la barba

CLIENT

LaBarba Coffee

SERVICES

Interior Design

TYPOLOGY

Hospitality, Branded Space

LOCATION | STATUS

Salt Lake City, Utah | Completed 2019

LaBarba coffee

LA BARBA Coffee is built on a straightforward idea: Good Coffee for Everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard coffee lover or just discovering the ritual—each cup should be something worth savoring. They care about the people, the process, the journey every bean takes. So when WOW atelier designed this space, they set out to bring people closer to the heart of it all: the craft, the hands, the stories behind each brew. Here, it’s not just about the coffee; it’s about creating moments of connection, a place where coffee becomes a bridge to the people who make it. LA BARBA believes specialty coffee isn’t exclusive—it’s something everyone should enjoy, a daily ritual elevated to something unforgettable.

planning approach

barista at center stage

The La Barba team wanted to break free from the usual coffee shop routine—no more lining up, ordering, and waiting for your name to be called. They envisioned something different, something that put connection and craft at the forefront. So we drew inspiration from bars and pubs, where the bartender is at the heart of it all, with guests gathering around on all sides, orders taken in a relaxed, open way. The baristas became the center of this space, a place where their skill and the quality of the coffee could shine. Here, they aren’t just behind a counter; they’re part of the experience, engaging directly with each guest, showcasing the craft and dedication that goes into every cup. It’s coffee service reimagined—not just as a transaction but as a shared, immersive experience where the focus is on bringing people closer to the heart of what La Barba is all about.

interiors

shelving

Everything centers on the barista, the coffee, and the experience itself. Floor-to-ceiling shelving flows seamlessly into thin, delicate gold lines that trace across the ceiling, all converging back down toward the grinders at the bar’s heart. This design pulls the eye—and the energy—straight to where the coffee magic happens, highlighting the craft and care behind each cup.

seating as storage

Every square inch mattered, so the furniture itself became storage. Each piece was designed to serve a dual purpose, seamlessly blending style with function. Shelves, benches, and tables were crafted to hold essentials, making the most of the space while keeping the design clean and intentional.

studio team

WOW atelier

Gregory Walker, Jon Turkula,

John Burdick

collaborators

Mike Barlow

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