The Duo

The Duo, designed by Design Next Agency in Flushing, New York, seamlessly blends organic forms and functional versatility, establishing a serene café and bar that invites community engagement throughout the day.

Firm
  • area / size 1,070 sqft
  • Year 2024
  • Location New York City, New York, United States,
  • Type Bar / Brewery, Cafe / Bistro / Bakery,

    • Located in Flushing, Queens, The Duo is a hybrid coffee shop and bar that redefines casual dining through a sculptural, design-forward lens. Designed by Design Next Agency and named a 2025 NYCxDESIGN Award winner in the Casual Dining category, the project merges organic form with functional versatility to create a calm, inviting space in one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

    Soft curves, custom woodwork, and a muted, natural palette shape the interior, offering a gentle rhythm that guides visitors from day to night. Natural light filters in through large windows, enhancing the tactility of the materials and fostering a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the urban context outside.

    The space is designed to support dual uses—café by day, bar by night—without feeling transitional or disjointed. Integrated millwork, sculptural lighting, and thoughtfully zoned seating anchor the experience, making The Duo feel both fluid and grounded.

    As a new neighborhood anchor, The Duo reflects a growing appetite for emotionally resonant, community-centered hospitality spaces. It’s a fresh take on hybrid dining—one that feels deeply local, spatially expressive, and quietly transformative.

    Design: Design Next Agency
    Photography: Kaylee Wong