A new innovative café and design shop has opened on Copenhagen's scenic waterfront, offering visitors a unique experience where they can enjoy refreshments while shopping for carefully curated design objects. Café Niko, the result of a collaboration between architect Kim Lenschow and design studio NIKO JUNE, represents a fresh approach to hospitality spaces by functioning simultaneously as both a serving station and an extension of a creative workshop.
The establishment's distinctive concept centers around the idea that everything guests interact with during their visit is also available for purchase. From the tableware used to serve beverages to the seating arrangements throughout the space, every item transforms the café into a living showcase where design is actively experienced rather than simply observed. This approach invites visitors to engage with everyday rituals through thoughtfully designed objects that prioritize both functionality and enduring quality.
Architecturally, the building makes a strong impression from the street with its textured brick facade punctuated by large glazed openings that provide glimpses into the café's interior arrangement of metallic stools and tables. The generous windows not only showcase the space's carefully selected furnishings but also take advantage of the waterfront location by framing views of the surrounding area. The exterior design successfully balances industrial materials with contemporary aesthetics, creating an inviting presence along Copenhagen's waterfront.
Inside, the design philosophy continues with a deliberately pared-back aesthetic that emphasizes material textures and the careful curation of functional objects. Concrete walls provide a neutral backdrop, while a striking bar counter clad in swirling veined stone serves as a focal point. Open shelving displays bottles and equipment, contributing to the space's calm, utilitarian atmosphere. This restrained color palette allows the natural beauty of materials to take center stage while highlighting the thoughtful selection of items available for both use and purchase.
The café's programming follows the natural rhythm of daily life, adapting its offerings to match different times of day and corresponding customer needs. Morning hours focus on coffee, tea, and breakfast options, providing a steady pace for commuters and early visitors passing through the waterfront area. As the day progresses into evening, the atmosphere shifts significantly with a menu that transitions to beer, wine, and cocktails accompanied by small plates that occupy a middle ground between light snacks and substantial meals.
This flexible approach to service reflects the broader philosophy of NIKO JUNE, which emphasizes making a limited number of things exceptionally well and serving them with genuine care. The creative workshop's principles are evident throughout the space, where quality takes precedence over quantity and every element serves a purposeful function. The Frederiksberg-based architect Kim Lenschow has successfully created what can be described as a hybrid environment that transcends traditional café boundaries.
Café Niko ultimately invites visitors to pause and participate in a different way of living with objects specifically designed to be both practical and enduring. Rather than simply consuming products, guests are encouraged to sit within and experience a carefully crafted environment where design, functionality, and daily rituals converge. This innovative concept positions the café as more than just a place to grab coffee or purchase design objects – it becomes a destination where visitors can explore and appreciate the intersection of everyday life and thoughtful design.
