Cafe Meron II

Cafe Meron II was developed with the aim of preserving the familiar and well-loved character of the brand while making the space feel warmer, more layered, and more welcoming. Rather than replacing the existing atmosphere, the project sought to gently expand and enrich it, so that the new elements would feel like a natural continuation of the Meron world. The result is a café where guests can experience both the comfort of a recognizable identity and the freshness of newly introduced details.

A key principle of the design was the intentional use of contrast. Cooler, more restrained surfaces were paired with warmer wood tones, textiles, and softer materials to make the interior feel more inviting not only visually, but emotionally as well. This balance defines the space’s character: the café remains clean and composed, yet it now conveys a much more intimate and homely atmosphere.

The main guest area was designed as a transition between the pace of the street outside and the calm of the interior. Large storefront windows keep the space connected to the city, while the window bench, soft curtains, and warmer-toned furniture create the feeling of a more protected and comfortable retreat. The wooden “gateway” between the counters strengthens this transition even further, gradually leading guests from the lively urban edge into the calmer inner world of the café.

The central service counter is more than just a functional station; it is an essential part of the guest experience. While the existing service logic was retained and refined, the new setup supports a more personal interaction with the barista and a smoother workflow for the team. The menu board system behind the counter and the textured wall surfaces do not only add visual richness, but also provide a practical and easily updatable solution.

The back area became the social heart of the café. The large shared table is highly flexible: on an everyday basis, it can function as a coworking area, while during events it becomes a communal or presentation surface. This adaptability is made possible by the deliberate organization of the space, which still maintains a calm and intimate character. As a result, guests can use the area for sitting, working, or spending longer periods comfortably.

The middle transition zone plays a particularly important role in the overall concept, as it connects the more open front area with the warmer rear space. Here, the shift in tone and material almost feels like stepping into another world, yet the clean composition keeps the overall design unified. Light, mirrors, and reflective surfaces create a playful optical effect and help expand the space visually, while the discreet washroom block blends seamlessly into the overall atmosphere.

Overall, Cafe Meron II is a place where the brand’s familiar identity is enriched with warmer, more distinctive layers. The result is a guest-friendly, highly functional, and visually memorable café, where bright spaces, warmer zones, and carefully composed details work together to create a pleasant, lively, and inviting atmosphere.

Year:

2025

Location:

Budapest, Hungary

Client:

Meron Coffee

Designer:

Daniel Kis, Laszlo Csizinszky

Area:

140 m2

Visualization:

Oliver Bartha