MPNYC Creates Cinematic Sanctuary for Athens Restaurant
Postmodern sensibilities converge with metaverse aesthetics, resulting in a surreal space with kaleidoscopic interiors.
Enlisted by entrepreneur and art collector Dakis Joannou, Manhattan Projects NYC (MPNYC) has redesigned Athens restaurant Koumkan, with a surreal immersive atmosphere.
Matching the bold expression of the adjacent Semiramis Hotel in Kifisia, the restaurant greets visitors as they descend to the entrance with a massive travertine portal and a mirrored door, teasing the kaleidoscopic interiors that await inside. In the rose-hued foyer, two book-matched travertine walls meet mirrors on the opposite walls to create an expansive effect, while the movement of wall-to-wall carpeting adds warmth to the material palette.
Through a hidden mirror door, the parlor is clad in dramatic green marble from the Greek island of Tinos throughout the high-top banquettes, shelves, DJ booth, bar and footrests. Vintage 1960s sconces with a flute-like shape and a stainless steel fabrication gently light the green marble surfaces, inspiring the custom horizontal chandelier hanging over the bar.
The main event is the Grande Salle, which combines a lounge, a cocktail bar and a restaurant into a deceivingly towering space. Vertical mirrors above the open seating area extend the space and reflect the warm glow of the lighting, which is integrated into the seating. Below, curvilinear bench seating upholstered with pink moire-esque fabric is joined by plush rounded armchairs and round marble tables. All-around tropical plants accent the pink theme with natural greens, connecting the interior with the exterior areas of the veranda.
Joining the restaurant with the pool deck, the veranda offers a semi-sheltered indoor/outdoor lounge area, as well as another natural light source for the interior. Pink terracotta walls and pink travertine tiles arranged into a herringbone floor pattern diffuse the sunlight into the cave-like opening for a soft illumination. Finally, polished chrome chairs and thick-columned tables inspired by the 1950s Mediterranean Riviera style add a lustrous texture to the stone palette.
See the gallery above for a deep dive into MPNYC’s Koumkan renovation.
