Normally most of my posts are about home decor or decor trends in general. But I just could not contain my excitement when two of my favourite things came together, Starbucks and Milan. A former post office building came alive with decadent interiors and wood oven & swanky bar, everything seemed to be meticulously planned. Just reading about it in the Corriere della Sera I knew it that I would surely want to share this post on my blog. Although it does makes my local Starbucks look so modest (read boring to death). Let me go ahead & share with you, some pictures of premises where the American coffee giant Starbucks launched in the Italian design capital of Milan.
To start with, I am going to try and not dwell into the misery of Italians about yet another American sign of culture vandalism. Since for the Italians, a coffee is not just a drink but a part of the their lifestyle, I mean just think of it, would you be cool with an American chaat shop giving you the “right kind of golgappe” and telling you how to have it? Chances are not so much. So moving beyond all the negative publicity, let us take a moment and appreciate this pretty pretty coffee shop for what it is.
Pic courtesy: Starbucks
This the third Reserve Roastery that Starbucks has ever opened anywhere in the world. The first for the chain, in a European country. Obviously you do need a big space to make a big bang and the choice of Pallazo della Poste in Piazza Curdusio was a perfect one. Just few streets aways from the famous city landmark Duomo di Milano & tourist favourite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the total area taken for this Roastery, is 25,000 sq. ft., surely making it bigger than any other Italian flagship coffee shops.
Did you know Starbucks is one of the most famous spots around the world for people who work freelance. We had a blogpost to help you if you were one of the talented freelancers working from home too. Here we got 4 tips for people who work from home.
Pic courtesy: CNBC.com
The flooring is said to be inspired by the Duomo itself, with all hand crafted marble. Bar tops in carved marble along with radiant heating below. One of my favourites is the Solari board, which came into existence in railways stations & airports in 1956 and here it is back in the country where it was invented. Call me an old school nerd, but that sound of the slip-flap really gets me. This former post office surely never looked so opulent before.
Are you a over of everything marble too? Then read here, post on marvel in marble , different ways how to add it in your space.
Pic courtesy: Seattletimes.com
Now if you do like your coffee like I do, it would be just divine to see it getting roasted & just like the Italians would have it, the roasting area looks effortlessly chic. Right in the middle of it all is a 22 feet tall bronze roasting cask. Which is actually the first, only for this specific shop. Since the two other Reserves in Shanghai & Seattle have it in copper, but bronze fitted in better with architecture & material generally used in & around Milan.
Pic courtesy: Starbucks
With Arabica coffee sourced from 30 countries around the world, roasted at this place, then going through the tubes above your head right to the cup at the bar. This makes it nothing less than a theatrical performance for a coffee house. Seems like Howard Schultz really did not leave any stone unturned to make this dream come true. Although many have compared the garishness to an American tourist wearing Gucci or Dior all over, but I think after saving all the money from Indian Starbucks decor, it has been finally spent good. So next time if you do happen to be in Milan, even if not for a true espresso Italiano but a Negroni perhaps, do visit this place for sure. Meanwhile you can follow me on my Instagram account or like my Facebook page to get more decor trends, tips and DIY’s.
