Kobe Freundlieb | A French Breeze in a Church

Freundlieb, a famous shop in Kobe.
A former church building with over 100 years of history.

This time, we had the opportunity to assist with renovations such as replacing the curtains and re-upholstering chairs in the first-floor shop and the second-floor wedding salon.






Freundlieb in Kobe
is a memorable shop where I often went to buy bread when I was a child.

The renovation made the most of the space, which has over 100 years of history.




The classic shop curtains were replaced with stylish windows using Italian Pauline and Spanish colored lace,
creating an open feel that also matches the classical elements.

We added cleanliness and sophistication befitting a bread and pastry shop.




Taking advantage of the constraints of the old building and the air conditioners on both sides,
we created rhythm by making the center high and long, and the sides low and short.
We chose light-透けレース to highlight the charm of the windows.








The plaque at the entrance tells the story of its history, which dates back to 1884.
It has a presence unique to a building that has stood for so long.






In the salon next to the second-floor cafe,
light velvet curtains and Astier lamps were installed.
The aim was to create an elegant atmosphere, as if a French breeze were blowing through the classic space.






The drab brown chairs were re-upholstered with high-quality French fabric (flame-retardant treated).
Although they were considering replacing them, by daring to re-upholster them,
we inscribed the building's history into the furniture, passing it on to the next generation.








Freundlieb is also popular for house weddings.
This is the bridal waiting room
and also a salon for meetings.
We coordinated the space to highlight the stately furniture,
while creating a modern and comfortable atmosphere.

The woven velvet fabric gives it a stately and slightly masculine feel,
while the 100% cotton lace features gorgeous floral and bird motifs.






The cafe space features a ceiling over 10 meters high, continuous chandeliers, and a checkered floor.
It is a dramatic space that retains the vestiges of a church while being chic and well-appointed.

By re-upholstering the fabric, the classic, slightly old space
is no longer just old furniture, but something that, along with the building, bears history
and is passed down to the next generation.

I believe the addition of new sophistication has made the space even more appealing. – Nakagawa