Situated on a vibrant corner of Rotterdam, within a building distinguished by its characteristic façade details, this Bar, Café & Restaurant stands as the social heart of the neighbourhood. It is a place where locals gather for a warm morning coffee, a comforting dinner, or an evening beer. Originally built in 1900, one of the few structures that survived WWII, the building holds a steadfast presence in the city's evolving landscape.
Today, Studio Modijefsky reimagines the bar’s interior, drawing from the architectural richness of the façade. Arches, brick patterns, and graphic layers served as the foundation for a patchwork-inspired concept that shaped the identity of the new design. By reopening the bottle-shaped windows that had long been sealed, daylight is invited back into the space, while inward-opening French doors create a subtle connection between indoors and outdoors. The generous arched windows bathe the interior in soft daylight, creating an ever-changing rhythm of light and shadow throughout the day and reinforcing the building’s distinctive architectural identity.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a richly ornamented entrance façade. On both sides, intimate terraces unfold, shaded by playfully striped awnings that complement the elongated glass front. Bespoke furniture with deep red bases and warm-toned wooden details sets the tone, while planters and windshields subtly define the terrace without creating a sense of enclosure. Custom lighting integrated into both the façade and the planters ensures a warm, inviting ambience throughout the terrace season. Long benches along the building, as well as on the opposite side of the terrace, offer flexibility to accommodate groups and adapt to various guest needs.
Stepping inside, guests enter the main restaurant area, where a harmonious mix of round and square tables creates an engaging rhythm. Materials such as wooden and seaweed tabletops paired with powder-coated bases establish the visual language of the interior. Vintage chairs reintroduce the deep red accents seen outside, creating continuity throughout the space. The tables and chairs introduce a refined simplicity, allowing the more expressive architectural elements to take centre stage
At the centre of the room, a structural column becomes the origin point for a dual pattern that unfolds across both ceiling and floor. Tiled motifs and wooden planks define the shapes that intersect here, while a two-tone checkerboard textured felt ceiling enhances acoustics and provides a backdrop for an organised grid of tube lights. Creating a sense of spacious calm, while the suspended fans enhance the airy, pavilion-like atmosphere.
The bar forms the heartbeat of the interior. Clad in textured leather and zinc, it exudes character, complemented by an orange-tiled back wall and mirrored elements that play with reflection. Modular blocks behind the bar offer storage and display opportunities, illuminated by LED lighting that creates a dynamic glow against the reflective surfaces. Besides being a visual focal point, the bar provides additional seating and introduces a more casual, evening-oriented atmosphere. The bar, with its tactile stone counter and softly illuminated shelving, becomes a sculptural centrepiece, offering a warm glow that anchors the room during both day and night.
Various seating arrangements enrich the spatial experience. A bespoke corner bench near the window combines fabric and wood in a striking interplay, while high tables introduce height variations that animate the room. Carefully placed dividing elements create a natural separation between the bar area and the dining space, allowing both atmospheres to coexist and catering to a diverse clientele.
Along the walls, a refined composition unfolds: a textured, painted plaster surface sits above a wooden patchwork plinth, its stained variations adding depth and proportion to the high-ceilinged room. Square lights integrated into the wooden patchwork enhance its playful quality, while the motif continues around the space, enveloping the interior in warmth and character.
Towards the back of the building, a room with a lower ceiling offers the ideal setting for group gatherings or private drinks. Here, a custom-stained wall piece echoes the façade details that inspired the patchwork theme, acting as a visual anchor. A mustard-yellow wall adorned with an expressive tile pattern wraps the space, punctuated by darker tiles that subtly reference the overarching patchwork concept.
In summary, Bar, Café & Restaurant combines historic charm with contemporary design through its patchwork-inspired interiors, natural materials, and warm detailing. The space balances light, texture, and form to create a welcoming and dynamic neighbourhood gathering place that honours its architectural heritage.