Kapicciiiinoo

Emre Dörter

• Interior Design

Istanbul’s historic Maçka Palas – one of the finest buildings in Istanbul built in 1925 by the Italian architect Guilio Mongeri – has now become home to the first branch of the newborn coffee shop brand, KAPICIIIINOO owned by Turkish chef and entrepreneur Nusret Gökçe.

Gained extreme popularity through Instagram, Nusret -known as Salt-bae, is a worldwide famous social media phenomenon. His character, flair, and the way he pronounces cappuccino were the starting point and the true inspiration both for the name and the design of its branding.

Used both as the logo and logotype, Kapicciiiinoo is patented and written in a way that adopts Nusret’s pronunciation of the word cappuccino. The humorous playfulness also embodies a representation of luxury over golden sparkles. And the background of branding items is balanced with a black layout, which coincides with Nusret’s personal style, simpleness and attitude.

The cafeteria space owns a 40 sqm area and is reached via large stairs from the building’s entrance doors. To raise the richness of the welcome experience, an arched void is created securing the visual connection between the stairs and the cafe space.

Interior design mixes references from the building’s architectural features and the world of coffee in a flirtatious manner. The walls with mirrors and brown lacquered wood panels have wooden slats designed in a classical style. The mirrors add depth to the narrow welcoming area. Next to the wooden slated panels, a patterned wallpaper mimicking coffee beans in a retro fashion stays in harmony with the classical and creates a playful atmosphere.

Measurements of the space require maximum efficiency which resulted in one big communal table which functions as a coffee bar at the same time. Accommodating twelve seats, this communal bar table is where all the show takes place; the KAPICIIIINOO shout outs, golden coffees, selfies and the social exchange. A modern-day interpretation of a bar-buffet behind the table also adds up to the luxury feeling and fortifies the connection with the classical style, adding depth to the interiors.

There are cappuccinos on the floor and on the ceiling too. Custom-designed floor tiles create a pattern derived from the image of coffee milk foam. The lighting fixtures above the bar mimic the coffee cups. Mirror chrome reflective surfaces richen the playful effect.

The curtains, chairs, the sofa, and the floral elements all contribute to a color palette that together symbolizes Istanbul and is due to change specifically when the new branches flourish in different cities around the globe.