The courtyards and geometric tiles of Aleppo are echoed in this Brisbane cafe, which reflects the designer’s memories of the city.

Stella Collective’s Hana Hakim designed Naïm to make the most of its limited space, drawing on the hole-in-the-wall teahouses found in her family’s home city. With just 55 sqm to work with, she focused on bringing in plenty of natural light, using a pale colour palette to make the space feel bigger.

Patterned tiles and white marble frame the counter, and banquette seating with rattan backrests lines the cafe. Hakim borrowed the ‘soft texture and symmetry’ of Syrian architecture, using Tadelakt plaster to add depth to the walls.

Plants sprout from overhead tiled planters. ‘Naim is designed with love for Syria,’ says Hakim. ‘It is an interior tinged with nostalgia and hope.’

14 Collingwood St, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia

[H/t Yellowtracer]

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