Stepped concrete seating and brass fixtures add interest to the otherwise pared-back interiors of % Arabica coffee shop in Kuwait, which has been designed by Nendo.

Located south of Kuwait City, % Arabica features bright white surfaces and gold-hued decor details intended to "symbolise the quality of [the brand's] high-end products".
The 190 square-metre coffee bar occupies a corner building with a curved glass facade, allowing passersby a glimpse into its pale interiors designed by Japanese studio Nendo.

Stepped concrete platforms that serve as bench seats ascend from the store's entrance to the rear of the space where the service counter is located, allowing customers clear sight lines towards the street.
Dotted in between are a number of white side tables supported by slim brass stems.
"This stair-like structure maximises visibility and encourages interactions between the customers, thus making it a pleasant and comfortable place to enjoy a daily cup of coffee," explained the studio.

In total, the shop can host up to 30 customers and there is also an outdoor terrace area and extra benches which have been built into the shop's facade.

White-coloured coffee machines are meant to "almost disappear" into the store's rear wall, instead drawing customer's attention to linen sacks of % Arabica's own coffee beans, which are displayed inside black-framed glass boxes.
Glass inserts in the counter also showcase baked treats.
A curved corridor lea...