Coffee Shop Interior Design

When it comes to finding a coffee shop, customers are often spoilt for choice, so it is important that your coffee house stands out from the crowd. Of course, customers are searching for great coffee, but they are also looking for a great experience which you can provide by offering a great service and excellent interior design. Whether you are looking to create a sociable space where customers can enjoy a relaxing coffee with friends or a more food focused environment, the interior designers here at Boxx Design will unlock the potential of your business.

The importance of coffee shop interior design

Whilst you may brew the perfect cup of coffee and offer an amazing selection of cakes, the design of your coffee shop is crucial if you want to attract new, loyal customers. The interior design should reflect your unique selling point, for example, perhaps you are looking to offer a child friendly space, a vegan range, a work friendly environment or a quick pit stop for those on the go.

Whatever your target clientele, it is your vision for the business which should guide the interior design to encourage your ideal customers through the door. When new customers step into your coffee shop everything from the seating and colour scheme through to the counter, bathrooms and actual menu design will impact their desire to return, so it is important to ensure the space reflects your concept and brand.

The principles of interior design within coffee shops

Designing a coffee shop is a complex process and there are many interior design principles to consider within the space, including the layout of the furniture, the flow of the space, colours, lighting, and the fittings. Every inch of your space should be maximised and by following these key principles, your business will benefit from an interior design that is set for success.

Balance – Balance is the principle that ensures your interior design scheme is harmonious, comfortable and relaxing, which are all important points within every coffee shop design. By balancing key design choices such as paint colours, furniture and lighting it is possible to create a more inviting space. For example, your coffee shop may have a central area of comfortable chairs which is the focal point of the space. By following the principles of balance and radial symmetry it will ensure customers are drawn to this key focal space, whilst also helping the design to radiate across the room.

Rhythm – One of the easiest ways to create rhythm within a space is to repeat key design elements, which will help to create a natural flow within your coffee shop. For example, an arched entranceway could be repeated within the interior by choosing mirrors, lighting and chairs which carry the shape throughout the space. This will help to focus the attention of customers and draw them around the space to key areas such as the waiting area, the counter and through to seating.

Proportion & Scale – Within a coffee shop the proportion of the dining area and seating is very important as it will create an atmosphere that should complement your menu. A well-designed coffee shop dining area should be comfortable and inviting yet practical, as this will ensure a relaxing feel with a natural customer flow. This includes tables for groups that are dining, cosy chairs for those who want to enjoy a simple coffee and perhaps even workstations for those who are working on the go. In terms of proportion and scale, the chairs, tables and even the decorative items need to be carefully balanced to create a practical yet visually interesting space.

Light – The lighting design of a coffee shop is very important as it will create the atmosphere that your customers are searching for. Whether you are looking to create a bright, vibrant space or a more intimate, comforting environment, it is the lighting setup which will emphasise your design choices. There are three main types of lighting to consider, accent lighting, decorative lighting, and ambient lighting, which can be mixed and matched to create the perfect atmosphere. For example, accent lighting can be used to highlight your food counter, whereas ambient lighting can be used to illuminate each table, with decorative lighting used to complement the overall interior styling.

Contrast – There are many ways to create contrast within a space, with colour and lighting being the most popular design choices. Within coffee shops, the principle of less is more is often applied as too much of a contrast between colours and patterns can make a space feel too busy and chaotic. Instead, contrast should be used to create welcoming spaces that are well defined and interesting, such as a cosy chair that is perfect for relaxing with a coffee and a book.

What are the popular coffee shop interior design trends?

Coffee shops are more than places where customers stop for a quick hot drink, they are often key sociable places within their communities. With so many coffee shops across towns, villages, and cities there are many exciting popular trends to consider, from rustic, vintage inspired interiors to bright, eye-catching designs:

Earth colours – Dark shades of green, brown, and grey are very popular at the moment especially when paired with a contrasting vibrant colour. This creates an effective balance of colour that is very popular with coffee shop owners that are looking to create an independent, eclectic feel. The colour scheme can be paired with quirky decorative items, bespoke artwork, and unusual lighting to create an interesting space that stands out to customers.

Vintage – From rustic country charm to vintage warehouse style, these are popular trends that are used to create an old-world, welcoming feel. These spaces often include exposed brick, rough materials, books, and plants which work together to create a warm, intimate environment. These spaces are full of character, with the materials, textiles and plants used to add interesting, handcrafted layers to the rustic design.

Light & Bright – Largely driven by the Scandinavian hygge concept, coffee shops are great spaces for embracing the comfortable, cosy style of hygge design. This trend uses light, bright colours combined with natural wood, plants, and decorative lighting to create a warm and relaxing yet light and open design.

Boxx Design – Specialists in coffee shop interior design

Here at Boxx Design, we are proud of our client base, and we have worked on many amazing coffee shop, café, restaurant, and bar designs. Our comprehensive design service will transform your space to create an environment which promotes the unique aspects of your business, so that you can attract and connect with your target customers.

We take pride in getting to know our clients and their business plans, as this ensures we create designs which stick to your budget and vision whilst considering the important aesthetic details. As a team of architects and interior designers, we can take your project from concept stage through to completion and we are always available to guide you through the process. To discuss your coffee shop interior design project in more detail, contact our design team today to get started.