rnt coffee house: A Place for Coffee, Connection, and Healing

rnt coffee house is more than just a café—it’s a personal hideaway for a client who pours their heart into coffee, seeking to create a space for connection and healing. The name “rnt” is derived from the initials of Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken.” As the poem suggests, life is a continuous journey of choices and regrets. Much like the message of the poem, the client hopes to offer sincere messages through each cup of coffee at rnt coffee house.

The key design concepts of rnt coffee house are inspired by the imagery and atmosphere of the poem itself. Designer JHY has long been exploring the idea of translating literature into architecture, beginning with our work at Hyoseok Art Valley. rnt coffee house continues that vision, turning poetic inspiration into spatial storytelling.

A Design Inspired by Poetic Choices

The name rnt stems from Robert Frost’s poem, and the imagery of the “two roads” is the core metaphor that defines the space. Just like the poem, the visual motif of diverging paths becomes the central design language of the interior. Most interior elements at rnt coffee house follow a V-shape, symbolizing the idea of choices and paths, creating a cohesive narrative that makes the café feel personal and meaningful to visitors.

Main Entrance: A Warm First Impression

The entrance features a custom wooden door, replacing the old aluminum-framed glass door. The wood finish uses a herringbone-like V-pattern, echoing the café’s core visual motif. Made of oak, the door conveys warmth and adds a distinctive personality that sets it apart from typical retail entrances. The oversized door handle offers a tactile, satisfying experience, giving guests a memorable first touch.

Butterfly Ceiling Wing: Light and Atmosphere

One of the most striking design features of rnt coffee house is the butterfly-shaped ceiling above the coffee station. Using the existing structural H-beams, a soft curved ceiling was created to act as a reflector for indirect lighting, setting the overall tone of the space. Constructed with solid panels, the ceiling’s smooth curves meet health and finish standards, while also delivering a clean, hygienic look. Track lights are carefully positioned to complement the ambient light, providing a comfortable and functional brightness level.

Arch-Shaped Lintel: A Logo in Space

The rnt logo, designed in collaboration with an architect, is inspired by the letter “n”, and all structural lintels in the space reflect this in their arched forms. The primary logo is placed at the main entrance and on the coffee station wall, creating a strong visual connection between the brand and the space. The shape of the “n” subtly suggests a gateway to the unknown path, echoing the deeper message of “The Road Not Taken.”

Unified and Harmonious Design

At rnt coffee house, visual unity is essential. To keep the focus on the coffee and the people, all other design elements are intentionally restrained and harmonized. Architectural elements, furniture, and lighting are carefully coordinated, creating a calm and balanced environment that avoids monotony.

The “yellow wood” mentioned in Frost’s poem serves as a key color theme for the café, influencing the palette of the floor, walls, and ceiling. Colors range from light ivory to natural wood tones, with lighting kept below 3000K to maintain a warm, cozy glow. Just like a forest of yellow woods, rnt coffee house offers a sense of warmth and comfort, inviting guests to linger and reflect.