A look into… Cultivating Mehr
Reimagining commercial hospitality through intentional space planning and sensory-driven design.
When Zo & Co Design Studio first evaluated the site at 84 Veronica Avenue, the team saw more than a retail end-cap; they identified an opportunity to challenge the suburban status quo.
The studio’s mission was to transform a 1,600-square-foot industrial shell into a sanctuary that honored the Persian concept of Mehr—light, sun, and friendship—creating a moody, sophisticated escape that felt both established and avant-garde.
Finding the Flow : The Choreography of Connection
The studio meticulously mapped the human experience to balance high-traffic efficiency with quiet comfort.
By bisecting the floor plan, the team separated the high-energy espresso bar from an intimate lounge anchored by a "social tree"—a massive interior palm that breaks linear symmetry.
A dynamic parquet wood floor acts as a visual compass, drawing guests naturally toward the heart of the cafe.
Curating the Sensory Palette: Refined Depth
Moving away from predictable commercial trends, Zo & Co leaned into a tactile, timeless palette.
Deep forest green walls are accented with traditional gold-leaf wainscoting to add historical elegance, while plush rose-velvet armchairs contrast against heavy, dark marble-top tables.
To ensure longevity, cream-colored high-back banquettes provide a residential softness built for heavy commercial wear..
Designing "The Glow": Layered Illumination
For Zo & Co Design Studio, lighting is the ultimate storyteller. The team designed a tiered system featuring an oversized gold chandelier as a beacon of warmth, vertical wall sconces to create a rhythmic heartbeat, and smoky glass pendants to cast an intimate glow over private seating areas..
The Realization: Bringing the Soul of Mehr to Life
The studio's work went beyond aesthetics; it was about giving the founders’ aspirations a physical home. By translating their dreams of community and "light" into an ergonomic landscape, Zo & Co ensured that every corner of the cafe feels as good as it looks.
From the supportive curve of the velvet lounge chairs to the intentional spacing that allows for both privacy and connection, the studio transformed the founders' vision into an environment where guests feel an immediate sense of belonging.
