Interior Design Reflecting Intimate Atmosphere
Location: Østerbro, Copenhagen. Wiercinski Studio’s innovative designs can be seen throughout Copenhagen.
Amator restaurant exemplifies how unique interior design can blend seamlessly with a cozy atmosphere. Located in the tranquil Østerbro district of Copenhagen, the restaurant occupies a space of just 50 square meters. This contributes to its small, intimate feel that complements its distinctive ambiance.
Custom-Designed Furniture
Design Details
The furniture inside the restaurant has been handcrafted specifically for the space by Wiercinski Studio, a renowned Polish design company. The furniture goes beyond being simple seating or daily-use pieces. It is an integral part of the visual and functional experience that the restaurant strives to offer its visitors. A standout feature is the use of small oak tables placed strategically throughout the space.
Harmony Between Design and Space
Arrangement and Organization
The space has been designed so that the main dining area focuses on a row of small tables. These tables capture attention with their simple, geometric, and harmonious design. The geometric stools complement these tables, contributing to the modern look of the place without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
Dining Experience at Home
Design Objective
Wiercinski Studio aims to create a unique experience that reflects the feeling of “dining at home”. They achieve this through the design of an open-plan kitchen and a large bar area overlooking a communal seating space. This concept enhances the peaceful, homey atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel at ease as if they were in their own home.
Design Inspired by Comfortable Atmosphere
Design Inspiration
According to Adam Wiercinski, the creative director of the studio, the design was inspired by the comfortable, familiar ambiance of the place. This atmosphere reflects the studio’s desire to provide a sensory experience that strengthens the personal connection between visitors and the space.
Removable Steel Panels as Part of the Dining Area Design
Functional Design Details
Removable steel panels are used as part of the table segments in the shared dining area. These panels add an additional dimension to the space’s design. This choice helps create a flexible and versatile atmosphere, easily adaptable to the varying needs of the restaurant.
Inspired by Home Life
Design Vision
As Adam Wiercinski, the creative director of the studio, explains, frequent discussions with the restaurant owner about family gatherings in his home were a major source of inspiration. These discussions were key when designing Amator. This approach helped integrate the sense of home into a public space. The design aims to provide a cozy, warm atmosphere for visitors.
Space and Seating Arrangement
Optimal Visitor Arrangement
The main dining area accommodates 18 guests, with an additional four stools placed at a high bar. This allows visitors to enjoy views of the street through a large glass facade. The space is carefully designed to create a comfortable environment while maintaining the ability to host multiple visitors simultaneously.
Space Utilization Strategy
Use of Functional Furniture
Regarding space utilization strategies, Wiercinski Studio prioritizes the use of functional and simple furniture. This ensures the furniture does not obstruct the flow of traffic within the space. This approach enhances movement around the interior, ensuring comfort for visitors and easy navigation within the venue.
Custom-Designed Furniture: Distinction and Local Craftsmanship
Unique Interior Designs
The interior furniture at Amator consists of one-of-a-kind pieces designed specifically by Wiercinski Studio. These items are handcrafted by local artisans in the Poznań studio in Poland. This reflects a commitment to delivering designs with a personal and local touch.
Diversity in Interior Designs
18 Unique Art Pieces
Despite the compact size of the restaurant, the interior design includes 18 unique pieces of furniture and objects. These pieces encompass a variety of elements, such as a bar, hanging shelves, tables, mirrors, a steel basin, and even wall-mounted art installations. This diversity adds a touch of creativity and innovation, enhancing the visitors’ experience and ensuring that every corner of the restaurant carries its own distinct character.
Importance of Production Control
Local Production to Ensure Quality
As Adam Wiercinski explains, “Since I am designing a one-off piece of furniture, I need to have control over the production. Therefore, it’s best to make it locally and then transport it to the final destination.” This strategy ensures precision in design and the quality of the final product. Additionally, it strengthens the relationship with local artisans.
Enhancing Natural Light
Glass Facade for Ideal Daytime Lighting
The studio designed a single glass facade to increase the flow of natural light into the restaurant. This contributes to a bright and open atmosphere during daylight hours. This choice enhances the sense of spaciousness and makes the space more welcoming and comfortable for visitors.
Transition to Evening Atmosphere
Ambient Lighting to Add Warmth
To provide a cozy experience in the evening, the designers installed carefully crafted ambient lighting. Handmade steel lamps and sconces were used throughout the restaurant. These add a touch of warmth and comfort. This lighting is not only a means of illumination but also helps create a calm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience in the evening.
The Impact of Sound and Music on the Atmosphere
Hi-Fi Sound System
Amator also features a high-quality Hi-Fi sound system from the local brand Arda Audio, enhancing the auditory experience within the restaurant. Mateusz “Mati” Sarnowski, the chef and owner of the restaurant, owns a wide collection of vinyl records. This adds a special touch to the overall atmosphere of the space.
Custom Shelving Unit for Vinyl Display
Organizing the Distinctive Collection
The space includes a custom shelving unit beneath a rear window, where Mati’s vinyl collection is displayed, alongside a vintage turntable. This arrangement not only serves as part of the restaurant’s décor but also reflects the owner’s passion for music and quality.
Vinyl Records as a Unique Gift
Offering Vinyl Records as Gifts
As Adam Wiercinski explains, “The philosophy of collecting vinyl also brings a certain quality to the space.” Vinyl records have become a distinctive gift offered by Mati to restaurant guests visiting from different places. This adds a personal and unique element to the venue.
Yellow Accents in the Interior Design
A Nod to Amator’s Identity
Yellow accents are incorporated throughout the restaurant’s interior design as a reference to Amator’s distinctive yellow dot. This colour adds a unique character, reflecting the identity of the space. It contributes to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Other Projects by Wiercinski Studio
Innovative Designs in Copenhagen
Among the other recent projects completed by the studio in Copenhagen are the candy-coloured glassware store designed by Helle Mardel. Additionally, they executed the conversion of a historic 19th-century warehouse into residential apartments, a project by David Thulstrup. These projects reflect the studio’s ability to blend history with modernity in its designs.
Simulating the “Dining at Home” Experience
Design Beyond Food
Wiercinski Studio’s design for the Copenhagen restaurant aims to simulate the experience of dining at home. It reflects a personal approach to creating an environment where visitors feel as if they are in their own home. This design was first featured on Dezeen, serving as an example of innovation and comfort in the architectural field.
