Atelier Eva Tattoo Parlor in Brooklyn Offers Clients an Upscale Vibe
Unlike most tattoo parlors, Atelier Eva—an upscale locale in Brooklyn, New York—does not wear its services on its sleeve. Rather, the discreet space beckons clients inside with subtle accents that reflect the heritage and tastes of its cofounder, artist Eva Karabudak, such as the custom painting in the entryway by Turkish painter Murat Palta. Karabudak, a Turkish entrepreneur, envisioned the space as a departure from often times toxic tattoo environments, enabling her to transform the client experience while fostering the talents of emerging artists. She worked alongside her husband and business partner Peter Jenkins to bring to life her vision of an industrial artists’ atelier meets peaceful spa, enlisting architect Alp Bozkurt to design the the studio’s Japanese-inspired outdoor garden and woodworker Joe Cauvel of Cauv Design for custom shelving and detailing.
The resulting space features a blend of concrete and steel, grounded by earth tones and soft, custom-designed lighting. “The idea was to offer tranquility for the clients, while still being an ideal workshop for fine artists to create,” says Karabudak. Matte textures and natural woods free of seals or lacquers combined with brushed and powder-coated metal work throughout create a polished yet unpretentious aesthetic, while Cauvel’s woodwork balances the industrial frame of the building, adding warmth.
With a neutral palette, one of the most challenging decisions centered around where to add pops of color. “With so much artwork being created in the studio each day, we didn’t want anything to overpower their voices,” Jenkins adds. “So, we opted for a vibrant and multicolored painting at the entrance.” The painting, which reflects Palta’s ability to meld elements found in traditional Ottoman paintings with western pop culture, perfectly captures the serene yet cheeky spirit of Atelier Eva.
