Natural, Honest, Green
Materials, colors, and textiles echo the café's plant-based dining philosophy
Apoteka café commits entirely to plant-based and natural ingredients, steering clear of artificial substitutes altogether. This culinary philosophy became the foundation for Kids Studios' distinctive design of the 75 m² space. They layered honest materials with carefully curated, understated colors, semi-transparent fabrics, and abundant greenery. Every sightline invites guests to discover something new—guided by lush plants woven seamlessly into the furniture itself.
Behind the counter, floor-to-ceiling forest green tiles create a striking focal point, marking the heart of the space. This same hue appears in the base of the rose-lacquered planter bench positioned in front of the counter, visually anchoring the different zones together. The forest green threads through the rest of the design—from the bistro chairs to other fixtures—creating a cohesive visual language. To encourage interaction between guests and baristas, the refrigerated display case sits low enough for conversation and observation of the craft. This open design also allows staff to maintain sightlines across the entire café. Oak panelling at the counter reinforces the room's vertical rhythm while discreetly housing technical systems. Suspended fittings allow the panelling to be easily removed for equipment maintenance. A wall-integrated shelf system, complete with bench seating and a high table, displays the café's own coffee roasting and retail offerings.
The building's striking architectural character flows naturally into the ground floor café interior. A slender counter runs along the arched, wood-framed windows as part of the shelving system, offering a bar experience with views out to the street. The abundant white throughout—particularly on the ceiling—creates a luminous backdrop; the lighting colour itself stays neutral white, intentionally understated. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in soft rose gently frame the glazed windows, creating a delicate bridge between interior and exterior. This carefully orchestrated atmosphere provides the perfect setting for the café's contemporary plant-forward concept.
Photography:
Max Feldhoff
www.maxfeldhoff.de
(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|25)

