Papila overhauls hotel drinks cabinets with Nature collection

Spanish design studio Papila has designed a range of freestanding cabinets for the hotel industry that reimagines the classic hotel mini bar (+ slideshow).

The collection, which was created in partnership with furniture brand Bustper, mimics materials found in the La Sénia region in Catalonia, where the company’s headquarters are based.

Slatted beechwood doors are lacquered in green, which is commonly found on shutters in the area, while vertically ridged, orange-fronted cabinets echo the colour and shape of terracotta tiles.

“The Nature collection chooses to recuperate the experience classic drinks cabinets offer, and reclaim another way of enjoying a hotel room,” said the studio.

The range includes several pieces of furniture, all of which are raised off the ground on wooden legs. Smaller pieces function as side units, while the larger cabinet has several sections, offering room for a fridge and a safe.

It also features an upper cupboard containing a Bluetooth sound system, and a door that folds outwards to double as a shelf.

“The height and ergonomics of the ensemble make it accessible for all users, while the upper unit’s front door swing doubles the supporting surface and improves user experience when pouring out a drink or connecting electronic devices,” said the studio, which specialises in design for the food and beverage industry.

Another alternative to the hotel mini bar was created by Danish designer Cecilie Manz, who used wood, canvas and marble to “twist the typical use” of materials.

Other drinks cabinets covered by Dezeen include a long-legged mini bar that can accommodate two people sitting across from one another, and a cubic storage unit by Alexander Wang for Poltrona Frau that opens in two like a book.

Photography is by Meritxell Arjalaguer.

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