• French Kitsch III: Where Croissants Meet Cathedral Chic

    16 June 2025

    Lighthouse Club Magazine

    Welcome to the coolest patisserie in town—where buttery layers of croissant-inspired imperfection meet gothic grandeur. TOUCH Architect has flipped the script on café aesthetics, blending kitsch with cathedral vibes to create the ultimate Insta-worthy hotspot.

    Photography: Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat

    French Kitsch III isn’t your average pastry joint. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, this café is a masterpiece of contrast—pairing antique charm with modern twists, drawing on elements of French architecture while celebrating the quirkiness of imperfection.

    The genius behind the design? TOUCH Architect, led by Setthakarn Yangderm and Parpis Leelaniramol, the masterminds turning conventional architecture on its head.

    The name itself sets the tone, “French” nods to classic patisserie culture, while “Kitsch” revels in the beauty of the unexpected. It’s not just about flaky croissants and velvety macarons; it’s about an experience that shakes up the idea of what a café can be. Think oversized arches, textured concrete, and a play of light that shifts throughout the day—turning an everyday coffee run into something straight out of a dream sequence.

    The first floor greets guests with asymmetrical arches – forget the perfection of classical architecture, this place embraces the beautiful irregularities of life. Light filters through arched windows, casting mesmerizing shadows, and illuminating the textured concrete walls that add an authentic, raw beauty to the space. The pièce de résistance? A massive, imperfect arch that connects both floors, forming an uninterrupted visual and spatial flow.

    Upstairs, the theme continues with inverted arches that act as voids, letting sunlight pour through in the most dramatic way. These shapes aren’t just decorative—they serve a function, bringing warmth while keeping the space shaded. Every detail works together to craft a space that’s as stylish as it is functional.

    The material palette leans into the idea that beauty isn’t about flawlessness—it’s about authenticity. French Kitsch III lets concrete take centre stage, its textured surfaces becoming a backdrop for standout furniture, LED accents, and those delicious pastries that practically demand a photoshoot before that first bite.

    If you’re the type who lives for aesthetic spaces, mood lighting, and a perfectly curated feed—this café is your dream spot. TOUCH Architect’s design isn’t just about crafting a place to grab coffee; it’s about turning the mundane into the extraordinary, where every corner begs to be photographed.

    Whether you’re here for the architecture, the croissants, or just the vibe, one thing’s for sure—French Kitsch III is a place where perfection is overrated, but the experience is unforgettable. Now, who’s ready to update their feed?

    www.toucharchitect.com

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