Visiting the original L’Atelier Cafe in Cluj, Romania

Located in Cluj-Napoca, commonly known as Cluj, the second most populous city in Romania, this original coffee shop entitled L’Atelier Cafe attracts more and more visitors every day thanks to its unique and interesting interior design. Here is the description from the project developers: “The idea of planning was initiated by a simple thing – that need for a space meant to influence the mood at a subtle level of perception, that kind of perception which only culture might develop. 

Therefore this was a call for a room where to foremost promote and maintain culture. This idea was the result of two concepts converging two teams, namely Marius Bocan, Vlad Paul, George Mosoia- on one side, and Dan Paul, Bogdan Goția and Tiberiu Bucur- on the other. 

The second team was built up by three architecture students, their main focus being the conception of space language following the development of a clearer link between space and personality. This concept suited the idea of the first team to settle a cultural cafe for Cluj’s urban area. 

Cardboard-coffee-culture were eventually the elements which described the place located in Cluj somewhere on Memorandumului Street. After several months of work, the 13th of May, 2010 was the official opening day. 

Working also with volunteers was both useful for the effective effort tension and for the atmosphere they created around, for the atelier-air they brought inside and the good disposition. Although this is a place where furniture is 'different' we are actually celebrating every day the little things that bring us closer. 

Besides the cafe we developed a cultural plan including: workshops, portraits and caricatures, photo exhibitions, concerts, theater plays which are part of that link between space and personality, fed with cardboard inspiration and good coffee”.

[Photography by Monica BOCAN and Mădălina CHEREGI ]

Edera: a striking decorative modular system by Formabilio

Visualized by the talented Italian designer Loris De Grandi and produced by Formabilio, this striking decorative modular system named Edera is a simple but effective choice for decorating our home. Edera is formed by rhomboid elements which can flexibly grow and evolve in many ways, from a soft carpet to a headboard for beds and sofas. 

“The base element includes two equilateral triangles with soft padding and fluffy felt with contrast stitching and non-slip bottom. 

The Velcro strips along the sides of the triangle allow a fast and intuitive connection between the modules, ensuring a perfect seal in the carpet version, while the practical snap buttons allow you to create compositions to be hung on the ceiling or fixed to the wall. 

The strength of this furniture is the customization factor, freedom of interaction that let the users compose the modules according to their tastes and needs, creating original surfaces, stylish and ready to be changed at any time. 

The possibilities are endless and the various color merges can lead to dynamic interiors filled with personality.”, explained the designer.

Enjoying memorable moments at the eccentric Epic Society club in Timisoara

Named Epic Society, this eccentric club situated in Timisoara, the sumptuous capital city of Timiș County, in western Romania attracts hundreds of visitors every night thanks to its original, imposing and interesting interior design.
Occupying a massive space of 300 square meters, the Epic Society club envisioned by Alexandra Avram brings visitors a “wild and free” atmosphere with striking oak, birch, string and many other environmentally-friendly materials.

Introducing this breathtaking club, Tinu Vidaicu, Epic Society’s managing partner, said: “We wanted to build a space that inspires freedom and warmth but in the same time maintains it’s functionality. 

The main attraction points are the DJ booth, which i consider one of the most important for the public and of course, the central bar. 

The club is designed to be cozy and comfortable and even though the bar and DJ area are very intense, the sense of intimacy is still felt. 

The project was inspired by the great feeling we have when we are in nature, and this is what we brought in the middle of the concrete city. Epic is nature reinvented in a space meant for entertainment.”