Kith Café

Name: Kith Café

Location: Singapore

Designer: Hjgher

This space was created out of the simple idea that sitting down for coffee with someone can make kith and kin out of strangers. This simple and pure thought translates into the design through the materials and layout within the space; keep it simple, open and sincere, just like the relationships a good cup of coffee can create. Kith Cafe shows that simple, doesn't have to be boring or bland.

All photos © Contemporist

Carne SA

Name: Carne SA

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Designer: InHouse Brand Architects

This space feels completely raw, but in a purposeful way. I love the contrast between the exposed materials and the extremely chic ghost chairs. The space was designed for longevity and the style was catered to match the food being served. They were going for an "Italian butcher-shop eatery" and used classic elements found in traditional butcher shops in Italy to direct the material selection for the space. The stainless steel floors, for example, seem to be a reference to the stainless steel meat slicer. The space has a great "no-fuss" feel and is just different enough to be visually interesting while still maintaining complete comfort and function.

All images © The Contemporist

Ella Dining Room & Bar

Name: Ella Dining Room and Bar

Location: Sacramento, CA

Designer: UXUS

The concept of Ella was 'Rustic Luxury' and I think Uxus nailed it. The space is calming with texture everywhere, from the lamp cords and drapes to the vintage shutters and raw wood.

I love the private dining room and the large utensil graphics on the walls. I also appreciate the correct use of scale throughout the design. (Definitely something typically missed in designs, especially those created by individuals whom dont have the required education and background in design.)

All images © Amassing design

Ames Hotel

Name: Ames Hotel

Location: Boston, MA

Designer: David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group

The Rockwell group is one of few design firms that has, to me, an almost perfect batting average. The Ames Hotel is understated, unfussy and yet completely chic and glamourous all at once. The deep rich grays and clean color palate accented with bright pops of modern color keep the entire space feeling relaxed and calming without being bland or boring. The architecture of the historic Ames building in which the hotel is located is allowed to shine and the fixtures and furniture accentuate the original character.

Check back later this week to check out Woodward, the hotels' in-house restaurant and bar.

All photos © Ameshotel.com

Cartola

Name: Cartola

Location: Portland, Oregon

Designer: Kit Cobra & husband, Simone De Souza

I adore the outside space at this cafe. The green tufted banquette paired with the natural wood and modern wicker chairs is a complete win. Portland has always been pretty high on my list of places in the U.S. to get to. With the craft coffee culture continuously expanding my desire to get over there keeps getting stronger.

All images ©Leslie Montgomery via the Lonny Blog

Bangalore Express Restaurant

Name: Bangalore Express Restaurant

Location: South London

Designer: Outline

At first glance this design is amazing. It's clean, has a touch of industrial with the pipe fittings and has completely re-thought the entire dining experience. While I can appreciate a great looking design, I also believe designs should be functional and user-friendly. That being said, I think it would be extremely difficult as a server to actually get food and drinks up to the top level. Multiple trips might be the answer but anyone who has ever served knows how unrealistic that solution is when you have many tables during a rush period.

All photos © Philip Vile via Outline

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Mazzo

Name: Mazzo

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Designer: Concrete Architectural Association

How cool is this space? The raw vibe has just enough of a hipster edge without being a complete cliche´. I love the exposed brick and duct work, mismatched chairs and great prints of people eating as well as the exposed shelving units. Add to the mix the 'spider-looking' light fixtures and the space has great texture and visual interest.

I love the shotgun style floor plans that are typical in Amsterdam.

Small spaces + big design= perfection.

Image © Concrete Architectural Association

Images 1,3-6 © Ewout Huibers

Blue Duck Tavern

Name: Blue Duck Tavern

Location: Washington, D.C.

Designer: Tony Chi

I love that this space doesn't seem to try to hard. The design is timeless and appears effortless. The wood tones, custom shaker benches and furniture paired with classic Cherner armchairs creates a serene vibe that is sure to be a hit for a long time.

(I hear the food is pretty great, too!)

All photos found via Apartment Therapy

W New York

Name: W Hotel New York; The living Room Bar &Terrace

Location: New York, Financial District

Designer: Graft Studio

I love the sculptural aesthetics about this interior. Everything else seems to take a backseat which really allows the organic and flowing nature of the ceiling to shine. I also enjoy seeing the sculptural component continue outside, onto the terrace. This interior reminds me of a few of the 3d models I created in 3ds Max.

Photos via the W Hotels website

A snow day break

Name: Mann House

Location: New Zeeland

Designer: BVNArchitecture

I don't typically post residential architecture, and as a general rule, wont make it a habit. There are some residential works that absolutely beg for an exception though. This retreat is one of those! After all of this snow we are getting in the midwest (20 beautiful inches in chicago so far!) I thought this gem would make the perfect escape.