WE CREATE COFFEE SHOPS PEOPLE TALK ABOUT
48% of guests are willing to recommend a place because of its interior. We design coffee shops people talk about — because atmosphere matters.
Coffee Shop Design
Create a memorable experience for your guests through design solutions that combine atmosphere, functionality, and business goals.
Coffee Shop Renovation
Refresh your existing space while saving up to 30% of the budget compared to a full renovation.
Restaurant Consulting
Receive support at every stage - from concept selection to operational optimization. Make strategic decisions that boost your restaurant’s efficiency and ensure steady growth.
Equipment & supplies
Equip your space with everything it needs - we will help select tableware, cutlery, and equipment that fit your concept and connect you with reliable suppliers for smooth operations.
Budgeting
Optimize your launch costs - we’ll help shape the budget, return-on-investment hypotheses, and payback strategy to ensure your project’s financial efficiency and stability.
WHY US
A STRATEGIC APPROACH BY ARCHITECTS AND CONSULTANTS
• 15+ years of experience in commercial design with completed projects across 4 continents
• AI-powered analytics for efficient space usage
• Staying within budget and ensuring full cost transparency
• Solutions tailored to your corporate culture and brand goals
Our clients
Our awards
MISTO.CAFE / cafe
222 sq. m, Lutsk, 2024
misto.cafe is a cafe of social impact, opened in Lutsk in 2024 through the initiative of 100 co-founders. Our task was to create a space that embodies the slogan “Different people – one place” and serves as a third place for the city’s community. We drew inspiration from the cafe’s name(misto - city) and aimed to convey an atmosphere of openness, where every guest - with their own habits, perspectives, and rhythms - can find “their” table.
CHEESE BAKERY / cafe
196 sq.m, Lviv, 2022
Cheese Bakery is a café and patisserie in Lviv, located in a revitalized industrial area. Our challenge was to integrate the new venue into the space of a former factory while reflecting the signature style of Cheese Bakery. The concept behind the café was to create a future gallery - the interior was designed as a calm, neutral backdrop for rotating exhibitions of local art.
BROTERIA / bakery
115 sq.m, Odesa, 2023
Broteria is a bakery in Odesa that continues the concept of the wine bar Vinobroteria. Our task was to create a venue with its own character while maintaining a subtle visual connection to the already recognizable bar. The heart of the space is an open bakery kitchen: despite the compact size, the location had to supply baked goods for both itself and Vinobroteria. A glass wall allows guests to observe the bakers at work and the process of crafting bread.
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How interior design impacts coffee shop success
In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, coffee shop interior design has evolved far beyond aesthetics. It is now a key business asset that shapes first impressions, influences how long guests stay, and ultimately affects profitability. The layout and design of a coffee shop not only determine customer comfort but also encourage repeat visits and content creation for social media, providing free brand exposure.
Why it matters now
In times of uncertainty and constant change more and more coffee shop owners are investing in professional design services to ensure their spaces are not only stylish but also optimized for today’s needs – from sustainability to multi-functional layouts.
Modern coffee shops are no longer just places for coffee and pastries. They function as remote workspaces, community hubs, and event venues. That’s why interior design for coffee shops is a long-term investment that supports business growth.
89% of customers say a pleasant atmosphere encourages them to return
Visually attractive interiors drive organic exposure on Instagram
Flexible layouts support a range of functions: casual dining, co-working, and events
Key principles of coffee shop interior design by balbek bureau
At balbek bureau, we believe in merging functionality, ambiance, and uniqueness. Our approach to interior design for coffee shops includes deep analysis of the brand concept, audience, and location.
Functional zoning
Every area has a purpose: from queueing and service flow to restroom access
Layouts are planned to support customer comfort and staff efficiency
Lighting, acoustics, and aroma
Lighting sets the mood and highlights design accents
Acoustic comfort encourages longer stays and meaningful conversations
Subtle scent strategies enhance the emotional experience
Coffee shop design as a focal point
The coffee shop bar design anchors the space visually and operationally
We integrate storage, workflow, and presentation in a seamless unit
Design as brand storytelling
Every material and object serves a narrative function
From the furniture to the finishes, the interior becomes a brand touchpoint
Coffee shop design case studies
We create spaces that go beyond function to evoke emotion. Here are a few examples of how coffee shop interior design helps shape brand perception and customer behavior:
Cheese Bakery – loft design with contextual harmony
Before: A large space within the revitalized KIVSH complex in Lviv, needing to appeal to a mixed audience.
After: A coffee shop layout combining raw loft aesthetics with family-friendly functionality. Exposed brick, vintage furnishings, a long communal table, a kids’ corner, and semi-open kitchen were introduced.
Result: Cheese Bakery became a community favorite and seamlessly integrated into the creative ecosystem of KIVSH.
misto.cafe – design as a community connector
Before: A location in Lutsk aiming to become a socially meaningful third place.
After: A flexible coffee shop design split into day and night zones, with a performance stage, retail display, lounge seating, and mobile furniture.
Result: The space became a landmark, balancing architectural style with social impact and visual identity.
Other cases you can explore here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a Coffee Shop
Buying furniture before planning the layout – leads to space inefficiency or poor workflow.
Neglecting acoustics – noisy environments reduce guest comfort and shorten visits.
Overlooking back-of-house logistics – poor planning affects service quality.
Choosing style over function – aesthetic trends without practical considerations lead to high maintenance and customer frustration.
Not considering Instagram potential – design elements that photograph well can drive organic reach.
Recommendations for Coffee Shop Owners
Think people-first: who are your guests? What matters more to them – speed, silence, or aesthetics? Your design should reflect real scenarios.
Involve an architect early: the wrong location can undermine even the best idea. We offer consulting before lease agreements to help you choose the right space.
Don’t overlook the technical: ventilation, acoustics, and staff flow can make or break customer experience.
Ask questions, stay engaged: great design comes from collaboration with an architect. The best spaces are born from dialogue.
At balbek bureau, we treat every project as a partnership. Our most iconic designs are always the result of co-creation.
Ready to design a coffee shop that sells more than coffee?
We at balbek bureau turn ideas into functional and memorable coffee shop interiors. Whether it’s your first location or a rebrand, we design environments that feel as good as they look.
Contact us now to create a space your customers will return to, again and again.
FAQ
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It depends on the size, complexity, and number of custom solutions. We tailor every project to your vision, functionality, and budget — offering clarity from the start. Find your solution by filling out the form.
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Hybrid spaces (coffee + coworking), natural materials, neutral palettes with vivid accents, and smart zoning. We balance trend awareness with audience-specific needs and long-term business strategy.
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Yes. Visual appeal plays a direct role in generating free, organic content from your guests. Social media visibility starts with inspiring spaces.
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Buying furniture before layout planning, poor zoning, lack of soundproofing, and underestimating the importance of durable finishes.
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From 4 to 10 weeks — depending on square footage, number of feedback rounds, and client-side approval speed. We’re happy to walk you through the complete timeline.
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Of course. We’re experienced in working with existing brand guidelines, ensuring that your café design aligns with your identity and resonates with your target audience.
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Concept → Zoning → 3D Visualization → Technical Drawings → Materials Selection → Author Supervision → Implementation. We guide you every step of the way.
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Start with your concept and location assessment. We help clients even before the first sketch by analyzing spatial potential, business format, and investment strategy.
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Yes. We work with clients internationally, using online tools, structured phases, and real-time supervision to ensure smooth delivery.
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Absolutely. With smart planning, built-in furniture, and efficient space use, even compact cafés can be impactful, profitable, and aesthetically strong.
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Yes. Whether you’re looking for a full transformation or just a visual and functional refresh, we can evaluate the space and recommend the best approach for your goals and budget.
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Smart coffee shop layout and design can maximize even compact interiors. Built-in furniture and vertical zoning are key. A successful interior design coffee shop focuses on quality, not square meters.