Katinat Saigon Kafe, Binh Phu, Saigon – Vietnam

A corner building in HCMC has been transformed from a kindergarten to a cafe with curves and coffee-colored fittings to soften and smooth. Katinat, a chain of more than 50 cafes in Vietnam, is named after a prominent old street (named Rue Catinat before 1975), the site of famous colonial buildings. The new interior design sees terrazzo floors and rough concrete columns. Double height windows bring in light and connect the interior to outside. Walls of glass bricks patterned with the shapes of the Katinat brand are softly backlit on the outside, and inside create delicate patterns on horizontal surfaces.A sculptural circular concrete staircase with illuminated steel steps connects the ground floor with a curved mezzanine level. At the center is a stainless steel organically shaped coffee bar, framed at different levels with bronze strips. Patrons sit on curved cocoa-colored banquettes or at cinnamon-colored seats with small circular tables of pale terrazzo. Banisters topped with bolster cushions to lean against create a relaxed vibe and delineate spaces. Outside seating features Parisian-style tables and chairs.Interior elements add some froth to the space – ovoid brand-shaped mirrors are framed with bronze, whilst large-faced clocks, reminiscent of old French clocks, sit atop bar tables. Lighting includes cream-colored wall lamps set within vertical wall elements, double-arm table lamps, and suspended ceiling lights. The color range blends from pale latte to warm mocha to dark espresso, from cool to warm. Shots of bronze punctuate the monochrome scheme, bringing a contemporary twist. A blend of textures and patterns.