BOGU! is a charming cafe and grooming place in Tai Hang that’s named after the owner's two beloved dogs, cleverly combined.
With Hong Kong being such a dense city, there aren’t many spaces that are dog friendly. This cafe, spanning 977 sq. ft., creates a safe haven and home-like environment where dogs can relax and interact their humans. Unlike other dog-friendly establishments that primarily cater to humans and simply allow dogs, Hong Kong interior design firm ARCHI.VAL designed this place from the dogs’ perspectives. The team, who are all dog lovers and owners themselves; incorporated a lower ceiling to create a cosy and inviting ambiance, as well as a sense of closeness between the furry friends and their owners.
"The biggest challenge our team faced, which is also now my favourite element of this project, was figuring out how to visually link the two spaces," founder Paul Li tells us. "You see, since the cafe and grooming area operate under different licences, they're technically considered separate venues even though it's the same owner. We had to figure out how to visually connect these two spaces to make it feel like one cohesive place."
Embracing the challenge of this endeavour, the project deftly strikes a harmonious balance between the distinct realms at hand – dogs and human area, grooming area, human only area, open kitchen and toilet. A fire-rated glass partition elegantly separates the two areas, effectively maintaining a sense of division while also allowing for a seamless visual connection.
The cafe’s countertop surface is adorned with a gentle soft pink pastel paint, exuding a captivating warmth. Beyond the countertop, the interplay of various textures of the cafe's design speaks volumes.
The off-white walls, with their subtle grainy appearance, create a backdrop of understated sophistication. The wood and rattan chairs add a touch of natural beauty and a charming rustic feel, further enhancing the ambiance.
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