Designed by: @kidz__studio

Captured by: @varvara__top

The interior of aaark Café, designed by KIDZ, draws inspiration from Italian design, combining modern minimalism with vintage references. The concept is based on the image of focaccia, with the space organised into three distinct elements: the light “crumb”, the dark “crust” and the vibrant “tomatoes”. These ideas define both the material palette and the atmosphere of the café.

The “crumb” is expressed through textured plaster, light timber and cream-coloured tiles, creating a bright and soft environment. In contrast, the “crust” is formed by dark veneered panels finished in varying tones that recall the different stages of baking. Glossy red accents complete the composition, introducing moments of colour throughout the interior. References to mid-20th-century Italian furniture and lighting reinforce the project's visual language.

The distinction between the light and dark zones is further emphasised through material choices and architectural elements. Rounded columns and arched windows contribute to the character of the lighter areas, while the darker spaces feature richly textured veneer panels with red-painted joints that echo the concept of tomato juice emerging from baked focaccia.

At the centre of the café, a glossy scarlet table acts as the project's focal point, symbolising a tomato through its colour and finish. Hand-cut floor tiles create a simple geometric pattern across the space, while the veneered wall panels were developed through multiple material studies to achieve the desired texture and tone. Every element contributes to a cohesive interior shaped by material, colour and craftsmanship.