A space defined by retro-industrial design

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Ilisie Sergiu Adrian

INTERIOR DESIGNER:

Nicoleta Aliman

STUDIO:

Tabloid Design Studio

LOCATION:

Arad · Romania

DATE:

June 2025

This project was photographed in an editorial style, with the clear intention of highlighting the café at its most expressive moment of the day. Because the interior features predominantly dark furniture, choosing the right time for the session was essential. Natural sunlight was needed to create contrast, depth, and visual balance between the red brick walls, cement surfaces, and the carefully selected furniture pieces.

Un spațiu definit de stilul retro-industrial: Acest proiect a fost fotografiat într-un stil editorial, cu scopul clar de a surprinde cafeneaua în momentul său cel mai expresiv. Având în vedere faptul că mobilierul este predominant închis la culoare, alegerea orei potrivite a fost esențială. Lumina naturală a avut rolul de a crea contrast, profunzime și echilibru vizual între pereții de cărămidă roșie, suprafețele de ciment și piesele de mobilier atent alese.

Raw-contemporary coffee shop interior with concrete surfaces, exposed brick, and matte black metal accents. The layout features intimate table clusters, visible espresso gear, and a branded menu wall that anchors the barista zone. The interplay of industrial restraint and curated hospitality branding makes this space ideal for commercial design storytelling and architectural photography

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Ilisie Sergiu Adrian

INTERIOR DESIGNER:

Nicoleta Aliman

STUDIO:

Tabloid Design Studio

LOCATION:

Arad · Romania

DATE:

June 2025

A space defined by retro industrial design

This project was photographed in an editorial style, with the clear intention of highlighting the café at its most expressive moment of the day. Because the interior features predominantly dark furniture, choosing the right time for the session was essential. Natural sunlight was needed to create contrast, depth, and visual balance between the red brick walls, cement surfaces, and the carefully selected furniture pieces.

Un spațiu definit de stilul retro-industrial: Acest proiect a fost fotografiat într-un stil editorial, cu scopul clar de a surprinde cafeneaua în momentul său cel mai expresiv. Având în vedere faptul că mobilierul este predominant închis la culoare, alegerea orei potrivite a fost esențială. Lumina naturală a avut rolul de a crea contrast, profunzime și echilibru vizual între pereții de cărămidă roșie, suprafețele de ciment și piesele de mobilier atent alese.

Raw-contemporary coffee shop interior with concrete surfaces, exposed brick, and matte black metal accents. The layout features intimate table clusters, visible espresso gear, and a branded menu wall that anchors the barista zone. The interplay of industrial restraint and curated hospitality branding makes this space ideal for commercial design storytelling and architectural photography
Minimalist lounge scene with round metal coffee table, open magazine, and ceramic cup, framed by sculptural wood stools and a leather-cushioned armchair. Diagonal natural light casts soft shadows across pale walls, emphasizing material contrast and spatial calm. Ideal for editorial storytelling in residential or hospitality design photography
Industrial-style coffee shop interior with concrete walls, large windows, and mix of black leather and wood furniture. Features include natural wood stump tables, coffee counter with syrups and equipment, and wall-mounted menu listing espresso, milk-based drinks, and brew options. The minimalist design and warm textures create a modern, inviting hospitality space
Sunlit café interior with arched brickwork and sculptural seating—black leather armchairs, minimalist chairs, and raw wood stools. A round table with an open magazine anchors the scene, while a neon fragment glows softly on the wall. The space blends tactile serenity with urban rhythm, inviting pause and presence in a curated hospitality setting

The goal was to reveal the full potential of the space when light and shadow interact naturally, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The café is located inside a historic building in the bohemian center of Arad, just steps away from the State Theatre and within walking distance of the city’s main administrative and tourist landmarks. The interior is defined by its brick arches, which visually separate walls, ceiling, and flooring. Concrete surfaces and exposed materials blend softly with retro-industrial influences, resulting in a contemporary yet timeless design language.

Obiectivul a fost evidențierea potențialului maxim al spațiului atunci când razele de soare și umbrele se îmbină natural.

Cafeneaua este situată într-o clădire istorică din centrul boem al orașului Arad, chiar lângă Teatrul de Stat și în imediata apropiere a principalelor puncte administrative și turistice. Interiorul este definit de arcele de cărămidă, care delimitează vizual pereții, tavanul și podeaua. Suprafețele din beton și materialele expuse creează un dialog echilibrat între designul retro-industrial și influențele contemporane, într-o formulă adaptată gusturilor actuale și contextului urban.

Modern café interior with round black table, brass pedestal base, and four upholstered chairs in matte black metal. The scene includes ceramic cups and an open magazine, framed by a concrete wall with integrated lighting and bold typography. Brick accents and layered textures support a brand-forward hospitality concept ideal for editorial, social media, and commercial design photography portfolios
Industrial-style café interior with exposed brick arches, concrete walls, and minimalist black furniture. Features include round tables, leather armchairs, rustic wood stump stools, and diagonal wall lighting. The bold typography on the back wall and curated textures highlight a visually compelling hospitality space—ideal for editorial, branding, and commercial design portfolios
Cozy lounge vignette with black cushioned chairs around a round table, set against exposed brick walls and accented by a sculptural wood stool. Ceramic cups and soft textures evoke a tactile, intimate atmosphere. The interplay of raw materials and curated furniture highlights spatial warmth and editorial potential in hospitality design

Mid-century furniture and track lighting fixtures complete the concept, creating a space that feels relevant, urban, and well connected to the character of the building itself.

From a photographic perspective, my approach focused on creating a strong sense of spatial depth and realism. The framing was chosen to reflect how the space is experienced in real life, allowing the viewer to visually step inside the café. Exposure was carefully adjusted to preserve the natural, slightly diffused light that defines the interior and contributes to its intimate atmosphere.

Conceptul este completat de mobilierul mid-century și de corpurile de iluminat de tip track lighting, care adaugă coerență și ritm spațiului.

Din punct de vedere fotografic, abordarea mea a urmărit crearea unei senzații reale de profunzime și experiență a spațiului. Încadrările au fost alese astfel încât privitorul să perceapă cafeneaua așa cum ar simți-o în mod natural. Expunerea a fost ajustată cu atenție pentru a reda fidel lumina difuză și atmosfera intimă a interiorului.

Modern café interior with exposed brick walls, concrete textures, and warm ambient lighting. Features include black leather armchairs, minimalist black chairs, and a stone table with integrated wall lighting that highlights motivational typography. The industrial-contemporary blend and curated seating layout showcase a hospitality space ideal for editorial and commercial design photography
Contemporary coffee shop interior with exposed brick, industrial lighting, and minimalist black furniture. The barista counter anchors the space with visible grinders, espresso machines, and a wall-mounted menu showcasing specialty brews and milk alternatives. The spatial clarity and material contrast reflect a brand-conscious hospitality design—ideal for editorial documentation and commercial portfolio work
Industrial café interior with arched brick ceiling, concrete countertops, and matte black cabinetry. The narrow layout integrates barista equipment, open shelving, and a rear seating vignette with glass table, sculptural wood accent, and black chairs. Track lighting and material layering emphasize depth, rhythm, and operational flow—ideal for documenting spatial choreography in hospitality design

Both wide compositions and tighter frames were used—wide shots to describe the architecture and layout, and closer perspectives to suggest the experience of sitting at a table, observing textures, light, and materials at a human scale.

Am alternat cadrele largi, care descriu arhitectura și relația dintre elemente, cu cadre mai strânse, menite să sugereze experiența personală a cuiva care își petrece timpul la o masă, observând detalii, texturi și jocul de lumină.

Stylized café interior blending raw materials and refined geometry—arched brickwork, polished concrete floors, and sculptural black furniture. The space features layered seating zones, a bar-height counter near natural light, and diagonal wall lighting that frames a poetic quote. Captures spatial rhythm and brand storytelling in hospitality design
Minimalist café lounge with illuminated quote wall, sculptural lighting, and curated seating vignette featuring black chairs, round table, and open book with coffee cup. Brick textures and leather accents frame the scene, blending tactile warmth with editorial clarity. Captures brand storytelling and spatial intimacy in hospitality design shot by Ilisie Sergiu Adrian interior photographer
Industrial café interior with arched brick ceiling, concrete countertops, and matte black cabinetry. The narrow layout integrates barista equipment, open shelving, and a rear seating vignette with glass table, sculptural wood accent, and black chairs. Track lighting and material layering emphasize depth, rhythm, and operational flow—ideal for documenting spatial choreography in hospitality design

In conclusion, interior photography for cafés and hospitality spaces is not only about documenting design elements, but about translating atmosphere, light, and spatial flow into images that feel authentic and inviting. When photographed at the right moment and with a clear editorial direction, such spaces can be visually communicated in a way that supports the designer’s vision and enhances the identity of the location itself.

În concluzie, fotografia de interior pentru cafenele și spații HoReCa nu înseamnă doar documentarea designului, ci transmiterea atmosferei, a luminii și a modului în care spațiul este trăit. Atunci când este realizată la momentul potrivit și cu o direcție editorială clară, fotografia devine un instrument esențial în definirea identității vizuale a unui loc și în susținerea viziunii de design.

With All Dedication, 

Author. Ilisie Sergiu Adrian

Scroll to Top