Art direction for EsPattio featuring the Bistro table collection within the historic regionalist architecture of La Térmica, Málaga.

BISTRÓ

“Art direction for the Bistro table series”

Rejecting the anonymity of non places

We live in an era increasingly defined by non places, generic environments that lack local essence and look identical in any city around the world. For this project, developed in collaboration with Leblume for the firm EsPattio, our objective was to find the exact opposite. Since these furniture pieces are manufactured in Andalusia, we sought to present them within powerful spaces with a high degree of personality. The choice of La Térmica in Málaga, a landmark building from 1860, provided the perfect canvas to ground contemporary design in local heritage.

PROJECT DETAILS

ArtDirection: Carlos Jiménez & Leblume

Client: EsPattio

Year: 2023

Contemporary furniture placed in a regionalist building to create a contrast between modern design and historic textures.

A singular design language across diverse environments

The architectural richness of La Térmica allowed us to represent a variety of functional environments, from professional offices and contemporary cafés to outdoor terraces. By utilizing different spots within the building, we demonstrated how the Bistro collection maintains a cohesive design language while adapting to the unique character of historically significant spaces.

Set design for EsPattio featuring the Bistro table in a high contrast, architectural environment.
Bistro table styled in a professional office setting within the historic La Térmica building in Málaga.

Strategic selection of furniture, colors, and props

As art directors, our process begins with the careful selection of spaces that can tell a story. We designed each scenario by choosing specific furniture pieces from the brand and defining color palettes that complemented the building's original materials. Every prop was selected to add a layer of domesticity or professional context, ensuring that the final compositions felt lived in yet aspirational.

Close up of furniture styling for EsPattio, showcasing the curated choice of props and color palettes.
Art direction for a cafe setting using EsPattio furniture in an authentic Mediterranean architectural context.
High angle shot of the Bistro table showing the geometric dialogue between the furniture and the tiled floor.
Digital set design for a contemporary cafe featuring3D models of the Bistro table series.

In addition to the physical photoshoot, we developed a series of architectural renderings to further explore the versatility of the collection. We designed digital environments for a café, a restaurant with a private patio, and a modern office. For these virtual spaces, we applied a similar aesthetic to the one found in the Málaga building, maintaining a consistent brand image across both physical and digital media.

Digital extensions through architectural renderings

Digital interior design for a bistro, emphasizing the modularity and colors of the furniture collection.
3D architectural visualization of a modern interior designed to showcase the Bistro furniture collection.
Photorealistic rendering of a restaurant patio environment designed for the EsPattio furniture series.
Virtual office environment created to demonstrate the professional application of the Bistro tables.

When we conceptualize each set, we strive to create stories that invite the viewer to imagine themselves within the space. Our goal is to move beyond simple product display and create evocative imagery where the furniture becomes a central character in a larger narrative of place and identity.

Creating narratives through visual storytelling

Creative direction for EsPattio chairs and tables, highlighting the interaction between product and architectural space.
Final campaign image for the Bistro collection, showcasing the soulful atmosphere created through intentional art direction.