. Koffee Mameya Kakeru, located in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, is an example of a stylish coffee haven that goes beyond a typical coffee shop experience. While offering beans and drinks for takeaway, it primarily focuses on coffee tasting courses in a sleek interior where elegant counter seats allow customers to observe baristas in action. Socha, near Nezu Shrine, is a teahouse that showcases traditional Japanese architecture, incorporating natural materials like wood and tatami mats. Designed by the adjoining Sobokya Design Office, it features innovative carpentry techniques and unique elements such as a driftwood door handle and a massive zelkova wood table with repurposed old well stones for legs. Wakuni Shoten, a cafe in Higashi-Murayama, is a project by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its striking facade is covered with approximately 700 bronze plates upcycled from a Shinto shrine roof, while the interior features sheet metal art by local firm Uchino and contributions from other artisans like Kitaworks and Kan Ito, creating a refined and cozy atmosphere. Uni Gyre, situated within the MVRDV-designed Gyre shopping center in Omotesando, offers a chic café experience. Its distinguishing feature is a seating area composed of wooden cubes of varying heights. Designed by Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects, the space is inspired by soil, with earth-covered floors and walls, and surrounding greenery that evokes a forest-like retreat. Chiya-ba, a discreet tea house under the Nakameguro train tracks, specializes in chai tea. Its cozy, Zen-like interior, dominated by dark tones, includes a hidden lounge area reminiscent of a boutique hotel lobby. Dotcom Space in Harajuku exemplifies Japanese minimalism with a sleek, light, and airy design by Keiji Ashizawa Design, featuring a communal table, a simple barista bar, and a tranquil courtyard. Connel Coffee, located in the Sogetsu Kaikan building designed by Kenzo Tange, is a minimalist coffee shop by design firm Nendo. It offers stunning views of a green forest and Isamu Noguchi's stone garden through its glass ceilings and windows, with warm cherry wood and simple furnishings creating a serene environment conducive to remote work. Tokyo Saryo in Sangenjaya is a minimalist tea parlor that, despite its small size, impresses with a sleek wooden tea counter where customers can observe the tea preparation process. It also features uniquely designed hand drippers for making traditional Japanese tea, adding a modern twist to ancient practices. Ogawa Coffee Laboratory, Kyoto's established roaster, has a flagship in Setagaya. Designed by Yusuke Seki Studio, its spacious interior features muted tones, a wrap-around counter, and abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, with plywood and washi paper accents, and old stones from Kyoto's tramways. Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights in Harajuku is a collaboration brought together by Chab Design, offering a light and airy sunken café space with concrete walls and simple plywood, creating an approachable vibe. Sarutahiko The Bridge, designed by Suppose Design Office, is a spacious café on the second floor of the new Harajuku Station building, providing ample seating, including cozy couches and communal tables. It blends modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese touches like wooden shoji panels and a bonsai tree. Kayaba Coffee, an old kissaten in Yanaka, was revamped with architectural expertise from Yuko Nagayama & Associates. It preserves the charm of the old kissaten within a traditional machiya-style house, incorporating mid-century modern elements. The interior features old-fashioned furniture, a mirrored roof, and traditional tatami-style seating on the second floor. Sakurai, a tea sanctuary on the fifth floor of Omotesando's Spiral Building, was designed by Simplicity founder Shinichiro Ogata. This small but impactful space includes a tea roasting room, a shop, and a modern teahouse with stunning capital views, centered around a copper-accented tea bar that offers a multi-sensory experience. Blue Bottle Kitaya Park, located in a revamped urban park in Shibuya, features brown volcanic tiles by Dzek and minimalist furniture exclusively designed by Japanese architect Keiji Ashizawa, offering both indoor seating and a terrace for events. Finally, Toraya Akasaka, the flagship store of the famed Japanese confectionery, was refurbished by architect Hiroshi Naito. The two-story café, with its large wood and glass structure topped with a black lacquer roof and hinoki cypress wood interior, presents a traditional yet modern aesthetic, complemented by a basement gallery showcasing intricate wagashi patterns. #TokyoCafes #CoffeeShops #TeaHouses #CafeDesign #ArchitecturalInteriors #JapaneseDesign #MinimalistAesthetics #TokyoTravel #CafeCulture

Seoul, a city renowned for having the highest number of coffee shops per capita globally, boasts a vibrant and diverse coffee culture that extends far beyond typical chains to include unique, design-led establishments. This selection highlights ten such exceptional cafés, perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Seoul's distinctive blend of modern design and rich cultural heritage, especially during events like Frieze Seoul. These coffee shops are not merely places to grab a drink but are destinations that offer a curated aesthetic experience. Blue Bottle Myeongdong Cafe, designed by Teo Yang Studio, integrates the brand's signature blue with elements of traditional Korean architecture (hanok) and the concept of jakyung, where architecture harmonizes with its surroundings. This compact space in a bustling shopping district provides a serene, grab-and-go experience with a calming blue and white palette. Similarly, Cafe Aalto by Mealº, inspired by Alvar Aalto and located in David Chipperfield’s Amorepacific World Headquarters, features a design rich in wooden textures and precise proportions. Its striking birch-slatted ceiling, reminiscent of Aalto's Savoy Vase, and a central reading table filled with Finnish architecture tomes, create a refined atmosphere, complemented by unique chestnut cream coffees and distinctive pastries. Coffee Nap Roasters, conceived by MAOOM design studio, stands out with its award-winning space featuring a hill made of 7,000 bricks for seating. This Yeonnam-dong café emphasizes a strong connection to nature through its roof, which allows natural light to flood the interior, embodying a philosophy of simple yet enduring beauty. Foreplan in Seongsu-dong offers an ambiance akin to an architectural office, displaying sketches, models, and design literature. It serves a brunch menu alongside unique beverages like the Macadamia Cream Latte, catering to those seeking a stimulating environment. Hahouse Cafe in Itaewon merges industrial chic with artistic expression, operating as both a coffee shop and a gallery. Designed by Niceworkshop, it showcases a clean interplay of concrete, stainless steel, and wood, with bespoke furnishings that reflect a 'Neo-Naturalism' philosophy. Hrr, a glasshouse coffee shop near Jamwon Hangang Park, offers minimalist white interiors and an open layout, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing serene views of the Han River. Its design integrates mature wooden pillars, referencing maritime heritage, and offers a menu of home-grown fruits and vegetables alongside unique baked goods. Perception, in the Hapjeong neighborhood, is distinguished by its 'Shading Tree' ceiling—a flowing structure of curved wooden slats designed by architect Jung Hae Jun-Feelament. This spot offers both classic coffee options and signature drinks like 'Atmosphere of the Place,' appealing to the area's university community. Pont Cafe Mullae, situated in a former industrial building in Mullae-dong, preserves its historical shell while incorporating modern design. Studio Stof's adaptive reuse maintained the original rough ceiling and brickwork, introducing elements like plywood and terracotta to create a warm, orange-toned interior. Seoul Coffee Ikseon is nestled within a traditional Korean hanok, blending preserved historical features like timber beams and a thick wooden door with contemporary additions such as brass accents and glass blocks. This café cherishes the city's unique cultural heritage while offering a menu that includes traditional coffee alongside Korean-inspired delicacies. Lastly, Upstanding Coffee, conceptualized by The First Penguin (T-FP), embraces a 'run-down' aesthetic while providing a modern experience. It retains much of the original site's character, integrating new materials like stainless steel and lauan plywood, and featuring a striking spiral staircase. Its menu includes a signature 'Magic coffee' inspired by Melbourne's espresso-to-milk ratio, demonstrating a commitment to quality in both design and product. #SeoulCoffeeCulture #DesignLedCafes #KoreanArchitecture #CafeInteriors #TravelSeoul #ArchitecturalDesign #CoffeeShopDesign #ContemporaryDesign #CulturalExperience

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

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

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

This article explores 17 modern coffee bar ideas, offering inspiration for creating a functional and stylish coffee setup within various home environments. It highlights that a personal coffee bar can be integrated into existing kitchen setups or unique spaces, catering to individual tastes and functional needs. The article emphasizes that coffee, often considered a daily necessity, can be enjoyed in a more refined manner from the comfort of home, moving beyond traditional bar carts. The featured ideas encompass a range of styles and spatial considerations. Some concepts demonstrate how small spaces can accommodate a coffee bar, such as a "Tiny but Mighty" niche incorporating warm wood and unique stone, or utilizing small vintage furniture pieces like dressers or bar carts. The article also presents a "Backlit and Beautiful" design that merges wine and coffee setups, featuring marble backsplashes and backlit shelves to enhance ambiance. For those preferring a discreet look, an "Incognito" coffee bar is introduced, integrated into kitchen cabinetry with pocket doors or lift-top doors to conceal appliances and accessories when not in use. This design, when paired with open shelving, aims to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing morning routine space. Practical solutions for limited areas include a "Coffee Bar Meets Sink" concept, which leverages existing sink infrastructure and incorporates vintage decor. A "Space-Saving" idea suggests using a simple storage cart, adaptable for both coffee and tea enthusiasts. The article delves into "Multifunctional" designs, such as a kitchen-slash-office setup, which includes an undercounter fridge and pendant lights for added convenience and style. "Retro Cabinet" coffee bars encourage repurposing antique furniture to store coffee essentials, offering a nostalgic aesthetic. Decorative aspects are also covered, with a "Coffee Bar with Tile Backsplash" featuring subtle zellige tiles, quartz countertops, white oak, and brass hardware for a seamless design. A "Coffee Shop–Like" bar aims to replicate a professional coffee shop experience at home, complete with an espresso machine, peg letter board, and fresh florals. The article challenges conventional placement with a "Coffee Bar in Unique Location," showcasing a design in a hallway of guest bedrooms, utilizing wallpaper, paneled cabinetry, and floating brass shelves to create a glamorous yet practical spot. Further ideas include "Color-Coordinated" coffee bars, where appliances and decor match the cabinetry for a cohesive look. An "Appliance-Laden" coffee bar demonstrates how multiple appliances can be integrated seamlessly into custom-designed drawer inserts and pull-out shelves, featuring white oak interiors contrasting with stainless steel. For ultimate convenience, a "Bedroom-Based Coffee Bar" is presented, featuring a built-in automatic coffee maker, sink, drawer dishwasher, and refrigerator drawer, highlighting essential accessories like bean storage, grinders, frothers, and mugs. A "Chic and Feminine" design suggests using complementary cabinetry colors and accessories like pink teapots, offering advice on natural stone countertops and easy-to-wipe backsplashes. Lastly, "White Oak" finishes are highlighted for their subtle elegance, and a "Mirrored Coffee Bar", though technically a wet bar, illustrates how mirrors and silvery mosaics can create a sophisticated coffee nook, while a "High Culture" coffee bar, also a wet bar, showcases artistic sculptures and high-end appliances to elevate the coffee experience. #CoffeeBarIdeas #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions #ModernLiving #DIYHome #HomeRenovation #FunctionalDesign

Nespresso has collaborated with Universal Design Studio to open a new boutique concept store on New York's Madison Avenue, aiming to re-establish coffee and espresso as an art form rather than just a quick caffeine fix. This is the second such boutique, following the inaugural opening in Cannes in May, and it is designed to engage all five senses in the coffee experience. The design ethos draws heavily from New York's distinctive urban landscape and artistic heritage, incorporating elements such as disc fixtures that echo the lighting found in the Met Breuer and an exposed brick wall reminiscent of a classic Manhattan walk-up apartment. The 2,500 sq ft boutique spans two floors and offers a comprehensive journey through the world of coffee. Visitors can sample limited-edition flavors, receive guidance on selecting a blend that suits their individual palate, and explore Nespresso’s signature VertuoLine machines and aluminum pods. A consistent design element throughout the store is the use of Alpi wood tables, uniquely adorned with used ground coffee, which subtly reinforces the product's origin and sustainability efforts. The lower level of the boutique houses the Lab Kitchen, a dedicated space where customers can experiment with different coffee recipes or participate in 45-minute educational classes, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of coffee preparation. In line with Nespresso's global sustainability initiatives, the Madison Avenue boutique, like all other Nespresso stores worldwide, facilitates the recycling of used coffee capsules. Adding an artistic dimension to the space, Nespresso commissioned New York artist Daniel Rozin to create an exclusive installation for the boutique. This artwork is composed of 832 tiles made from compressed aluminum, repurposed from used Nespresso pods. Rozin integrated four motion sensors into the piece, allowing it to ripple and respond dynamically to the movements of people within the store, thereby creating an interactive and fluid visual experience. Rozin expressed his intention to create an effect that conveyed fluidity, contributing to the boutique's sensory appeal. For those on a tighter schedule, the boutique features a Take Away Bar, offering a selection of lattes and pastries sourced from Aux Merveilleux de Fred. However, the comprehensive and immersive design of the store is intended to encourage visitors to linger and fully engage with the Nespresso experience. The address of this new Nespresso boutique is 935 Madison Avenue, New York. The partnership with Universal Design Studio underscores Nespresso's commitment to creating engaging retail environments that elevate the perception of coffee consumption. #NespressoBoutique #UniversalDesignStudio #NewYorkDesign #CoffeeExperience #RetailDesign #SensoryMarketing #SustainableDesign #MadisonAvenue #DanielRozinArt #CoffeeCulture

Milan has established itself as a hub for exceptional culinary experiences, offering a diverse array of dining establishments designed by local talent. These venues not only provide aesthetic nourishment but also cater to a wide range of tastes, from traditional Italian to Japanese-inspired and Greek cuisines. This article highlights four distinct Milanese culinary destinations: Mogo, Vasiliki Kantina & Gastronomia, Caruso Nuovo Bistrot, and Odachi, each presenting a unique design philosophy and gastronomic offering. Mogo, situated in the Isola district, is a 3,700-square-foot hi-fi bar and restaurant inspired by Japanese jazz kissa cafes. The name 'mogo,' meaning 'union' in the South African language Sotho, reflects its intention to bring together music, culinary arts, craft cocktails, and design. Designed by Milan native Giorgia Longoni, the interior features a cinematic environment characterized by interwoven exposed concrete and ductwork with rose-toned oak millwork. Aquamarine resin flooring, custom chairs upholstered with Brochier fabric, Alpi burl tables, and site-specific tapestries by Andrea Marco Corvino contribute to a hushed, intimate atmosphere that blends softly industrial elements with warm mid-century aesthetics. Vasiliki Kantina & Gastronomia, a 430-square-foot space in Porta Romana, offers an authentic and refined Greek experience. Designed by Joy Herro, who runs both an interiors studio and an art/design consultancy, the space features a ceiling hand-painted with an interpretation of the myth of Persephone and Demetra by Terps (Terpsichore Τερψιχόρη ερψιχόρη). This Greek artist also crafted the goddess-adorned linen curtain and ceramic door handle. Tino Seubert's raffia-topped stools line a Kavalas Greek marble counter, all set amidst crisp, Santorini-white plaster archways, subtly telling Greece's story through food, wine, and design. Caruso Nuovo Bistrot, located within the historic Grand Hotel in Centro Storico, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with an interior refresh by Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci of Dimorestudio. This establishment, a homage to Milanese and Neapolitan cooking, showcases Dimorestudio’s signature 'restrained maximalism.' The design harmoniously blends Northern Italian aristocracy with bohemian glamour through details such as walls and benches upholstered in Prelle jacquard, seven custom chandeliers made of Brunello-colored silk jersey, and Murano glass sconces. For the outdoor veranda, custom wallpaper and Mathieu Matégot-inspired furnishings, including Antica rattan chairs by Mario Bonacina and Renzo Mongiardino for Bonacina 1889, complete the sophisticated ambiance. Odachi is a 48-seat, lobby-adjacent restaurant within Casa Brera, a Marriott hotel in Brera, which was a 1950s office building transformed by Interior Design Hall of Famer Patricia Urquiola. Serving Japanese-inspired dishes, Odachi’s design deliberately avoids Asian clichés. The sophisticated mustard colorway of Dedar’s Perfect Flower banquette upholstery is illuminated by custom opaline-glass pendant fixtures. Framed cast-stone architectural fragments by Spanish architect Marià Castelló, along with Urquiola’s own production pieces like her abstracted-floral Rooms collection wallpaper for Jannelli&Volpi and Oru chairs for Andreu World, create a unique and refined dining experience. #Milan #CulinaryDestinations #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #GiorgiaLongoniStudio #JoyHerro #Dimorestudio #StudioUrquiola #MilaneseCuisine

Two Thirds Coffee in Jakarta, a venture by its founders, successfully merges the aesthetic of midcentury Italian-style cafés with the emerging global trend of listening bars. Following the success of their initial location, the team launched a larger, standalone café in the Pondok Indah neighborhood. This new establishment, designed by Ghefaza Pratsany of CAR, features a retro interior spanning 63 square meters, characterized by teak-style wood paneling and a central marble coffee bar equipped with chrome-edged appliances. The design incorporates emerald Sukabumi stone squares for the flooring and diverse seating options, including a long bench upholstered in vintage-style brown leather and another in pale pink. Deep upholstered chairs are strategically placed to encourage guests to linger and enjoy the auditory experience. Natural light filters into the space through two substantial skylights, one of which echoes the oculus design found in Rome's Pantheon, further emphasizing the Italian design influence. As evening approaches, recessed lighting and steel sconces illuminate the cafe, complementing the vintage-style speakers mounted vertically at the rear of the shop, near the most comfortable seating areas, creating an ideal environment for listening. The café's operational hours extend into the evening, with a menu expanding beyond coffee to include savory pastas and sandwiches, catering to a diverse clientele until its closing time at 9:30 pm. This expansion into food items allows Two Thirds Coffee to function not just as a daytime coffee shop but also as an evening dining and social hub, where the curated sound system enhances the overall ambiance. The integration of a dedicated listening experience distinguishes Two Thirds Coffee from conventional cafes, positioning it as a unique destination within Jakarta's vibrant hospitality scene. The thoughtful design by Ghefaza Pratsany of CAR creates an immersive environment that appeals to both coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a refined auditory experience. The choice of materials, from the teak-style wood to the marble and Sukabumi stone, contributes to a cohesive retro aesthetic that is both inviting and stylish. The lighting strategy, transitioning from natural daylight to sophisticated artificial illumination, ensures the cafe maintains its distinctive atmosphere throughout the day and into the night. Overall, Two Thirds Coffee represents a successful blend of Italian café culture and the contemporary listening bar concept, offering a multisensory experience in Jakarta. #JakartaCafe #ListeningBar #ItalianDesign #MidcenturyModern #CafeInteriorDesign #GhefazaPratsany #CARdesign #RetroAesthetic #JakartaHospitality