A Minimalist Café with Refined Japanese Design

Ever walked into a tiny café and instantly felt at ease—not because of the coffee, but because of how it’s put together? This isn’t about the roast profile or the barista’s pour technique. It’s about the space itself: a former parking lot turned into a serene, light-filled café where every material, every chair, and even the tree in the middle tells a story.

This 67-square-meter coffee shop, designed by Japanese studio Ninkipen!, uses just a handful of Danish modernist chairs, a single tropical tree, and raw concrete walls to create a quietly refined atmosphere. Its wide glass doors, natural light, and textured surfaces make it feel larger and more welcoming than its size suggests.

From Parking Lot to Urban Garden

Before it was a café, this spot was a parking lot. Japanese design studio Ninkipen! transformed it into a small garden filled with uneven stone paving and a variety of plants. The garden sets a natural, calming tone before you even step inside.

A Welcoming Entrance with a Tropical Surprise

The café’s entrance features extra-wide floor-to-ceiling glass doors, left open during business hours to invite guests in. As you walk in, you immediately see a Jabuticaba tree (also known as the Brazilian grape tree) in the center. This evergreen tropical plant flowers and fruits year-round, adding life and a touch of the exotic to the space.

Materials That Speak: Concrete, Brick, and Wood

The interior leans into a “lightly sketched” aesthetic. The main materials—concrete, red brick, mortar, and wood—create a tactile, layered environment. These rough and smooth textures contrast with each other, giving the space a humble, organic feel without being stark or cold.

Design Details: Mirror, Light Fixtures, and Classic Chairs

On a textured wall to the left of the entrance, a round mirror reflects the room, creating a striking contrast with the rough surface around it. It acts as both a functional design piece and an accidental artwork. Seating is limited but carefully chosen: a central oak table with chairs and a row of wooden tables along the wall. The seats include iconic Danish modernist designs—the Y Chair by Hans Wegner (central table) and the J39 Chair by Børge Mogensen (along the wall). Each seat has its own small pendant light, while a conical ceramic fixture hangs above the white artificial stone counter.

Why Size Doesn’t Limit Atmosphere

At just 67 square meters, this café proves that atmosphere isn’t about square footage. With strategic use of natural light, a single statement tree, and a restrained material palette, the space feels intimate yet open, simple yet thoughtfully detailed. Every element—from the mirror to the chairs—contributes to a cohesive, calming vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Jabuticaba tree, and why is it in this café?

The Jabuticaba tree, also known as the Brazilian grape tree, is an evergreen tropical plant that flowers and bears fruit year-round. It’s placed prominently in the center of the café to add natural beauty and a unique visual element. The tree remains green and fruitful even indoors, contributing to the café’s lush, welcoming atmosphere.

Who designed this café and what was their concept?

The café was designed by Japanese studio Ninkipen!. Their concept transformed a former parking lot into a minimal yet warm space using natural light, raw materials like concrete and brick, and strategic greenery. The goal was to create a simple, inviting atmosphere through restrained design and natural elements.

What kind of chairs are used in the café?

The café features classic Danish modernist chairs: the Y Chair by Hans Wegner (at the central oak table) and the J39 Chair by Børge Mogensen (along the wall). These iconic designs were selected for their timeless comfort and minimalist aesthetic, complementing the overall refined yet unpretentious vibe.

How does the café’s small size affect its design?

Despite being only 67 square meters, the café uses open layout, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and a central tree to create an airy feel. The limited seating and careful selection of materials ensure the space feels intimate but not cramped, with every detail contributing to a cohesive atmosphere.

What materials were used in the café’s interior?

The interior primarily uses concrete, red brick, mortar, and wood. These materials were chosen for their natural textures and subtle contrasts. The combination of rough and smooth surfaces adds depth and a handcrafted feel, enhancing the café’s minimalist yet warm aesthetic.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Minimalist Cafés

For a café like this, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes, perfect for pour-over setups among those Danish chairs. The Colombia Huila offers balanced caramel and almond tones, ideal for espresso or milk drinks. Finally, the Ethiopia Guji adds juicy blueberry complexity for single-origin fans. All three highlight the subtle craftsmanship in both coffee and interior design. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.