The newly opened ice cream parlour "MILK lodowe bistro" in Łódź, designed by Hanna Pietras Architects, impresses with a unique design full of colours. This modern space combines unique design with a cosy atmosphere. Every detail of the interior, from the colourful walls to the original furniture, has been carefully selected to emphasise the character of the premises and make a visit to the ice cream parlour an unforgettable experience - both in taste and visually.
Today, Łódź is no longer just Piotrkowska Street or Manufaktura. The map of the city is filled with excellent gastronomy, including the ice cream parlour "MILK lodowe bistro", which won the hearts of Łódź residents and tourists with its first, small premises at 15 Nawrot Street. This interest in ice cream among customers does not diminish even in winter, so it was a natural step for the owners to create another bistro - at 11 Pomorska Street. This time, they invited Hanna Pietras Architects to cooperate on the interior design.
How does the design of an ice cream parlour or cafeteria differ from the interior design of, say, a flat? ‘We take into account that there will not be a few people in a given place, but dozens or hundreds per hour. This information significantly narrows down the choices of finishing materials or design solutions. And this is something we need to bear in mind. The space of an ice cream parlour or another restaurant is used completely differently’ says Hanna Pietras.
An artistic interior with taste
Hanna Pietras and her design team: Anna Petrova and Małgorzata Kowalczyk-Wiankowska are known for their love of colour and eclectic combinations. And this is exactly what could not be missing in this space of more than 50m2. Broken white, navy blue, coral and even brass rule here.
‘This is the Investor's next premises, so he knew what worked well and what he wanted to change. The most important thing was consistency with the previous place, which was a key aspect of our design" says the architect. "Nevertheless, we had a lot of free rein, which allowed us to introduce new, fresh elements and creative solutions. Thanks to this fruitful collaboration, the premises have 'that something' and are recognisable in the city. The shared understanding and trust that the Investor placed in us made it possible to create a unique place that not only meets his expectations but also stands out from other ice cream parlours in Łódź. The colour scheme we have chosen emphasises the cheerful and modern character of the interior, while maintaining harmony with the previous premises’ he adds.
Right next to the counter is the backroom, which has not been completely separated. It was designed with partial, fluted glazing, which allows light to flow through and keeps the space feeling open.
The studio has designed a small seating area, complete with small tables. This allows you to feast your eyes on this aesthetically arranged space, where you will not find, for example, a motley menu hung on the wall. In the "MILK ice bistro", attention to detail also applies to such aspects as the graphic presentation of the offer.
Southern inspiration
Design inspiration came from two main sources: vintage Italian ice cream parlours and Portuguese accents, with the key being to maintain functionality and a sense of freedom.
‘The interior of an ice cream parlour should be designed to combine these elements into a harmonious whole. Italian soul and Portuguese heart can coexist through carefully chosen details that create a cosy and inspiring space for customers. It is important that functionality is as important as aesthetics, providing comfort and freedom for employees and visitors alike' says the architect.
For Hania Pietras and her team, this was a very enjoyable project due to the fact that this ice cream parlour is high on their list of favourite places. And when it comes to naming a favourite flavour....
‘There isn't one. The wonderful thing about MILK is that you are surprised every time you visit. They have regular flavours, but there are also frequent novelties. The owners combine, create combinations that are hard to find anywhere else. And at the same time, you can have ice cream at their place in my favourite brioche’ says Hanna Pietras.
MILK surprises with its range of flavours, and Hanna Pietras and her team have ensured that the ice cream bistro space has a unique design.
Team:
Design: Hanna Pietras, Anna Petrova, Małgorzata Kowalczyk-Wiankowska
Photos: Mood Authors
