For the Brew92 in Mecca, Liqui created a modern coffee shop design that harks back to the glamour of Art Deco interiors in Miami. This has been partly achieved by using a palette of bright pinks and blues throughout the coffee shop interior. This particularly invokes the Tropical Deco style of decor which is so indicative of Miami’s beachfront hotels from an era full of optimism. Also, synonymous with the buildings of the period, are the strong geometric shapes, curving forms, and clean lines that can be seen in the architectural features of the interior design. These include the arched doorways, the wraparound coffee counter design, and the tablet-shaped areas of black and white floor tiles that are used to delineate the space. In addition, the pink leather bespoke banquette seating islands with their tuck and roll backs clearly exemplify the Deco style. And the greenery that tops them is also a key element to the overall look of this luxury coffee shop.
Similar to other Brew92 interiors designed by Liqui, the coffee shop layout is over two levels that are linked by a bespoke spiral staircase. As well as a separate coffee counter on each level, the large floor areas are broken up by a variety of seating areas. With their arched entranceways, the more intimate ‘sitting rooms’ on the lower level are an idiosyncratic feature of this particular modern coffee shop design. To stop these spaces from feeling too confined, open wooden slats have been used beneath the solid walls that form the arches. In addition, light is reflected back into the rooms by the large lozenge-shaped panels on the interior walls which add an element of fun to the coffee shop interior having the effect of distorted mirrors. Upstairs, similar slatted archways allow entrance to the semi-enclosed counter area, as well as complementing the long, curving, banquette seat beneath the window.
An inviting alfresco dining area has been created for the coffee shop exterior design. A long planter formed by a low wall topped with contemporary metal railings encloses the tiled terraced, which is an oasis of cooling greenery having further large planters within the seating area. The outdoor space is shaded by an ‘eyebrow’ canopy that wraps around the curved facade of the building. This not only adds to the coffee shop’s exterior appeal but is another feature that’s characteristic of Miami style Art Deco.
In addition to the design of the coffee shop interior itself, all of the furniture and lighting has also been created by Liqui. With many of the pieces coming from ranges previously used in Brew92 interiors, it creates an overall look that has become part of the brand’s DNA. These pieces are customized to suit the individual concept behind each coffee shop. Therefore, to tie in with the decor, pink and blue leather upholstery has been used throughout this particular interior. The ensuing synergy this creates is exemplified here by the lozenge shapes found in both the Delores chair and Georgie table being set against complementary features such as the archways and other curving forms within the coffee shop architecture. Besides making customizations to existing ranges, such as colors and materials, completely bespoke banquette seating has been designed and made by Liqui specifically for this unique interior.
As well as designing and manufacturing all of the furniture and lighting, Liqui also took care of the logistics involved in shipping everything to the site. And, in addition to supplying the client’s team with comprehensive design intent drawings from which they could work, Liqui was in constant contact with them as the build progressed. This way we were able to assist them with solving any problems that arose, as well as providing help with sourcing suitable materials and making decisions on things such as paint finishes. By working with the client in this way throughout the whole project we effectively became their creative department. The result for them was a luxury modern coffee shop design that befits their status in the Middle East as leaders in the field of specialty coffee.
