Sip and Soak in the Minimalist Design of % Arabica in Kuwait

While we may aspire to be one of those shiny early birds that can start their day the second they wake up, there is one thing that we need to keep us racing through our daily grind: that elusive cup of morning joy. Yet, too often, we find ourselves waiting in a long, crowded line at a bland café, surrounded by plain decor, dull lighting, and uninspired furniture, all for an even blander cup of coffee. 

Now picture waiting in line at the % Arabica drive-through store in Jabriya, Kuwait. Like a dream bathed in white, the space is wide and bright. As you step inside, you can almost taste the fleeting aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Designed by the Japanese studio no.10, this coffee haven beautifully captures % Arabica’s artisanal narrative. 

% Arabica is a Japanese coffee brand that was founded in pursuit of the perfect cup of everyday coffee. Now spread all over the world, their 14th branch in Kuwait embodies the owner’s love for quiet, uncluttered sophistication. Shaped like a minimalist house, this branch unfolds across two inviting floors, with a spacious balcony that extends across half of the upper level, offering a stunning view of the street below. 

The all-white design envelops you in a sense of unity and flow between the floors, beautifully reflecting the essence of % Arabica’s coffee - simple yet profound in its elegance. Immersive and radiant, this pristine canvas sets the stage for the integrated round yellow partitions. Like translucent suns, each partition serves as a vibrant statement piece while acting as a sleek divider between seating areas, providing privacy without sacrificing illumination. 

As you step inside, you'll find the % bean bags beautifully arranged to your left, nestled behind the bar counter. They add a cosy warmth to the overall aesthetic of the space, perfectly complementing the wooden inlays of the coffee machines. 

Ascending the pearl-like stairs, sleek and simple in design, you'll be guided to the second floor. There, you’ll discover the perfect seat on the balcony, where you can savour your coffee while basking in the summer breeze. 

The triangular pitch of the first-floor roof evokes a cosy, homey feeling while contrasting with the circular form of the partitions, emphasising the interplay of geometry and adding character to the space. The blue sky backdrop of the balcony further enhances this contrast, with the yellow accents transforming the area into a heavenly environment. 

Photography Credit: Mohammad Taqi Ashkanani