LITTLE OWL LOHI

Denver, CO

YEAR
2023

SCOPE
Interior Design and FF&E Procurement

For Little Owl Coffee’s third outpost in the vibrant LoHi neighborhood, Swan Dive took inspiration from the concept of wabi sabi, infusing intention and harmonic flow into a compact 400-square-foot space.

As the legend goes, Sen no Rikyū, a young apprentice eager to learn the art of the tea ceremony, was tasked with caring for a garden by the tea-master, Takeeno Joo. In a moment of imperfection, Rikyū shook a cherry tree, scattering sakura flowers on the ground. This touch of imperfection birthed the concept of wabi sabi—finding beauty in impermanence and imperfection.

Much like Rikyū's imperfect sakura flowers, the materials we selected for Little Owl, such as limewash paint, travertine stone, copper, and wood, contain irregularities that become more compelling as they age and patina. These materials lend an organic feel to the space, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for patrons. Soft monochromatic finishes are accentuated by a pop of plum-colored accents, adding depth and contrast to the overall design.

Little Owl Coffee's LoHi location has quickly become a beloved neighborhood gem, inviting patrons to escape the chaos of the outside world and savor life's simple pleasures.

Photography by Forino Photography