Center Coffee Eastpole Interior Design by KKOL Studio

The Center Coffee Eastpole Interior Design by KKOL Studio represents a sophisticated rebranding of the beloved Center Coffee brand in Seoul, South Korea. Spanning 293 square meters, this new flagship café, located in Lotte Castle Eastpole, Guui-dong, redefines the relationship between spatial design and brand identity. The project reflects Center Coffee’s devotion to quality and its aim to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while maintaining visual consistency across its locations.

The Concept of "Axisthetic"

The key design philosophy behind this project is "axisthetic"—a term combining "axis" and "aesthetic." This unique concept emphasizes the structural and visual alignment of space through carefully crafted axes. In the Eastpole location, multiple axes such as horizontal, diagonal, and vertical lines form the foundation of the spatial narrative, guiding the flow of movement and visual connections within the café.

The main axis is established by a 10-meter-wide horizontal counter, complemented by a dynamic diagonal axis that creates visual tension and depth. A tall merchandise display cabinet further strengthens the sense of orientation, ensuring that the café’s centrality resonates with its brand name, "Center Coffee."

Spatial Layout and Design Approach

Unlike traditional coffee shop interiors, KKOL Studio designed the café as an open plaza-like space that greets visitors descending from the escalator. With no enclosed walls, the interior relies on furniture arrangements and functional elements to shape its spatial boundaries. Seating with high backs acts as intimate partitions, while two-person benches and long tables create zones of social interaction.

This approach blurs the line between furniture and architecture, with each element contributing to a collective structure. The space fosters an atmosphere where customers can enjoy the leisure of a cup of coffee amidst a design that prioritizes comfort and openness.

Materiality and Atmosphere

Natural wood dominates the interior palette, complemented by glass and soft lighting that enhances warmth and intimacy. The use of tactile materials reflects Center Coffee’s dedication to authenticity and quality, creating a seamless connection between the café’s interior and its brand ethos. The furniture’s arrangement and craftsmanship embody both functional efficiency and a minimalist aesthetic, aligning with the axisthetic concept.

Rebranding Through Design

Center Coffee Eastpole is part of a broader rebranding initiative that balances uniformity with individuality. While every Center Coffee location maintains a consistent visual language, the Eastpole store distinguishes itself through its central plaza design and open-plan spatial experience. The result is an environment that stays true to the brand’s androgynous yet warm identity, ensuring that the café feels both modern and inviting.

The Center Coffee Eastpole Interior Design by KKOL Studio is a perfect example of how spatial concepts can elevate brand identity. Through its innovative use of axes, strategic furniture arrangements, and warm materiality, the café establishes a distinctive yet cohesive narrative that enhances customer experience. It is not just a coffee shop but a carefully curated architectural expression of Center Coffee’s values.

All the photographs are works of Donggyu Kim