Warkentin Associates has meticulously crafted NOUN, a novel cafe and lounge in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, with an intention to revive the distinctive atmosphere of 1990s coffee establishments. The design harmonizes various elements to create a versatile space that caters to diverse activities throughout the day, from morning coffee rituals to evening wine enjoyment. This innovative approach aims to redefine the urban cafe experience, fostering a sense of community and comfort within its walls.
The interior architecture of NOUN is a thoughtful blend of past and present, integrating nostalgic influences with contemporary functionality. The studio's vision extends beyond mere aesthetics, focusing on sustainability and customer experience through inventive operational choices like bottled espresso. This holistic design philosophy ensures that every detail contributes to a welcoming and efficient environment, setting a new benchmark for cafe designs.
Designing for the Modern Nomad: A Blend of Nostalgia and Functionality
Warkentin Associates embarked on the design of NOUN, a distinctive cafe and lounge situated in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, with the explicit goal of recapturing the essence of 1990s coffee shop culture. This ambitious project aimed to create a welcoming and adaptable space where patrons could comfortably engage in work, hold meetings, or simply unwind, much like the beloved coffee houses of yesteryear. The interior, spanning 1,500 square feet, was conceived as a vibrant hub that serves espresso-based beverages during the day and transitions to offering natural wines in the evening, catering to a broad spectrum of local clientele. The studio's founder, Nathan Warkentin, emphasized a design philosophy rooted in celebrating the beauty of eclecticism, drawing inspiration from postmodern irreverence, the comforting warmth of 90s cafes, and the intimate charm reminiscent of an artist's personal living space.
The meticulous planning of NOUN’s interior involved segmenting the space into distinct zones, each designed to accommodate specific activities and foster a sense of ease. Upon entering, guests are greeted by two primary seating areas, thoughtfully arranged to mimic the inviting ambiance of residential living rooms. These areas are furnished with an eclectic mix of vintage and classic design pieces, artfully placed atop luxurious area rugs, including a wool piece by Nordic Knots and a natural sisal option from Curran. Further within, a custom blue-lacquered communal table, illuminated by a spherical Isamu Noguchi pendant lamp, provides an ideal setting for individuals working on laptops or engaging in casual collaborative sessions. For more private conversations or intimate meetings, wooden two-top tables offer secluded spots. The experience extends outdoors, where additional seating is nestled amidst lush tropical flora, allowing guests to enjoy the Southern California climate. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that whether a visitor seeks solitude, collaboration, or social interaction, NOUN offers a perfectly tailored environment.
Innovation in Operation: Sustainable Choices and Consistent Quality
Beyond its unique aesthetic, NOUN distinguishes itself through innovative operational practices, particularly its approach to serving coffee. Eschewing the traditional espresso machine, the cafe opts for bottled espresso and pour-over drinks crafted from co-fermented coffee beans. This unconventional method is a deliberate choice aimed at guaranteeing consistent quality and flavor in every cup, appealing to both seasoned coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers. The team behind NOUN asserts that this system ensures beverages are precisely prepared, controlled, and uniform, elevating the overall customer experience. Moreover, this innovative bottling process significantly minimizes the waste typically generated by conventional coffee shops, aligning with contemporary environmental values and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
The design narrative of NOUN extends into its selection of furnishings and decor, showcasing a deliberate "juxtaposition between high and low" aesthetics. This philosophy is evident in the pairing of a 1970s smoked glass and chrome coffee table by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina with vintage Italian postmodern chairs from the 1990s. These high-design pieces are thoughtfully complemented by more utilitarian elements, such as side tables constructed from concrete pavers and window coverings fashioned from painters' drop cloths, creating an intriguing visual dialogue. The cafe’s main counter, faced with straight-stack red bricks and accompanied by sleek stainless steel stools, further enhances this blend of industrial and refined textures. Even the bathrooms contribute to the cafe's distinctive character, featuring two-tone decor with striped walls and ceilings inspired by Italian architect Mario Botta, alongside checkerboard tiles that adorn stainless steel "portals" housing basins, mirrors, and vertical lighting. This comprehensive design approach ensures that every corner of NOUN offers a unique and memorable experience, blending nostalgic charm with modern ingenuity and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability.