Fisher & Donaldson, St. Andrews, Scotland
Hand-painted, quirky wall artwork
Rustic, homely wooden/brick features
Mixed element of fixed/moveable seating
Attractive counter design
The greatest coffee shop designs are those that create an experience that customers want to capture and share. From hearty, rustic farmhouse coffee shops to modern, minimalist escapes, if done right, the layout and visual appeal of your venue can serve as a powerful marketing tool.
Indeed – a strategic coffee shop design might just be the difference between your café fading into the background and becoming a viral sensation. Beyond serving the flakiest croissants and the creamiest lattes, a striking design can turn casual customers into loyal brand patrons, making your space TikTok and Instagram-worthy.
Let’s dive into what makes a great coffee shop design…
So you’re launching a coffee shop and are ready to dive in. While it’s tempting to jump right into the more exciting tasks of selecting furniture and colour palettes, it’s essential to start with clear renders and planned drawings. These tools help ensure your bigger vision aligns with practical execution.
A thorough plan and 3D render allow you to accurately visualise the space, gain accurate measurements, maximise your customers’ experience, and avoid costly mistakes. In our previous article, we explored why renders and plan drawings are so important.
Key features to consider in your coffee shop interior:
Undeniably, the best coffee shop counter designs are the ones that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. The trick is to make your customers feel comfortable and engaged from the moment they walk. If going viral is your goal, a strong brand presence and unique design features can help your venue stand out.
Here are some coffee shop designs that we love…
Hand-painted, quirky wall artwork
Rustic, homely wooden/brick features
Mixed element of fixed/moveable seating
Attractive counter design
Welcoming, modern seating spaces
Vibrant offering with strong links to local community and building
Embraces simplicity and harmony
Attractive counter design
Elegant and varied lighting
Small coffee shops often face the challenge of limited space, but that doesn’t mean they have to compromise on style or function. In fact, smaller spaces can be more intimate and charming, making them easier to design creatively and uniquely.
Some ideas include going vertical with your storage space, adding mirrors to make your space look bigger, incorporating unique design elements like neon signs or accent walls and using multifunctional furniture.
Here are a few real-life ideas for maximising the design of small coffee shops:
La Maritxu in London is one of our personal favourites, having recently been lucky enough to work on their new store, which is opening in the heart of Carnaby, Soho. The family business recently went viral on TikTok and Instagram for their famous, fluffy Basque cheesecakes that are made fresh in store daily. Let’s take a look at what else they’re doing right…
Sophisticated Parisian theme
Vintage black-and-white checkerboard tiles
Neutral wall tones and cane chairs for warmth and texture
Cultural artwork to tell a story
Contemporary and cosy
Unique wooden swing seats
Lots of plants and flowers
Brings the outdoors inside
(Unfortunately, Plush is now closed)
The counter is often the centrepiece of a coffee shop, and its design plays a significant role in setting the tone for the entire space. Whether you’re opting for a sleek, modern look or a rustic, wooden feel, the counter design should complement the overall coffee shop brand while being functional for both customers and staff.
Here are some popular shop counter design ideas…
A large, well-lit glass display case
Subtle under-counter lighting provides a soft glow
Digital menus are mounted above the counter
On trend, matching counter/shop design
Stylish wall and ceiling mounted greenery
Mixed element of fixed/moveable seating
Grab and go display for food-to-go offering
Ready to start designing your coffee shop? With the right plan, your venue could become the next viral sensation. From interior layouts to unique design features, the possibilities are endless. Get in touch with us today on 01282 450622 to begin your coffee shop design project and bring your creative vision to life.
Featured image from @NPutra