At OH Design Lab, we not only enjoy becoming involved in modern residential design but also in commercial design! Especially when we are working alongside discerning entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses with good design in mind.

Like any other retail or restaurant space, designing coffee shops involves careful planning and execution. It’s important to us that every detail is covered, creating an area to not only enjoy but also to make money.

Key factors in coffee shop design

First Impressions Matter!

Never underestimate the value of a good first impression in the coffee industry. The look and feel of your coffee shop should be a priority, so it’s important to get it right. This is essential from a marketing perspective because it can determine who will become your customer.

Be sure that there is unity in your brand that people can remember. Be consistent so that people know what to anticipate both when they visit and when they recommend you to others. This is especially important if you are planning to roll out more cafes in the future.

Your Layout

A great coffee shop doesn’t just happen; it starts with a great layout. Let’s begin with the customer and their user journey:

• Impress guests with a great welcome and a ‘wow factor’ upon entering.

• Create a natural flow to the counter.

• Ensure that it is clear to customers what you do.

• Make sure your menu is clear, easy to understand, and readable.

Coffee shops can get pretty busy at peak times, so make sure your customer’s foot flow works and your design doesn’t create any bottlenecks.

Take a look at ArchDaily’s Small Cafe Designs: 30 Aspirational Examples in Plan & Section to see examples of great coffee shop designs around the world. Unless you have a background in architecture or design, probably you wouldn’t know that Archdaily is the world's most visited architecture platform with millions of visitors each day.

Importance of Service

Finding the right amount of space in your employee’s workstation is a balancing act. It’s important to plan optimal space to work efficiently, not too large, and not too small. It’s fun to think about the design, but the first thing to prioritize is the large equipment you’ll need to bring customers in the door and the space it will take up. This applies to both the back kitchen and on-counter appliances. Selecting the correct equipment will ensure you can cope with peak traffic times. The last thing you want to be known for is the café with long, slow lines, as customers aren’t likely to return. Preventing problems from ever occurring is a solid general concept.

If your operation is poorly designed, either from the standpoint of ambiance or working layout, your opportunity to make a great first impression (and long-term sales) will suffer. Strive to be original and set your coffee bar apart from your competition with a definite theme and concept in mind before you begin.

Considering the Community and Supporting the Arts

When designing a modern coffee shop, it's essential to consider the community and how your shop can support local arts and forms of expression. A great example of this is the coffee shop Bitite in Latvia. Bitite features a thoughtfully designed website with careful consideration for branding and image. They even allow a DJ to perform an electronic set during normal business hours, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

If you enjoy house music, funk, melodic, and lo-fi house, here's a DJ set from Bitite. Play it while you browse the web and read the rest of my blog to get a feel for how music can enhance the coffee shop experience.

Real-Life success story

For some real-world inspiration, check out this YouTube interview with a young entrepreneur who has successfully launched his own coffee shop business. In the interview by Paul Bulanov, he and the owner of Narrative Coffee in NC discusses key aspects of maximizing space and introducing merchandising to the coffee experience. His insights can provide valuable tips and motivation for your own coffee shop design journey.

partnering with oh design lab

At OH Design Lab, we work closely with entrepreneurs launching innovative concepts by offering design and construction services to bring your ideas into reality. If you have a unique project in mind and need help to ensure it will be a success, fill out the form below to get your project started.