Barbera Cafe
Concept: Tradition Meets Modernity
Description: For the Erbil outpost of the historic Barbera brand (since 1870), our design goal was to translate over a century of Italian coffee heritage into a contemporary setting. We moved away from the typical fast-coffee aesthetic, creating instead a warm, upscale lounge that encourages customers to linger. The space feels established and grounded, yet distinctly modern.
Key Features:
Material Richness: We prioritized tactile materials—rich wood paneling, dark leather upholstery, and polished stone—to evoke a sense of quality and permanence.
Intimate Lighting: By avoiding harsh overhead lights in favor of warm, suspended fixtures and accent lighting, we created a cozy, inviting atmosphere suitable for evening socialising as much as morning coffee.
Brand Harmony: The iconic Barbera red is subtly integrated into the design accents, creating a strong brand presence without overwhelming the sophisticated, neutral palette of the architecture.
