curated art pieces and bespoke furnishings complete the project, which takes its name from a 1920s card game.
MPNYC architects Andreas Kostopoulos and James McNally unveil Koumkan, a lounge bar and restaurant within the Semiramis Hotel in Athens, Greece. Named after a 1920s card game, the project reconnects the iconic hotel, originally designed by Karim Rashid, to its artful roots while aligning with the evolving cultural and culinary trends of the city.
Visitors move through a series of environments, beginning with a serene rose-tinted foyer and culminating in the kaleidoscopic mirrors of the Grande Salle. Along the way, materials like Tinos green marble and pastel pink travertine establish the foundation of the interior design, complete with curated art pieces and bespoke furnishings reflecting owner, entrepreneur, and art patron Dakis Joannou’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent.
Descending a travertine staircase into the foyer, a lush garden reflected in mirrors greets the patrons. From this space, defined by rose-tinted travertine walls, MPNYC design studio leads visitors through a pivoting door to the reception area. Here, soft, diffused lighting sets the tone for the following experience of the Parlor, a bar clad entirely in green marble sourced from the Greek island of Tinos. Repurposed from overlooked quarry remnants, the material forms banquettes, a DJ booth, and even footrests, with mirrored ceilings amplifying the monolithic presence of the bar. Vintage stainless steel sconces and a bespoke chandelier enhance this intimate atmosphere.
The Grande Salle serves as the heart of Koumkan, hosting a cocktail bar, restaurant, and lounge under a kaleidoscopic mirrored atrium. Bespoke chandeliers and reflective columns create a dazzling effect. Curving pink banquettes and a travertine ‘banana bar’ ground the space, which features textiles dyed using traditional techniques and wall finishes with textural depth. Inspired by American artist William Streng’s abstract paintings, the color palette contrasts subtle fleshy tones with rich textures.
Beyond the Grande Salle lies the Grotto, a semi-sheltered lounge integrated with the existing pool deck of the Semiramis Hotel. With walls clad in peach terracotta and travertine tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern, this grotto-like space offers diners a unique vantage point—eye level with swimmers. Adding to the ambiance, a reverse ziggurat bar and chrome-polished chairs evoke the charm of the Mediterranean Riviera.
The spirit of Koumkan extends beyond its striking interiors, where art, design, and architecture converge to take center stage. Joannou’s dedication to emerging Greek artists is woven throughout the project, evident in the bespoke furnishings and artwork. Highlights include furniture designer Ellie Joannou’s sculptural black chairs, Olga Migliaressi Pocha’s ancient Greek goddess-inspired mirrors, ceramics by Kalopsia and an entrance piece by Alexandra Dore, enriching the narrative of this project.
project info:
name: KOUMKAN | @koumkan_athens
architects: MPNYC | @manhattanprojects
location: Semiramis Hotel, Athens, Greece
lead designers: Andreas Kostopoulos and James McNally
client: Dakis Joannou | @donkey301239
photographer: Yorgos Kaplanidis | @kaplanidis
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