Otro Cafecito is housed inside a historical building that was once a gas company in downtown Los Angeles. With a deep appreciation for music and a love for coffee, the clients wanted to provide an experience that goes beyond serving coffee. The result was a coffee shop and hi-fi bar that was born from these client values. It's a place where people create an experience not just by engaging the sense of smell and tase but, through engaging the other senses such as sound when the music is permeating the space or touch with the incorporation of different textures.
Although the clients are Hispanic and it was important for them to incorporate a part of their culture, they chose to do so through flavors in their drink menu. The desired aesthetic for the space was always contemporary leading with a sense of approachability. To achieve this, a neutral-warm color palette was developed and paired alongside different wood tones and textures. All of the millwork was custom made for the space and offers different tactile qualities through reeded paneling, fluted paneling, and smooth surfaces.
Banquette Seating
Communal Seating
On the left is a custom banquette with fluted wall paneling above. The wall paneling has subtle kerf lines running vertically to add visual and tactile texture. On the right, a custom communal table was built with a fluted base detail and integrated table lamps. Other details in the space include plastered walls for added texture, tile for subtle pattern play, and custom shelving units that have been built into the walls. At these built-in units the corners of the wall openings have been rounded to create a soft transition into the millwork.
Software Used: AutoCAD, Sketchup