interior of Beirut coffee shop with bright graphics and colors
Sippy Cup’s interior features hand-painted accents that are directly inspired by the characters and shapes that children have brought to life on paper.

July 15, 2024

Words: Robert McKelvey

Photography: Photography courtesy of Delphine Gebran Interior Architect

The Design of Beirut’s Sippy Cup Entices All Ages

Inspired by the innocent imagination of children, Sippy Cup is a collective space for young and old alike. This exciting and vibrant coffee shop–located in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon, boasts a colorful interior designed by Delphine Gebran Interior Architect; a vibrant canvas on which every child’s creativity is not only acknowledged, but forms an integral part of the design.

“Seeing children’s faces light up as they explore and interact with the space is the ultimate reward,” interior architect Delphine Gebran tells Interior Design. “The joy and excitement they express validate all the hard work and creative thought put into the project.”

entrance to the coffee shop with bright blue door and lots of trinkets
As patrons step through the door to Sippy Cup, they’re immediately greeted by a burst of vibrant colors and playful shapes.
focus on seating area inside the coffee shop with bright doodles and scribbles all around
Sippy Cup captured the essence of children’s creativity and brought their doodles to life.

Bright, cheerful colors and soft shapes play an essential part in creating Sippy Cup’s interior design. While a departure from Gebran’s typical style, they lend the space a unique energy and liveliness, drawing on her own experiences as a mother of two.

“My children were the heart and soul of this project,” Gerbran explains. “Their drawings, paintings and doodles–bursting with vibrant colors and whimsical shapes—became the foundation for many of the design elements.”

colorful seating area interior of Sippy Cup
This seating area is a space where children’s imagination is not only acknowledged, but it also became an integral part of the design, creating an evolving interior filled with the love and joy of childhood creativity.

“Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings,” she continues. “This project was designed with that in mind, incorporating interactive elements that invite children to touch, feel, and engage with their environment.”

This philosophy even extends to the decorations. The walls are adorned with custom-made, perforated wooden panels that allow young guests to craft their own visual narratives through the interplay of shapes, evoking distinct emotions and influencing the viewers’ responses. These interactive elements allow children to play close to their parents.

bright and colorful interior of Sippy Cup
The coffee shop interior is a visual symphony, blending geometric forms in perfect harmony to evoke distinct emotions.

From the height and stability of interactive installations to eliminating sharp edges or pinch points, everything has been assessed and tested to make sure children can enjoy their activities safely. Families are already sharing how much they love Sippy Cup, and it is quickly becoming a favorite spot for outings and playdates.

At Sippy Cup, Coffee Meets Cozy Moments For All Ages

entrance to the coffee shop with bright blue door and lots of trinkets
The bright and colorful entrance to Sippy Cup.
bright and colorful interior of Sippy Cup
Sippy Cup is inspired by the interplay of shapes.
work area of the Sippy Cup coffee shop
Sippy Cup’s interior features hand-painted accents that are directly inspired by the characters and shapes that children have brought to life on paper.
bright and colorful interior of Sippy Cup
This interior space is a living canvas that evolves with each kid’s artistic stroke.
bright and colorful interior of Sippy Cup
Both parents and children can have a fun time at Sippy Cup.

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