- Project: DROP
- Architect: Oleksandr Makhno
- Location: Ukraine, Kovel
- Year: 2023
- Area: 60 m2
- Photography: Andrey Avdeenko
In the heart of Kovel, Ukraine, a city known for its charm and local character, lies a unique coffee experience—DROP, a 60-square-meter coffee shop where authenticity and craftsmanship take center stage. Designed by renowned Ukrainian architect Oleksandr Makhno, this café is more than just a place to enjoy coffee—it’s a curated space that tells a story of true design values and emotional resonance.
A Coffee Shop Rooted in Nature
From the moment you step inside DROP, it’s clear this isn’t your typical café. The walls are lined with 150-year-old oak, carefully preserved to bring warmth and history into the space. The ceiling, adorned with natural tree roots, adds a raw, organic aesthetic rarely seen in modern interiors. These elements work in harmony to evoke the coziness of rustic Ukrainian homes and traditional countryside aesthetics—elements that resonate deeply with visitors.
“We wanted to create something original—away from the generic café templates. Something with soul,” says Oleksandr Makhno, known for his poetic approach to interior architecture.
The space echoes this philosophy at every level, from the vintage wooden tabletops to the warm lighting that softly illuminates the textures of aged materials.
Where Craftsmanship Meets Comfort
The flooring and select wall sections are finished in premium micro cement, crafted with a rock-like texture that brings visual depth to the minimalistic palette. In contrast, the gleaming metallic bar counter anchors the room with its polished modernity—balanced perfectly by custom pendant lights, hand-sculpted to resemble falling coffee drops. These bespoke fixtures, designed by Makhno himself, embody the theme of “A Drop of True.”
Every element, from the state-of-the-art coffee equipment to the climate control system, is carefully chosen not just for functionality but for how it contributes to the emotional atmosphere of the space. The furniture is custom-designed, balancing minimalist form with maximum comfort.
Designing Emotions, Not Just Spaces
DROP doesn’t just serve coffee—it creates mood. The interior design reflects a commitment to true value: mood, memory, and meaning. This coffee shop in Kovel stands out for its ability to make guests feel grounded, inspired, and at home—all at once.
“Mood can’t be imitated. It’s the result of genuine elements working together in harmony,” Makhno emphasizes.
This approach aligns with the growing global trend of slow living and authentic spaces, where visitors seek not just great coffee but memorable experiences.
More Than a Coffee Shop: A Design Statement
DROP is a shining example of how small commercial spaces can become architectural landmarks. It reflects a larger movement in Ukrainian design—one that embraces heritage, natural materials, and storytelling.
Photography © Andrey Avdeenko
