Family affairs: a makeover in a cafe

IKEA makeovers have taken place in all kinds of spaces. Living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, even summer houses and garages. So why not a cafe? Our brave contestants are this time a family who run a restaurant inherited from their father. Lovingly named "Kaprīze" (a whim), this place has been dear to the founder's heart right from the beginning. Now, it is ready for some makeovers.

The charming past

The existing interior has been lovingly taken care of and is preserved in quite a good shape. However, times change and it has become somewhat dated, especially the part with the bar that is never used anymore. The warm colour scheme is cosy enough when it's cold outside, but still asks for an update.

Inspiring by doing

IKEA interior designer Linda brings the heroes of this episode to the studio of a silk screen artist. In a creative atmosphere, they get to know each other better and also talk about needs and wishes for the makeover. When hands are busy, the thoughts and fantasy are free to roam.

Moodboard

As is already the custom, designer Linda invites our heroes to another creative session at IKEA. Using different items and materials, a moodboard is created that will serve as a guide for the new interior. Such moodboards are a great way of getting started and deciding on what you really want. This time, it is clear that natural materials and palette have to prevail, with a touch of minimal Scandinavian elegance.

The Scandinavian touch

The say the new interior is different would be an understatement. The rather dark interior has given way to the Scandinavian minimalism with some accents to freshen it up and make it more personal. Linda has chosen tables with white feet and a strong wooden top that can withstand years of wear and tear. Black and white lamps are used as accents, creating an airy atmosphere. Natural materials in decoration make the room seem warm and inviting.

When functionality comes first

Even though run by a family, this cafe means business, so functionality has to be prioritized over pure decorativeness. Interior designer has opted for remove the old bar and transforming the area in a cosy nook with seating for two. The hanging lights above the counter make it feel more intimate and homier. A clever trick Linda has used here is hanging some chairs on the wall – that way, wall space is used, there are always extra chairs that can come in handy when more guests arrive, and this solution even looks decorative. This hack can be used at home too and is very functional in small spaces.

Transforming the bar area

The old bar was more of a relic in this interior. It was rarely used and highly impractical. Still, the owners wanted to keep the corner area separated, so Linda decided to make a couple of extra seats there. Between the lamps and the decorative rails on the wall, this corner has become a cool place for a coffee or a quick meal.

Use it. Store it

In a cafe, there are always things to store. Linda has hidden some spacious storage behind the new counter. There are closed cabinets as well as open shelves that offer a variety of solutions. The shelves can be used both as a practical storage space or as a decorative element. The same can be said for the black rail that contrasts with the light wall and is both decorative and functional.

The more the merrier

In a cafe, seating is everything. It has to be clever and varied, as personal as the many guests that come here. For families and bigger groups benches are always a good idea as they are not as limiting in the sense of the number of people. Linda has made a bench out of kitchen furniture and added some pads to make it more comfortable.

"When thinking about an interior, thinking about light is inevitable. In a space dedicated to sitting and enjoying good food, some lights above tables are a way of making the space cosier."