Polish design firm Wiercinski Studio has crafted an intimate interior for Copenhagen restaurant Amator using a series of custom-designed hand-made furniture pieces.
Located in the quiet Østerbro district, Amator is a small 50-square-metre eatery that features a central dining area composed of a row of small oakwood tables and matching geometric stools.
Wiercinski Studio aimed to mimic a “home dining” experience by creating an open-plan kitchen and a large bar area that overlooks the communal seating space.
“I was inspired by the cosy, homely atmosphere of the place,” the studio’s creative director Adam Wiercinski told Dezeen.
“We often talked with the owner about how meeting at my apartment was the main inspiration for creating Amator and we managed to bring that homey feel into a public space,” he added.
The main dining area accommodates 18 guests with four additional bar stools positioned at a high bar, offering views of the street through a large glass facade.
Guided by a space-saving strategy, the studio used functional and minimalist furnishings that don’t restrict the flow of foot traffic around the interior.
Many of the interior furnishings are one-of-a-kind pieces, custom-designed by Wiercinski and handcrafted by artisans local to his studio in Poznań, Poland.
“Despite the compact space, there are 18 original designs of furniture and objects, ranging from the bar and hanging shelves to tables, mirrors, a steel sink and even art installations on the walls,” he explained.
“Since I design one-off pieces of furniture, I need to have control over the production, so it’s better to make them locally and transport them to the destination.”
The design reflects Wiercinski Studio’s signature style, which is characterised by “simple geometric constructions” and earthy tones, created using a blend of raw materials such as solid oak, steel and natural linens.
“Wiercinski Studio is developing its own design language and expressing itself through original solutions using sculptural and custom objects, natural, honest materials and the craft of local artisans,” said Wiercinski.
The studio incorporated a single-panel glass facade to maximise natural light and create a bright, open atmosphere during the daytime.
To accommodate its transition into a dining space in the evening the designers installed bespoke ambient lighting, using lamps and handcrafted steel sconces throughout the restaurant to evoke a sense of warmth and cosiness.
The restaurant also features a hi-fi sound system by local brand Arda Audio that speaks to Amator’s chef and owner Mateusz “Mati” Sarnowski, who has an extensive vinyl collection.
A custom shelving unit beneath a rear window houses his collection alongside a retro turntable.
“The philosophy of collecting vinyls also brings a certain quality to the place,” explained Wiercinski. “Vinyl records have become a main gift given to Mati by guests who visit from various places.”
Touches of yellow were introduced throughout the interior, intended by the studio as a nod to Amator’s signature yellow dot.
Other recently completed projects in Copenhagen include a candy-coloured glassware store by designer Helle Mardahl and David Thulstrup’s conversion of an historic 19th century warehouse into residential apartments.
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