IFBE is not just another cafe. It is a 150-year-old ice factory transformed into a location that serves food but also holds events, discussions and art exhibitions; all in one. However, despite its makeover, the building still has a character influenced by its past, and that is exactly what we intended our wallpaper mural to convey.
Our custom wallpaper design for them hence, became a tribute and a visual link between their past and present. We used features from the ancient architecture, such as the eye-catching roof structure, the industrial chimney, and the staircase that is an ode building’s previous existence.
The wallpaper mural is a mixed-media design that uses warm browns as a foundation and a palette of greys, whites, and blacks. We hand-painted over the artwork, adding layers of details, textures, and shadows to prevent it from blending into the grey walls. We also added an orangish-brown stroke, a nod to the original brickwork of the space and to break the monotony with a pop of color.
SPACE
IFBE is a 150-year-old ice factory transformed into a place which hosts events, serves good and also is the venue for multiple art exhibitions. Such a tradition rich place called for art that would integrate its history and also give it a new character at the same time.
VISION
The goal was simple: design a wallpaper that honored the place’s heritage, not just decorate. We aimed to do it through its distinctive architectural features like the roof structure, the chimney, and the staircase, while making sure it was modern enough to attract all types of customers.
DESIGN
We created a mixed-media wallpaper with warm browns along with the black, white, and grey tones to create a monotone palette. An orangish-brown stroke adds a pop of color, also a nod to the room’s original brickwork, while hand-painted details provide depth, shadows, and texture. To provide a feeling of size and proportion, human figures were included from an architectural standpoint, transforming the mural from a simple design element into a genuine link between art, architecture, and history.
Yet another detail is the human figures incorporated in the design. From an architectural point of view, they bring scale and proportion to the piece, helping the viewer feel the magnitude of the design.
At IFBE, our wallpaper isn’t just a decoration, it is a seamless blend between their history, architecture and art!
