Project Overview

"Newtro" is a portmanteau of the words "new" and "retro" and refers to the trend of "modernized retro.” It is a trend sweeping through the youngster community in South Korea. Also, it is a reinterpretation of retro and nostalgic design style, also known as the Korean version of "youth culture.” For this project, the design team brilliantly injected the idea of Newtro culture into the space, integrating the new trendy and retro elements to demonstrate a unique Korean restaurant style.

Project Commissioner

Wowprime Corp.

Project Creator

HomeCheer Interior Design Company

Project Brief

As "Newtro" is a product of multi-dimensional fusion, it takes effort and careful planning to reach a perfect balance. With the delicate design techniques, the design team has planned the light wood veneer and iron parts to decorate the beams to create a picture of the historical wooden house. Besides, red bricks and tiles are utilized to bring the feeling of nostalgia. At the same time, titanium plating and iron parts produce a new fashion style, presenting a harmonious and refreshing space for diners.

Project Need

Standing outside the store, one could look through the large floor-to-ceiling windows and appreciate the store’s style. The facade is constructed with geometric shapes, and the eaves are shaped with titanium-plated material, looking unique and sharp. Upon entering the store, one will be greeted by a photo booth wall with the 3D concept to visualize the brand's ICON. The wall combines Korean graphics with neon lighting to intertwine the three-dimensional and flat patterns, creating a vivid tone and sense of layers. The designer stays consistent with titanium-plated metal, laminates, and PVC flooring for the counter. Above the counter, prominent three-dimensional characters are set with disorderly creative lines to demonstrate a distinctive and impressive visual expression.

Design Challenge

The design team has resourcefully planned sofa seats in the dining area to define the primary seating areas. The space remains spacious and open, allowing individuals to interact better. Besides that, the design team has installed the old-fashioned iron window as a partition screen, taking the store’s name as the chased pattern and the curved border with strip lights so that the old-fashioned iron window is converted into a new form. On the side of the seating area, red brick stones are used to pave the wall and, combined with the light cast on the irregular stone surface below, present an illusion of burning flames. Green is set as the main color scheme leading to the seating area, and the red tongue is boldly used as an embellishment. The combination of distinct colors and beautiful patterns presents a humorous visual experience.

Sustainability

The primary space of this project is designed with large open windows to welcome much natural light indoors so that the area is bathed in sunlight. Therefore, there is no need to turn on all the electric lights during the daytime, and it also satisfies the users' demand for sufficient light sources. Also, it reduces energy consumption, prolongs their service life span, and achieves the idea of energy saving and carbon reduction.