Caffe Italia

Set within a bold Milanese café interior, this project focuses on integrating a custom snack bar and seating element within this existing interior, a space defined by its bold material contrasts, from terracotta baffle ceilings to terrazzo flooring and warm wood panelling.

The design process began with a series of explorations, testing the visual balance between geometry and softness. For the snack bar, early drafts leaned too rigid or overly sculptural; the final version retains a clean, geometric structure while introducing a curved end piece as a subtle, iconic gesture. In parallel, the barstool development aimed to find a form that felt integrated yet expressive. After experimenting with playful and sculptural options, the chosen design references a classic 80s silhouette, offering streamlined elegance that aligns with the interior’s material logic.

The moodboard captures a dialogue between natural erosion and crafted elegance, where rounded edges, layered textures, and earthy hues recall carved stone and warm wood. Visual references to canyon landscapes and tactile grain patterns informed the organic gestures in the snack bar design, while linen and polished stone add a grounded softness. In response, the materials board brings this atmosphere to life through a palette of Rosso Levanto marble, stainless steel, and chestnut wood veneers, contrasted with the softness of Panama linen and the graphic texture of dark grey ALPI wood. Together, these choices reflect a refined material balance, bold yet warm, structured yet sensorial.

The final design of the snack table reveals a meticulous layering of materials, where Rosso Levanto marble and chestnut timber veneer come together through precise fabrication techniques. The top surface, polished and CNC-cut, is contrasted by softly beveled wood edges that enhance tactility and visual rhythm. The exploded axonometric highlights the multi-material core, including an aluminium honeycomb structure and laser-cut plywood base, selected for lightness and strength. Every component, from marble curves to veneered joints, is crafted to express both structural integrity and visual softness, echoing the language of the café’s refined material palette.

The final barstool design combines classic proportions with material sensitivity. A woven linen seat atop polyurethane foam ensures comfort, framed by a ring of oxidized matte stainless steel for structural precision. The base features a dark grey ALPI veneer with a subtle circular grain pattern, wrapped around an MDF core for stability. The exploded axonometric reveals the thoughtful layering of components, from concealed metal reinforcements to precisely machined timber and veneered surfaces. The result is a stool that feels quietly refined, functional yet rich in texture, complementing the overall café interior with understated elegance.

The final setup pairs a sculptural Rosso Levanto marble bar with linen-upholstered stools, creating a bold yet refined corner within the café. Warm wood, dark veneer, and soft curves tie the elements seamlessly into the space.