Café in Ukraine by Makhno Studio

With the Kofan Coffee Shop, Makhno Studio have created a café in the heart of the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk. On the spatial and designerly levels, the fundamental concept embodies the joy of coffee.

A sculpture of Corten steel in the form of “Cappuccino Man” presents a playful approach to the underlying theme. He is found on the adjacent square as well as on the canopy above the main door, where he looks down on the visitors. The black canopy surrounds the dark-coloured brick facade of the 43-m² café in an L-shape and works to create a defined entrance area.

The interior reveals Makhno Studio’s design concept. Most of the walls, ceiling, wooden floor, furniture and fittings have been kept in a uniform shade of cappuccino brown. On the one hand, this minimalist approach creates a cosy atmosphere; on the other, it enables guests to focus on pleasure. Tactile plastering echoes the frothy milk that goes with the coffee.

Subtle ornamentation

Despite the restrained design, the Kofan Coffee Shop demonstrates a certain subtle expressivity: the transverse wall to the right of the entrance has been graced with ornamentation in the form of a three-dimensional mosaic made of MDF panels plastered with gypsum. Designed by Makhno Studio, it was inspired by traditional Ukrainian embroidery. At the same time, it resembles the coffee decoration known as latte art.

Some furnishings deviate from the homogeneity inside the café. One example is the barista corner of stainless steel, a material that has been used for the bar counter as well. This connects the customer area with the zone where the coffee is made. The barista corner is lit by ceramic lamps form the Fleita collection, which comes from Makhno Studio’s own catalogue. 

Individual furniture

The interior decoration includes the solid-ashwood furniture that has been placed along the windows. Its abstract-graphic appearance corresponds with the ornamental wall; its colour fits into the overall scheme. Above the tables hang black Garlik lamps, which are made of ceramic and are also the brainchild of Makhno Studio. They set a subtle contrast to the dominant colours in the café and complement the overall ambience.