International design firm YoDezeen has unveiled its latest project, Milk Bar, in Warsaw.
Located in a former power plant building constructed in 1904, the 985-square-foot space is a fresh take on Poland’s traditional milk bars.
Referred to as “bar mleczny” in Polish, milk bars rose to popularity in the 1950s Communist era as all-purpose cafeterias that served affordable meals.
Bringing this traditional concept into the contemporary dining landscape, YoDezeen incorporated elements of weathered materiality to convey an unpolished and organically authentic feel.
Taking notes from American diners, Milk Bar’s layout prioritizes comfort over optimal seating capacity. All interior elements (aside from the terrazzo floors that were sourced from Italy) were manufactured in Ukraine, the birthplace of YoDezeen’s founders, Artur Sharf and Artem Zverev.
A focal point at Milk Bar is a communal table produced from Ukrainian poplar wood accompanied by a towering mirror.
Preserving the Milk Bar brand
The new Warsaw outpost maintains the recognizable identity of Milk Bar, which has long been established throughout Ukraine. Muted blue tones and warm wooden elements are paired with a palette of marble, wood, ceramic tiles, and decorative plaster.
The interior design of Milk Bar is both timeless and playful, from its stuccoed wall piece in the take-out area to the lush flora that punctuates the space and furniture upholstered in leather and organic fabrics.
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