Liqui’s modern coffee shop design for Brew92 in Mecca harks back to the glamour of Art Deco interiors. In particular, with a palette of bright pinks and blues being used throughout, the coffee shop interior reflects the Tropical Deco style of decor that’s so indicative of Miami’s beachfront hotels from an era full of optimism. The clean lines, strong geometric shapes, and curving forms synonymous with the buildings of the period can be clearly seen in the architectural features of the interior design such as the wraparound coffee counter design, the arched doorways, and the way in which the different sized tiles are delineated on the floors. The Deco style is also clearly expressed in the bespoke banquette seating islands in pink leather with their tuck and roll backs. These form the base for planters that hold the greenery that is also a key element to the overall look of this luxury coffee shop.
The coffee shop layout is over two levels and, like other Brew92 interiors designed by Liqui, they are linked by a bespoke spiral staircase. Each level has its own coffee counter and a variety of seating areas that break up the large floor spaces. An idiosyncratic feature of the modern coffee shop design is the more intimate ‘sitting rooms’ on the lower level. These are entered through open archways that form a solid wall above open wooden slats that keep these spaces from feeling too enclosed. Light is brought into them by the use of large oval-shaped reflective panels that have the effect of distorted mirrors; adding a fun element to the coffee shop interior. The slatted archways are also used upstairs to semi enclose the counter area and complement the long curving banquette seat in the window.
Liqui’s coffee shop exterior design creates an inviting alfresco dining area. The tiled terrace is enclosed by contemporary metal railings atop a low wall that acts as a long planter. With the inclusion of other large planters within the seating area the terrace is an oasis of cooling greenery. An ‘eyebrow’ canopy, characteristic of Miami style Art Deco, shades the outdoor space and wraps around the curved facade of the building; adding to the coffee shop’s exterior appeal.
In addition to designing the coffee shop interior itself, Liqui has also created all of the furniture and lighting within it. Many of the pieces are from ranges we have used in previous Brew92 interiors and the overall look they create has become part of the brand’s DNA. With each coffee shop having its own individual concept, pieces are customised to suit. In this case, pink and blue leather upholstery has been used throughout to tie in with the decor. The synergy that ensues is exemplified here by the Delores chairs that have been employed to great effect paired with Georgie tables. The lozenge shapes found in both complement features within the coffee shop architecture such as the archways. As well as making colour and material customisations to existing ranges, Liqui also designed completely bespoke banquette seating specific to this interior.
Besides manufacturing the furniture and lighting in the UK, we handled the logistics of shipping everything to site. In addition, our interior designers supplied the client with comprehensive design intent drawings for them to work from. As the build progressed we worked closely with them, helping to source appropriate materials, solve problems, and make decisions on such things as paint finishes. We effectively became the client’s creative department; assisting them throughout the project, culminating in a unique modern coffee shop design befitting of leaders in the specialty coffee culture of the Middle East
