Hospitality
Cafe Marks
A Warm Place for Coffee and Books
The interior is simple, warm, and carefully balanced. Natural wood texture is the main material throughout the project. It shapes the walls, shelves, benches, doors, and tables, giving the space a soft and cohesive character. White surfaces keep the interior bright and fresh, while the floor, finished with tiles by Fioranese and Coem, adds a calm, stone-like base.
The space is divided into different moods. Small tables by the windows create intimate corners for reading or quiet conversations, while the larger communal table in the center brings people together and gives the café a more social, library-like feeling. Books play an important role in the design. Volumes from publishers such as Assouline and Taschen help shape the identity of the space, adding color, culture, and a sense of discovery.
This book café was designed as a quiet and welcoming place in the city — somewhere people can slow down, enjoy a good coffee, open a beautiful book, and spend time in a calm, thoughtful atmosphere.
Location: Minsk, Belarus | Photography: Vitalina Voroshkevich
Journal
Designing Hospitality Spaces that Foster Community in Historic Cities
In the heart of historic cities, from the cobbled streets of Minsk to the grand squares of Prague, the hospitality industry serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors. As architects and interior designers, our role is to create spaces that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also foster community, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This blog explores how modern design can coexist with historical context, creating inviting cafés, bars, and small hospitality venues that invite...
Materiality and Time: Choosing Finishes That Age Beautifully in Residential Projects
In residential design, the selection of materials is crucial to creating spaces that tell a story and age gracefully. For professionals in architecture and interior design, understanding the nuances of materiality can transform a home from simply a living space to a warm, inviting environment that resonates with its inhabitants. This philosophy is central to the work of Anna Lazar, a Minsk-based interior designer who blends modern aesthetics with a rich historical context, emphasizing natural...
The Psychology of Home: Designing Interiors That Feel Emotionally Safe
Creating a home goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about fostering an environment where emotional safety thrives. For interior designers like Anna Lazar, the goal is to design spaces that resonate with the user’s psyche. By grounding interior design in the science of psychology, especially aspects like spatial planning, light, acoustics, and tactility, we can create havens that not only look appealing but also provide a sense of calm and security. Spatial Planning: Layout that Nurtures Connection...
Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: A Blend of History and Modern Design
The adaptive reuse of historic buildings has become an essential topic in the world of architecture and interior design. It is not merely about preservation but about breathing new life into spaces while respecting their historical significance. As we explore this subject, we will delve into how this philosophy informs the approach taken by Anna Lazar, a Minsk-based designer known for merging modern aesthetics with a deep appreciation for historical context. Understanding Adaptive Reuse...