Chekhov Café occupies the space of two apartments, situated on two levels: the basement and first floor of a new multi-story building.
The literary association gave way to the beginning of a complex philosophical reflection, which in turn resulted in the original artistic concept. The key images of the interior are – person, time, literature. A portrait of Anton Chekhov became one of the starting points.
The historical context of Chekhov’s works is embodied in the elements of Art Nouveau aesthetics present throughout in a very conventional, stylized form. The space features a spiral stairway, multi-layered draped curtains, deep leather sofas, and a fireplace. The concept also speaks of the relation of man to the spirit of an older time, an era at the turn of two already bygone centuries, when everything seemed measured, calm and quiet.
The use of gypsum allowed the cumbersome columns to be given a complex form remotely resembling the crowns on trees. According to the authors, these should be associated with a “Cherry Orchard".
The lighting is subdued, chamber-like: the flickering of numerous candles, complemented by electric light fixtures, enhances the feeling of antiquity.
