Café Design

Project Description

The Liviazi Interior Design team participated in a Café Design Competition for Niu Taim Café, a Digital Café in Papua New Guinea. Drawing inspiration from the country’s vibrant culture and indigenous heritage, we focused on creating a unique, functional, and welcoming space. By exploring the native traditions, textiles, and natural surroundings, we infused the café’s interior design with elements that resonate with the rich history of the region, ensuring it would be an enjoyable and culturally relevant space for the public.

Café Interior Design Plan

The interior design for Niu Taim Café was rooted in an in-depth study of Papua New Guinea’s traditions, wildlife, and tribal cultures. We found striking inspiration in the colorful textiles, body art, and tribal decorations traditionally used by New Guinean tribes, which became the foundation for the café’s accent elements and furniture choices. The design plan features rich colors and natural materials that pay homage to the local heritage and landscapes. Key interior design elements include:

Textiles and Colors: Inspired by traditional tribal art and clothing, we selected vibrant and textured fabrics for seating and wall accents, adding warmth and character.

Furniture and Fixtures: We chose natural wood materials for both furniture and lighting fixtures, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s diverse wildlife and grounding the space in a rustic yet modern aesthetic.

Café Design Results

Our interior design integrates natural elements and cultural symbols with modern café functionality:

Natural Materials and Patterns: Using natural wood for seating, tables, and lighting, the café presents a harmonious blend of traditional materials with a sleek, modern layout. The wooden fixtures and furnishings are paired with textures and patterns inspired by tribal motifs, creating a warm, inviting ambiance.

Inspired Wall Art: The concept of the “door board,” a traditional marker of individual homes in tribal villages, inspired surface patterns throughout the space, adding cultural depth. Wall art features images influenced by indigenous wildlife and historical tribal life, lending authenticity and visual interest to the café.

Strategic Layout: The interior design’s layout emerged from an organic analysis of how each space should interact. Carefully positioned seating, coffee bar, computer stations, and private meeting areas allow patrons to choose spaces that suit their needs, whether for socializing, working, or relaxing.

Challenges

The main challenge was designing with cultural sensitivity and authenticity, as direct interactions with the local population were limited. Extensive research into Papua New Guinea’s traditions and natural landscape was crucial to developing a space that felt both original and meaningful. Our decision to pursue a playful, colorful approach introduced an element of risk, yet it ultimately helped create a space with unique character and originality, aligning with the competition’s encouragement to be creative and imaginative.