In every issue of The Simple Things, owner of online interiors store Bodie & Fou, Karine Kong, seeks out inspiring spaces to work and play. Accompanied by photographer brother Francois, this month the pair explore Artisan Café in London. From its iconic hammered copper counter to benches made from recycled scaffolding planks, Karine identifies the essential design details to steal for your home! Find out more in issue 14 of The Simple Things.
"Artisan Café is our family’s favourite haunt for various reasons." says Karine. "From my New Zealander husband’s point of view, they make a great coffee. It’s a very different culture and taste compared to the general chains in the UK. My daughter enjoys a toasted bagel after football practice, and for me it’s the interior design that does it."
"The space is filled with natural light and they’ve used reclaimed materials to create a welcoming space with a soft industrial vibe. The floor and benches are made out of wood and scaffolding pipes. The naked hanging shades add an airy feel and can be sourced from junk shops or flea markets. The striking copper counter was designed by artist Tansy Brown-Hovelt and would look amazing in a family kitchen. I love the copper pipes running across the ceiling – a striking feature I’ll use in our kitchen in France when we finally get around to connecting the pump of our American fridge to dispense ice and chilled water."
"Edwin and Magda Harrison decided against nine-to-five jobs after a trip around the world – instead they set up Artisan, launching their first café in Putney. What became more of a five-to-nine job (with a huge learning curve) also became a tribute to their hard work and passion for making the best coffee and providing great service."
"Having been there at various times of the week, I can vouch for the atmosphere. From ladies back from a walk in Ravenscourt Park to teens hanging out after school, families with young kids or freelancers working from their laptops (there’s free Wi-Fi), Artisan Café is a great, inspiring place to hang out." concludes Karine.
Feast your eyes on more inspiring photos of Artisan Café by Francois Kong in issue 14 of The Simple Things.