The Duo Dynamic Cafe Queens, New York interior lighting design, American architecture images
The Duo Dynamic Cafe in Queens, NY
November 16, 2024
Architecture: Design Next Agency
Location: Queens, New York City, NY, USA
Photos: Design Next Agency
The Duo Dynamic Cafe, Queens
Design Next Agency, a top-tier hospitality design-build group, has unveiled The Duo, a transformative café and bar located at 36-20 Main St, Queens, NY. Occupying 1,070 square feet, The Duo transitions seamlessly from a cozy daytime café to a vibrant cocktail bar at night, offering Flushing residents a unique and adaptable social space.
Faced with the challenge of maximizing the venue’s 30-ft ceilings without adding a second floor, DNA turned an obstacle into an opportunity. After the landlord declined their initial proposal for an upper level, the team reimagined the vertical space. They envisioned a dramatic centerpiece that would enhance The Duo’s dual-purpose design—a custom floating glass sculpture resembling a dragon in flight.
“The dragon isn’t just decorative,” explains Tenzin Samphel, co-founder of Design Next Agency. “It’s a dynamic light source that embodies the duality of the space, shifting with the time of day.”
The installation features over 80-pound glass segments suspended by reinforced steel wires, creating an awe-inspiring presence. Tubular LED lights integrated into the design adjust in color and intensity, offering soft tones during the day and bold, vibrant hues at night. This unique feature resonates with The Duo’s young, social-media-savvy audience, cementing its place as a neighborhood landmark.
Other Design Highlights
Interior Layout: The dual-bar concept divides the space into two distinct zones—a quick-service coffee bar at the entrance for daytime customers and a sleek cocktail bar at the rear. Mirrored panels amplify the space’s energy and light, enhancing its day-to-night adaptability.
Material Aesthetics: A combination of stainless steel, brown leather, gray boucle, and light oak wood strikes a balance between contemporary elegance and warmth. Matte black accents add contrast, further emphasizing the venue’s transformative character.
Mood Lighting: Adjustable lighting creates an inviting ambiance during the day and an electrifying atmosphere at night, aligning perfectly with The Duo’s café-bar concept.
Since its soft opening, The Duo has become a hotspot in Flushing, celebrated for its forward-thinking design and versatility.
“Our goal was to craft a space that drives engagement while maximizing ROI,” says Samphel. “The Duo exemplifies our design philosophy—innovative, timeless, and profitable.”
Following this success, DNA is gearing up to launch new projects, including ‘Fleur’ in Park Slope and ‘Ren’ on Grand Street, further showcasing their expertise in creating visionary hospitality spaces.
The Duo Dynamic Cafe in Queens, NY – Building Information
Architecture: Design Next Agency
Lead Designer: Tenzin Samphel
Completed: 2024
Area: 1,070 sq. ft.
Images: Design Next Agency
The Duo Dynamic Cafe, Queens, New York images / information received 161124
Location: Queens, New York City, USA
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