Inside Bucharest’s jungle-inspired Kane restaurant

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 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 article provides a detailed tour of a 5-room HDB home in Tampines, Singapore, which has been meticulously designed to reflect the homeowners' personal lifestyle rather than current interior design trends. The design prioritizes practicality and comfort, creating a cozy, cafe-like atmosphere. The entryway of the home features a curved wall extension that subtly separates the living and dining areas while maintaining an open feel. A built-in bench in this space offers both seating and storage, making it convenient for footwear management upon entering the home. The living area is arranged to encourage conversation, with a sofa oriented towards the main entrance. The curved wall extension ingeniously integrates a television, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design. In the dining area, a custom-made six-seater dining set is paired with a quartz countertop, chosen for its durability and ease of maintenance. The lighting, specifically a New Works Lantern Lamp, contributes to the overall warm and inviting ambiance of the space. The kitchen adopts an open layout, with a unique communal coffee bar serving as its focal point, fostering a relaxed and engaging environment for those who appreciate coffee. Transitioning to the private areas, the master bedroom is designed with a cleverly modified doorway that connects it to an adjacent space. This allows for flexibility in sleeping schedules, ensuring that one partner can move around without disturbing the other. The master suite includes a dedicated walk-in wardrobe and a personalized 'man cave,' providing distinct zones within the larger space. The bedroom incorporates smart lighting solutions, such as motion-sensor-activated floor lights for convenience during the night, and cove lighting combined with warm downlights to create a soothing atmosphere. The walk-in wardrobe is strategically located near the bathroom and features its own motion sensor lights and customized storage, emphasizing efficiency and organization. The master toilet is designed with an integrated sink, showcasing careful planning to maximize functionality within a compact area. Throughout the entire home, the design seamlessly blends the comfort of a residence with the aesthetic and functional elements of a cafe, reflecting the homeowners' desire for a unique and comfortable living space. The article highlights how intentional design choices can create a highly personalized and functional home environment. #HomeCafeDesign #HDBHome #InteriorDesign #TampinesResidence #CoffeeBar #OpenConceptLiving #SmartLighting #CustomFurniture

Rybtorg, a boutique seafood shop and raw bar, has opened in Moscow's affluent Patriarch's Ponds area, offering a unique blend of fresh seafood and a hidden wine lounge. Designed by Russian-born, British-educated designer Yuna Megre, the establishment reimagines the traditional fish market into a sophisticated culinary experience. The primary retail space features a galley-style setup, showcasing Japanese oysters and scallops sourced from Russia's eastern Primorye region, alongside a curated selection of spices and pastas. The interior design of the market area incorporates whitewashed brick and scalloped tiles, ingeniously chosen to evoke the texture and appearance of fish scales, creating a thematic and immersive environment for shoppers. A distinctive feature of Rybtorg is its clandestine wine lounge, accessible via a small staircase located at the back of the seafood shop. This intimate space offers a stark contrast to the bright and open market, providing a cozy and exclusive ambiance. The lounge is adorned with imported Indonesian wood details, adding a touch of exotic warmth and luxury. Cushioned window nooks invite guests to relax and unwind, while tabletop marble ice baths are strategically placed to keep beverages perfectly chilled. A striking ceiling installation made of perforated armor sheets serves as a focal point, contributing to the lounge's unique and sophisticated aesthetic. This dual-concept establishment successfully merges the functional aspects of a seafood market with the refined experience of a hidden wine bar, catering to a clientele seeking both quality products and an elevated dining or social experience. #Moscow #SeafoodShop #WineBar #InteriorDesign #YunaMegre #BoutiqueRetail #RestaurantDesign #LuxuryDining

The article showcases 53, an Asian-fusion restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, designed by ICrave, led by founder and CEO Lionel Ohayon. Located at the base of Ateliers Jean Nouvel’s 53 West 53 residential tower, adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the restaurant aims to provide an immersive dining experience that transcends mere culinary satisfaction. Ohayon emphasizes the concept of a “yummy” room, where a harmonious blend of lighting, acoustics, materiality, layout, visual impact, and a sense of discovery compels diners to return. The restaurant was recognized as a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Fine Dining. The 11,000-square-foot space is divided into a street-level bistro and a subterranean main dining room. Jean Nouvel’s architectural design, characterized by angular beams, allows for expansive column-free areas and intimate dining zones. Given its proximity to a world-renowned contemporary art museum, ICrave approached the project not as traditional interior design but as a sculptural or painterly endeavor. This artistic philosophy is evident in the restaurant's most prominent feature: three dozen giant curving fins that span the entire width of the space. These fins emerge from the street-level ceiling, cascade down in front of the bistro, sweep underneath, and wrap around the ceiling of the main dining room. Each fin is edged with a bright stripe, featuring nine neon-like colors derived from the Nine-Dragon Wall reliefs found in Chinese imperial palaces. These hues also subtly reference the diverse Asian cultures represented in the menu and the modern art displayed at MoMA. The restaurant plans to host a rotating selection of fine art in collaboration with the Friedrich Petzel Gallery. The fin installation, glossy black on one side and sepia-toned on the other, creates a lenticular effect as guests move through the restaurant or view it from the sidewalk. Ohayon describes the installation as both a loom and a veil, with its vibrant colors attracting attention from passersby and directing their gaze to the aerial arrangement of tables, banquettes, and chairs set on an ink-wash carpet, which features subtle smokey grays echoing Nouvel’s steel construction. Ohayon highlights the importance of creating a unique piece of the city's landscape, fostering memories for visitors and a sense of place for residents. The sculptural architectural gesture draws inspiration from the Chinese artistic principle of xieyi, emphasizing broad, expressive strokes and representing the chi or energy flow within 53. In contrast, the principle of gongbi, which focuses on realism and fine detail, guided the selection of decor elements. For example, the colors from the fin edges are subtly echoed in the precious stones used as chopstick rests. Lighting, a critical component of the "yummy" atmosphere, was developed in collaboration with Licht, ICrave's in-house studio. The main dining room features cove lighting, slender cylindrical pendant fixtures that adjust with ceiling height variations, and circular sconces softly illuminating the ecru suede-like walls. An ethereal cluster of small LEDs forms a twinkling cloud above the bar. All lighting elements emit 2,600 Kelvins, complemented by rechargeable Japanese table lights, creating a warm, cinematic glow. The material palette emphasizes honesty and natural finishes, including stone bar counters, white oak paneling, leather banquette upholstery, and wool rugs. The deliberate juxtaposition of warm and cool tones reinforces the duality of hard and soft, grand and humble, evident throughout the design. Lionel Ohayon personally led the design of this project, finding it a creatively cathartic and rewarding opportunity to shape New York City's landscape. He aimed for an expression that aligns with its location next to MoMA, showcasing exuberance with mature restraint, moving away from what he perceived as a "Brooklyn-ification" of Manhattan's design aesthetic. ICrave's extensive experience in hospitality design, spanning over 20 years, allowed them to create a restaurant interior that honors its cuisine without resorting to pastiche, understands its contextual importance, and is as delightful as the food it serves. #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #MidtownManhattan #ICrave #FineDining #ArchitecturalSculpture #LightingDesign #AsianFusion #LuxuryHospitality

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

Boogie Tales, a new establishment in Pune, introduces a contemporary Indian Bar Room concept that blends modern Indian cuisine and cocktails with a unique interior design. Designed by Misbah Kapadia, founder of Design Konstruct, the restaurant aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience through its harmonious fusion of flavorful dishes and a carefully crafted ambiance. The design integrates both modern and contemporary elements, creating a space that emphasizes comfort and sophistication. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining options, with the interior spaces thoughtfully designed to combine modern aesthetics with traditional Indian touches. This fusion offers a distinctive dining environment that engages all senses. The principal front entrance sets the tone with an elegant black metal structure and glass panes, which are adorned with a unique film design incorporating the Boogie Tales logo, signaling the blend of culinary and aesthetic experiences within. Inside, various elements contribute to the establishment's unique character. The right corner of the restaurant features a wall painting with flute-like patterns, creating an engaging visual backdrop. Adjacent to this, a hybrid-height single-sided table offers a distinctive seating arrangement, encouraging interaction among diners. Towards the kitchen wall, a sofa back made from illuminated wood logs provides a warm and inviting glow. This wall is further enhanced with texture paint and an oversized headphone model, adding a playful and memorable touch to the space. The bar area is a central feature, designed for accessibility from both indoor and outdoor dining sections. It boasts a spacious bar counter with a captivating glass and metal structure at its back. The counter itself is topped with granite and colorful tiles, which extend onto the floor, injecting vibrancy into the area. The Private Dining Room (PDR) offers an intimate setting, characterized by a low ceiling cleverly camouflaged with artificial roots, adding depth and intrigue to private gatherings. The washrooms also reflect the establishment's design philosophy, reimagining vintage elements with a modern twist. Refurbished old doors serve as entrances, while modular partitions and acrylic mirrors on the ceiling elevate the design. The washroom doorway features an intricate 8-inch metal structure screen with black and white thread-work, and the walls are decorated with POP flutes finished in a high gloss polish. The outdoor space provides a visual spectacle with grand LED-lit white planters at the entrance. The exterior walls are textured in two tones, one featuring a rough charcoal grey background with the brand logo intricately woven in thread-work. Large sofas made from metal structure and cane offer comfortable seating against the walls. The ceiling is adorned with an array of assorted flowers and leaves, creating a refreshing outdoor ambiance. Overall, Boogie Tales, through Misbah Kapadia's design, successfully marries modern Indian cuisine with an aesthetically captivating environment, offering a unique and memorable dining experience in Pune. #BoogieTales #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #MisbahKapadia #DesignKonstruct #ModernIndianCuisine #ContemporaryBarRoom #PuneDining #RestaurantAmbiance

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

This blog post presents a curated tour of Hong Kong, highlighting its vibrant cultural, design, and culinary scenes, following the relaxation of its border controls. The city has maintained its cosmopolitan identity, offering a diverse array of experiences ranging from cutting-edge art exhibitions to innovative dining concepts and sustainable farming initiatives. The tour is guided by TF Chan, a Hong Kong-born editor, providing an insider's perspective on the city's latest attractions. The journey begins with a visit to Café Carlyle, located on the 56th floor of the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel. This establishment, designed with chic interiors by Studioilse and adorned with murals by Jean-Philippe Delhomme, pays homage to the iconic New York cabaret club. It serves as a sophisticated venue for dining and entertainment, featuring a diverse calendar of musical performances. Next, the M+ museum, a Herzog & de Meuron-designed cultural landmark, hosts a significant Yayoi Kusama exhibition, marking the artist's largest Asian retrospective outside Japan. The exhibition showcases her renowned Infinity Nets, kaleidoscopic chambers with mirrors and polka dots, and signature Pumpkin sculptures. Sustainability is explored through Common Farms, a pioneering vertical farming operation led by Jessica Naomi Fong. This initiative addresses Hong Kong's reliance on imported food by utilizing nutrient-rich soil and aquaponics to produce significantly more crops than traditional farming methods, with minimal water usage. Common Farms supplies local restaurants and operates a pop-up, Re:Farm, at K11 Musea. The tour also features The Magistracy, a former supreme court reimagined by designer Joyce Wang into a culinary destination. Its Dining Room evokes historic London restaurants with leather banquettes and golden lamps, offering a seafood-focused menu. The adjacent Botanical Garden provides a gin and tonic experience reminiscent of English manors. For an immersive art experience, ‘Eternal Nature’ at Arte M, created by Seoul-based digital design company D’strict, offers a sensory feast with visuals of camellias, aurora borealis, and bioluminescent rainforests, combined with surround sound and scent. Culinary delights continue at Hansik Goo, a Michelin-starred restaurant by South Korean chef Mingoo Kang. The restaurant offers a bold interpretation of Korean cuisine through a tasting menu featuring dishes like bean noodles with sea urchin and ginseng soup with duck and chicken roulade. The minimalist interior, designed by Area+, incorporates elements of a traditional Korean hearth and showcases artworks by Lee Bae and Chung Chang-sup. For those seeking a sophisticated evening, Uncle Ming’s whisky bar, situated on the 25th floor of the AKI Hong Kong-MGallery hotel, provides an extensive selection of whiskies with panoramic skyline views. The bar's design by A Work of Substance features backlit shelving and rippled glass panels. Finally, André Fu Living, the flagship store of local interior architect André Fu, located in the Heatherwick Studio-designed Pacific Place, offers exquisite furniture and accessories inspired by Chinese ink painting and 1960s modernist architecture, with a store design referencing a Kyoto temple. #HongKong #TravelGuide #Design #ArtAndCulture #DiningExperience #VerticalFarming #LuxuryInteriors #WhiskyBar #ImmersiveArt #MichelinStarCuisine

Dongqi Design, in collaboration with the brand founder, baristas, roasters, graphic designers, structural engineers, and constructors, has designed the 'Basdban' café located on the first floor of a historic building in Shanghai. The comprehensive space accommodates coffee roasting, retail, and event functions. The design seamlessly merges new elements with the old structure while preserving the building's historical traces from previous renovations. The design approach incorporates a minimalist aesthetic, utilizing a restrained material palette predominantly featuring stainless steel and concrete. A key design element is a 6mm-thick horizontal steel plate that traverses the entire space, acting as a unifying feature between the existing and newly introduced architectural components. The central area of the café is designated as a flexible, multi-functional space, delineated by a stainless steel rail system. This system serves multiple purposes, accommodating lighting fixtures, monitoring equipment, and metal curtain partitions. These rails are strategically positioned along the columns and beams, allowing for symmetrical distribution. The lower layer of the rail system specifically holds the metal curtains, which can be retracted around the columns to open up the space or extended to create partitions, enabling versatile spatial configurations. Stainless steel panels are also ingeniously integrated into the ceilings to conceal the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (M.E.P.) systems, ensuring a clean and uncluttered overhead aesthetic. These panels additionally define the outlines of the staircase, bar, and seating areas. The staircase itself is constructed from layered stainless steel sheets, with the edges meticulously shaped to offer ergonomic comfort, conforming to the natural curve of a person's back. Similarly, the movable benches positioned near the entrance are fabricated using a sheet structure, echoing the material consistency and design philosophy. Even minor details, such as the door handle, incorporate the distinctive 6mm-thick horizontal-line element, reinforcing the coherent design language throughout the café. A prominent feature of the café is an 8-meter-long floating bar counter. This counter is cleverly integrated with the building's original structure, a feat achieved through close collaboration with steel structure engineers and baristas. The steel structures and pipelines necessary for the bar's functionality are discreetly hidden within the counter's cavity, facilitating efficient coffee preparation for baristas. The substantial volume of this floating counter creates a sense of surrealism and paradox within the interior, while also providing customers with an unobstructed view of the baristas at work, enhancing transparency and interaction. The design also incorporates mirrors on the walls, extending from the height of the bar counter to the floor. These reflective surfaces, which harmonize with the stainless steel materials, act as a contrasting backdrop to the preserved historical elements of the building. One-way mirrors are utilized on the wall facing the bar counter, concealing an LED screen. This mirrored finish visually extends the horizontal lines present throughout the space and offers the capability for video displays, adding a dynamic visual element. The facade features a 12-meter-long stainless steel sliding door, designed to dynamically express the 'Basdban' brand's personality while respecting the building's historical context. When open, the newly installed doors and windows are revealed, and the original facade is fully obscured. Conversely, when closed, the new windows disappear, leaving only the original red brick walls visible. This adaptable facade reflects the brand's bold and rebellious spirit through a restrained and sophisticated architectural interpretation. #ShanghaiArchitecture #CafeDesign #DongqiDesign #StainlessSteel #ConcreteWalls #MetalCurtains #InteriorDesign #RetailDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation

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

Carlo's, a new American-Italian restaurant in Manila, sets a new standard for experiential dining by blending the vibrant spirit of New York's Little Italy with old-world charm. Designed by JJ Acuna, the restaurant is situated on the ground floor of a modern commercial building, a location that prompted Acuna to imbue the space with vitality while incorporating unexpected touches of traditional elegance. The design features a dark raw walnut floor, green beadboard timber millwork, and sheer curtains adorned with woven green ribbon, all contributing to an atmosphere that harks back to the unique hospitality brought by Italian immigrants to New York. The interior design of Carlo's is characterized by a strong narrative, combining a retro Italian aesthetic with a polished, contemporary edge. The color palette is rich, featuring deep burgundies, profound pine green, and mustard accents, meticulously chosen to evoke the typical textures and colors found in Little Italy's eateries. Acuna collaborated with skilled local artisans to craft the diverse material finishes, signage, and furnishings, ensuring authenticity and a personalized touch. Custom-made ceiling lamps and sconces illuminate the dining areas, while original 'Akari' paper lamps serve as a subtle nod to the owner's Japanese heritage. All graphic elements were developed by the emerging studio Kix Suarez. The 190 sq m rectangular space is thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, each with subtle variations in decor that define its character while maintaining a natural, cohesive flow throughout the restaurant. The main dining room embodies a classic Italian feel, complete with an oak coffee-to-cocktail bar, an antique brass-framed mirror, and hand-plastered walls. The central area, dubbed Nonna's Open Kitchen, evokes a sense of nostalgia with its terrazzo flooring, poured in the traditional manner, complemented by brass trims and whimsical green tartan counter seating. A striking white-tile pizza oven, imported from Anagni—a medieval hill town between Rome and Naples, and a birthplace of pizza—serves as a focal point in this section. Towards the rear of the restaurant, banquettes offer more intimate dining experiences. These are framed by a geometric motif rendered in three shades of burgundy, adding a sophisticated visual element. For the semi-private dining room, recycled PET fiber wallpaper from Omexco in Belgium introduces a playful texture. An American influence is woven into the design through vibrant art pieces by contemporary artists such as Mr Star City, Nicasio Fernandez, Brian Calvin, and Megan Whitmarsh, all chosen to reflect Carlo’s creative and eclectic character. The culmination of these design choices is a vibrant, inventive, and cohesive space that successfully captures the authentic spirit of Italy, infused with both New York and Manila influences. Carlo's functions as a relaxed, friendly, and design-led all-day destination. Its menu remains true to its Italian roots, offering a wide array of options from morning cappuccinos to classic antipasti, primi, secondi piatti, and cocktails. Notably, the 18-inch vodka pizza and Aperol spritz come highly recommended, completing the immersive dining experience at Carlo's, located at the Asian Century Center, Manila. #restaurantDesign #interiorDesign #manilaDining #americanItalianCuisine #jjAcunaDesign #newYorkInspired #italy #contemporaryArt #experientialDining

Tsuki, a 60-seater Asian rooftop restaurant located in Koregaon Park, Pune, was designed by Keith Menon of Spiro Spero, with a brief from Dishant Pritamani, founder of The Daily All Day, to create a space where the food would be the primary focus, without standardized, clinical Asian interiors. The design also needed to capitalize on Pune's favorable weather, making the open space suitable for all seasons. The resulting restaurant embodies a Zen-like tranquility, achieved through a harmonious blend of various design elements. The restaurant features high ceilings, furniture crafted from reclaimed teak and sheesham wood, a bar, and an abundance of plants, both large and small. Notable design elements include macramé chandeliers and a central skylight that illuminates the entire solar-powered establishment. Despite the variety of components, everything integrates seamlessly to create a unified and calming Zen garden atmosphere. The interior palette is deliberately muted and minimal, designed to elevate the natural foliage and highlight other key design features. This intentional paleness aims to create an impression of a timeless space that feels organically discovered. To maintain this natural aesthetic, all base colors for fabrics are neutral, often featuring two-tone screen prints with leaf and floral patterns that blend with the surrounding greenery, making the furniture appear as an extension of the foliage. Sustainability is a core principle of Tsuki, extending beyond its solar power source. The furniture is made from reclaimed teak and sheesham wood, and water hyacinth reed lamps contribute to the natural tones without being overly large or obtrusive. Macramé is extensively used, particularly for the two chandeliers above the private dining area, adding softness and warmth to these sections and complementing the fabric ceiling. The restaurant's name, Tsuki, meaning 'moon' in Japanese, influenced the decision to incorporate a skylight, allowing diners to experience the changing natural light throughout the day and night. This open-to-the-sky feature enhances the charm of the space by offering views of the sky, sunlight, and even moonlight. The 2,000 square feet area efficiently accommodates a bar, a live kitchen, washrooms, and seating for approximately 60 diners. Despite these functional requirements, the Zen garden design maintains a sense of spaciousness, encouraging moments of pause and tranquility. The design intentionally creates a sense of openness and invitation, aiming to declutter the space and provide a calming environment amidst potential chatter and activity. The skylight is considered a crucial element, significantly contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the Zen garden. Initially, a hay and reed roof was considered, but due to the intense Pune summers and the presence of a Yakitori station, which posed a fire hazard, this plan was abandoned. Instead, fireproof canvas was chosen for the roof. This involved a complex process: 4,000 meters of custom-manufactured fabric were hand-cut into one-inch wide, 40-inch long strips and stitched onto curtain rods. Each shredded roll was then individually sprayed and soaked with a clear fire retardant solution. The installation required about 2,000 curtain rods and took over four months with a team of 10 people, resulting in a dense and cohesive ceiling that effectively unifies the entire space. #PuneRestaurant #RooftopDining #ZenGarden #SustainableDesign #InteriorArchitecture #RestaurantDesign #AsianCuisine #SolarPowered #MacrameDecor #SkylightDesign

Felix Roasting Company has opened a new outpost in Aspen's Hotel Jerome, designed by Ken Fulk, aiming to offer customers a "five-minute respite from reality." The 710-square-foot space in Aspen reflects the brand's commitment to creating an immersive experience, following its two New York locations. Founder Matt Moinian describes the cafes as an "oasis" that transports visitors to a "turn-of-the-century, eclectic coffeehouse," regardless of whether they are in a bustling city or a mountain resort. The design of the Aspen location is characterized by a blend of history and modern luxury. San Francisco–based designer Ken Fulk approached the project with a deep respect for the Hotel Jerome's pioneering spirit, which has been a landmark in Aspen since 1889. The existing tin ceiling of the space served as a primary source of inspiration for the interior finishes, and the original millwork was preserved throughout the renovation. Fulk's design incorporates sumptuous fabrics, lavish floral wall coverings, and glittering chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of lost-in-time sophistication reminiscent of vintage European coffeehouses. The chosen color palette of pale pink, deeply saturated verdigris, and copper draws inspiration from the Aesthetic Movement of the turn of the 20th century. Notably, the wood paneling is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster, one of Felix's signature colors. The custom floral wallcovering tells a "coffee story" through patterns inspired by the arabica flower, a concept developed during the creation of the first Felix cafe. The interior features rich velvet textures, gilded surfaces, custom floral wallpaper, and diamond-patterned white-oak floors. Fringed velvet seating and classic French bistro tables are arranged on these distinctive floors, which include a brass Felix medallion at their center. Flamboyant, antique Murano glass chandeliers cast a warm, rosy glow, contributing to the eclectic and luxurious ambiance. Fulk emphasizes the "visual tension" created by layering different eras and aesthetics, such as the delicate Murano glass against the rustic wood floors and tin ceiling, resulting in an intriguing combination. The artwork further enhances the lavish and eclectic atmosphere, with contemporary portraits by Jose Trujillo blended with customized historic portraits. This curated collection is intended to make the space feel timeless, as if the pieces have been collected over many generations. Moinian highlights the brand's commitment to originality and authenticity, stating that "_Felix_ means happy in Latin, and we pride ourselves on buying and roasting the beans ourselves with our team." The cafe also offers unique culinary experiences, exemplified by its signature Hickory Smoked S’mores Latte. This sophisticated beverage features a double espresso, cinnamon- and graham cracker–infused steamed milk, served in a martini glass with a dark chocolate and graham cracker-crusted rim. It is topped with a homemade, darkened caramel marshmallow and smoked with hickory chips in a bell jar, creating a theatrical presentation. Despite the luxurious setting, Moinian assures that the cafe is built for durability, with solid-grade hardwood floors designed to withstand ski boots and hiking shoes, welcoming all visitors. The overarching goal is to provide an experience where "beautiful atmospheres should go with beautiful coffees," allowing customers to either grab a quick cup or enjoy a moment of self-care in a visually stunning environment. #AspenCoffeeShop #HotelJerome #KenFulkDesign #LuxuryInterior #CoffeeCulture #VintageDesign #HospitalityDesign #CafeDecor #AestheticMovement