Creating a cool ‘ french chic’ contemporary space, with a variety of playful elements that would appeal to the local community, inspired by a traditional french cafe. The design pays homage to a modern take on a French ice-cream cart adapted to a counter style display.

The client envisaged a typical and traditional french cafe for this venue, the designers drew inspiration from this and on a limited budget created a cool ‘ french chic’ contemporary space, with a variety of playful elements that would appeal to directly the local community.

Within an 8-10 week timeframe for design and construct, they reacted promptly to gain a feel for the space and its work flow. Restricted by a load bearing wall dividing the main area to the kitchen, they needed to maintain seamless interaction between the two areas, keeping the counter design flowing into the kitchen without being disjointed.

The main feature of the space pays homage to a modern take on a French crepe/ice-cream cart adapted to a counter style display, with timber panelling, pale greys, marble top and canopy awnings.

Maximising the natural light from the main bay window, banquette seating was placed with round tables, custom painted French bistro chairs with dipped feet. A palette of warm whites, lime washed oak timbers and floors, textured linens, tan leathers, underpinned by little red details. The designer’s aim for the project was to create an inviting enclave with a unique identity.

The main counter area was specifically designed to intimately interact with all patrons (young or old). Showcasing the client’s main offerings including, freshly made waffles, crepes and home made ice cream, this was key consideration in the design approach as it keeps the products on offer in the patrons main view at all times.

Each area is highlighted by its own section and overhead canopy to assist with ordering. French oak timber dowel shelving line the main walls to accessorise and style the space with home made goods, jams, chocolates, macrons and muesli. The design had to be multi-functional, adaptable across breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. It also needed provide a smooth workflow that could accommodate smaller and larger groups.

The venue utilises both exits doors to the bar area and kitchen area, helping the staffs work flow through back of house to front of house areas, which assists in keeping the patrons main walk way free from chaos. The ordering process is simple, order and pay at the bar just like crepe or ice-cream stand in France.

This project highlights an innovative design process towards the clients vision for a family restaurant. Drawing on their years of tradition, the designer’s transformed this hospitality venue working alongside their staff to ensure a modern experience was achieved. The main focus was to apply the venues traditional values, through an innovative thought process, capturing the appeal of a new target market. This was seen as an innovating change towards their specific business model. Since the changes have been implemented, the venue has seen a ease of work flow for staff, and a youthful influence in demographic.