Ideas For Shop Ambience...

Business By marmar Updated 4 May 2006 , 3:21am by golfgirl1227

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marmar Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:29pm
post #1 of 36

I'm in the process of opening a cupcake/iced cookie/chocolate/tea shop.
(Still at the Offer-To-Lease stage - Uggh!! So much red tape already!)
I would have 2 months to create the shop.

Does anyone have any suggestions about decor? What would appeal to you if you walked into a little bakeshoppe? (It'll be fairly small - 600 square feet - this includes kitchen, bathroom).

I'm allowed to have up to 10 seats, and there's also a very large window for displays.

What do you all think?

Functional bakery look? (lots of stainless steel, white walls - sounds too plain to me)

50's retro look? Lots of pink, turquoise, chrome. Might have a hard time finding retro decorations, though.

Quaint country kitchen look? Easier to find decor, I think, but might be too fuddy-duddy? Or is old-fashioned appealing in a bakeshoppe?

A combination of whatever appeals to me? Might become a bit helter-skelter, though.

So, now that the shop is close to becoming a reality, I'm having a hard time coming up with a decor theme?

You are all creative people - any ideas?

Thank you in advance - I eagerly anticipate any and all ideas.

35 replies
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4dollars Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:36pm
post #2 of 36

I wish I was opening a shop!!! I would go with a neutral backgrond, like warm wood tones, creams and white. then use small accents for colors, that way you could change with the seasons and holidays. Sort of like the way the show on food network is done, semi-homemade with what ever that woman's name is. I don't particuarly like the show, but I always watch to see how they are going to change the background.

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Crimsicle Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:38pm
post #3 of 36

What are you going to call your shop? That might start some creative juices flowing.

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lsawyer Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:41pm
post #4 of 36

If you want to focus on wedding cake orders, I would definitely have a display cake, maybe framed photos on walls, give it a bit of a girly-girl look, lace, tulle, pearls......that sort of thing.

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NEWTODECORATING Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:42pm
post #5 of 36

I am sooo jealous!! I want to be at that stage of the game! Maybe when my 3 year old starts school full time. Until then I will live vicariously thru you.

My first thought was it should be appealing to your customers. Assuming you already have a steady customer base what kind of cakes are you doing the most of? Are they trendy topsy turvey, classic and romantic, or old-fashion? That style could be carried into the room itself. What ever you decide I wish you the best and happy baking!!
Kimberly

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3inafternoon Posted 3 May 2006 , 5:54pm
post #6 of 36

I went to a bakery and they had the French pink and black decor -- very cute. The shop was very white and clean and the pink and black just added the right touch.
They say the color red inspires the appetite though. If you have a small space it might make it feal closed in.
I also like the Italian rustic look. Yellow walls with a brick/brown faux scrubbed over the yellow. Lots of Italian pottery and wrought iron.

Here is a link to a neat decorating site I use ALOT!!! Good Luck!!
http://mariesmanor.hotusa.org/Tuscany-style-Bedrooms.html

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marmar Posted 3 May 2006 , 6:02pm
post #7 of 36

The shop will be called BabyCakes Bakeshoppe, seeing as one of our main products will be cupcakes (a la Magnolia Bakery). We won't be doing wedding cakes (we're nowhere near that accomplished!) but we'll have a lot of cookies, gift baskets,unique chocolates and candy, and fantastic loose teas (Kama Sutra tea appeal to anyone? icon_wink.gif ). Most of our customers will be women, but we will probably have some men who will want to buy gift baskets for their women (or like one of our male customers who has to have have 20 soccer jerseys every time he goes back home, overseas). We'll have some corporate clients who want gift baskets for their own clients, and brides, mothers-to-be, etc. I'm really leaning towards that cute, girly look. Don't want to scare off the men, though.

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FunCakesVT Posted 3 May 2006 , 6:07pm
post #8 of 36

How about the old candy shoppe/soda fountain style? Pink, white, even red?

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marmar Posted 3 May 2006 , 7:27pm
post #9 of 36

Thank you all for your ideas!!

I've decided - tape line on the floor, dividing the shop in half. Now, close your eyes and visualize this:

Half the shop pink, white,splashes of red with black/white tile floor.

The other half - golden, warm colors, textured walls, terracotta floor, wrought-iron accents, Tuscan-style.

What do you think!!??? icon_confused.gificon_eek.gificon_confused.gificon_surprised.gif



JUST KIDDING!! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif Did I have you freaked? I love both ideas - too bad I can only pick one.

I'd love to hear more ideas - keep them coming!

Thanks!

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NEWTODECORATING Posted 3 May 2006 , 7:31pm
post #10 of 36

I admit I was freaked!! LOL

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darandon Posted 3 May 2006 , 7:39pm
post #11 of 36

I could picture something with the 50's theme, black/white tile floor, "Leave it to Beaver" feel.

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dydemus Posted 3 May 2006 , 7:41pm
post #12 of 36

I don't know what your tastes are, but if I were decorating a shop, I would want it to look and feel like cake - colors and textures that make me think, smell, want to taste cake. You know how you see a certain fabric or pattern, and think, "that would make a great cake (design)"? Soft or warm colors seem to invite us to eat and stay - rather than leave like McDonald colors icon_smile.gif. Surround yourself in what makes you feel inspired - that's the only way to really advertise what you're about. Best wishes and keep us updated!!!

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Happygrl Posted 3 May 2006 , 7:57pm
post #13 of 36

What kind of an area are you in? I remember a litle restaurant in a town near where I grew up. The town was very country-ish, not near a big city, etc. The restaurant came in and tried to make the town a little more hip/trendy and decorated itself like that. People didn't like the decor (did like the food) and it didn't last long.

And which style would others describe as more you? Sophisticated Tuscan or cheerful pink/white/red? I think it should at least somewhat reflect your own personality, just as your foods & service will.

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KHalstead Posted 3 May 2006 , 8:10pm
post #14 of 36

goodness, I thought you were serious about two separate themes in one room........I mean I know sometimes people can pull it off with a cake but with the decor in a cake business???? i don't think you'll be so lucky!!! LOL

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GenesisCakes Posted 3 May 2006 , 8:13pm
post #15 of 36

How about a french country feel with a cafe/girly twist. Sort of what you would want to sip tea in if you were a little girl. fine curtains, tapestry chairs, soft pinks and creams on the wall, art work of french pastriesor even your creations framed as art, tiny tables you can go wild with this. How about also a fine collection of elegant, dainty tea pots behind the counter.

I dont think you'll scare men away. They'll think of you when they need to pick up something for a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother. the possibilities are endless.

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Phoov Posted 3 May 2006 , 8:18pm
post #16 of 36

I'm personally drawn to the fuddy-duddy quaint homey cottage look! Curtains tied back in the windows......indirect lighting (no flourescent!!!)....Painted floor.... Live plants if that's legal. Wooden mismatched tables and chairs. White pottery plates and cups. Napkins in a basket instead of those dreadful dispensers. Dark painted walls. Gee...this is fun! Good luck!!!!!

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OCakes Posted 3 May 2006 , 8:25pm
post #17 of 36

Now that "scare" was hilarious! I was thinking "I can see where 2 ideas would work, but not with 600sq ft!"... I liked your idea of "Quaint Country Kitchen" & thought of adding a "Shabby Chic" twist? So, you can have a very cute shop & even sell other things off of shelves or displays (like a Country Clutter, or Cracker Barrel)... but you can also make it a very clean & nice feel with the shappy chic end. I think it does depend on the part of the country you're in...... and on a side-note - I think you should start working toward wedding cakes! I started with very simple wedding cakes, and would simply decline the order if it was too intense for me! I think if you're opening a shop, you can create a lot more income with wedding cakes. I am currently looking for a shop, so congratulations to you! Where are you? Maybe I'll stop by your shop if I'm ever in your area! icon_biggrin.gif

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Doug Posted 3 May 2006 , 8:38pm
post #18 of 36

color scheme:

main colors (ie largest surface area) -- baby blue, baby pink, baby yellow (these three are all pastels) and white

accent colors: true red, true blue, true yellow.

floor: wood

walls: wainscoting -- lower wall: true blue; chair rail: white, upper wall baby yellow and baby blue vertical stripe....for visual interest: white base coat and colors sponge or rag painted on. might even consider a very pale pink or red over glaze.

ceiling: very pale pink (yes, ceilings can be colors)

curtains: pink and white strip (or parttern) w/ true red trim..simple edging would be enough

crown molding white

pedistals for cakes: mix of the baby colors

frames for pictures: white w/ accent of true color (main frame is white and then either the outside edge or the inner edge is the accent color)

tables: white with chairs in pastel colors and true color accents -- suggest just the "picture" part of your logo not the words

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marmar Posted 3 May 2006 , 9:37pm
post #19 of 36

Oh, thank you all for the wonderful ideas and advice!

This note of thanks is not intended to stop this thread, btw! Just had to show my appreciation! icon_biggrin.gif Feel free to keep writing - your input is great thumbs_up.gif

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lastingmoments Posted 3 May 2006 , 9:50pm
post #20 of 36

doug:
what no sketch........j/k

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leily Posted 3 May 2006 , 10:41pm
post #21 of 36
Quote:
Originally Posted by lastingmoments

doug:
what no sketch........j/k




LOL, I thought the same thing =) maybe it takes a little longer when using colors... have to keep choosing the right pencil =) j/k

What type of decor do other business have in that area? If it is something consistant, start with that then take your own twist on it. If that is what people int he area are comfortable with then it is a good place to start.

As for feeling to girly and not wanted to turn away men. My bf and I just had a discussion about this b/c I was working on a business logo. He said that as a man when he thinks of sweets he thinks of a woman making then (mom/grandma/me) so he would feel more comfortable going into a business with girly stuff instead of something that looked more professional (which you would probably end up with to try and please both genders) Just one guys perspective.

I on the otherhand would prefer something with a kitchen feel, you know going to grandma's house and feeling right at home in the kitchen, with an italian cafe twist (yes i know it doesn't sounds right, but I have seen it work before)

Hope this helps. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

leily

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Pootchi Posted 3 May 2006 , 10:52pm
post #22 of 36

Personnaly I prefer the country Kitchen style. I'm not into modern things when it comes to restaurant, coffee shops and bakeries. A nice cozy, sunny little place that's what makes me want to stop by, and sit for awhile, enjoy a coffee and a little piece of cake too!! icon_wink.gif

have a great day
Lorris

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ellepal Posted 3 May 2006 , 10:55pm
post #23 of 36

wow....I am in negotiations with a property group to try to get a cakery opened up full time in a local plaza (yes, ready to quit the teaching job, forego my current storefront I just rented). I am also torn as to what kind of decorations I'll be doing.....but since pink is my website color, I may leave it at that. However, I like pinks and grays and shabby-chic white-washed furniture. I am going to decorate with old photos of brides and grooms cutting their cakes in white washed frames...and of course lots of display cakes (we will be doing the wedding cakes).
I think that if you are doing cupcakes, why not go funky and fun? Decorate in cupcake colors...maybe a mural! You can do so much with the theme. The French don't really sell cupcakes in their patisseries, so why not make it old fashioned and funky American? Mint chocolate chip colors or brights?

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ellepal Posted 3 May 2006 , 10:55pm
post #24 of 36

wow....I am in negotiations with a property group to try to get a cakery opened up full time in a local plaza (yes, ready to quit the teaching job, forego my current storefront I just rented). I am also torn as to what kind of decorations I'll be doing.....but since pink is my website color, I may leave it at that. However, I like pinks and grays and shabby-chic white-washed furniture. I am going to decorate with old photos of brides and grooms cutting their cakes in white washed frames...and of course lots of display cakes (we will be doing the wedding cakes).
I think that if you are doing cupcakes, why not go funky and fun? Decorate in cupcake colors...maybe a mural! You can do so much with the theme. The French don't really sell cupcakes in their patisseries, so why not make it old fashioned and funky American? Mint chocolate chip colors or brights?

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ellepal Posted 3 May 2006 , 10:58pm
post #25 of 36

sorry about the double

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Doug Posted 3 May 2006 , 11:01pm
post #26 of 36
Quote:
Originally Posted by leily

Quote:
Originally Posted by lastingmoments

doug:
what no sketch........j/k



LOL, I thought the same thing =) maybe it takes a little longer when using colors... have to keep choosing the right pencil =) j/k




icon_razz.gif --- actually, all my colored pencils are at school...only boring old plain pencil at home.

(hmmm...seem to have painted myself into a corner w/ all my sketches!)

(i'm a big fan of Room by Room and Debbie Travis' Painted House ....so thought, picking up on name of place BABYcakes, go w/ the pastels...feminine yet not to frilly, accent w/ strong colors (masculine) and keep lines clean and simple sort of an updated modern kitchen...for example the wainscotting I mentioned I envison being painted beadboard (that's the really narrow strips) -- very traditional kitchen treatment, but with the colors, modern and upbeat.)

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prettycake Posted 3 May 2006 , 11:05pm
post #27 of 36

I like GOld things.. I would do it like the Sistene Chapel.. I love gold. That's my favorite color. Maybe marble counters, Michaelangelo art work (maybe just a reproduction), iron chairs and table..
Gold sconces, and Michaelangelo mural on the ceiling. My favorite is the "Creation", where God and man touches eachother's finger tips (or something like that) ..

I don't like the "High Tech" look. icon_smile.gif

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Doug Posted 3 May 2006 , 11:08pm
post #28 of 36
Quote:
Originally Posted by ellepal

...However, I like pinks and grays and shabby-chic white-washed furniture. I am going to decorate with old photos of brides and grooms cutting their cakes in white washed frames...and of course lots of display cakes (we will be doing the wedding cakes).
...




a great color combo trick:

walls a pale grey then use darker shades of gray for accents,

then put pink on the grey via frames curtains, etc.

one of the pretties victorian homes I every saw was only 3 colors:

main body, grey
shutters and accents on all other trim: pink
main trim: white

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Doug Posted 3 May 2006 , 11:13pm
post #29 of 36
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pootchi

Personnaly I prefer the country Kitchen style. I'm not into modern things when it comes to restaurant, coffee shops and bakeries. A nice cozy, sunny little place that's what makes me want to stop by, and sit for awhile, enjoy a coffee and a little piece of cake too!! icon_wink.gif

have a great day
Lorris




actually that idea would go great w/ the baby colors and true colors scheme...

especially if you use gingham and other plaids in the pastels to do table covers, curtains etc.

could even cover the walls in fabric instead of paint (seal fabric tho')

(i'd love to turn the Room by Room folks loose on this!)

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MustloveDogs Posted 3 May 2006 , 11:22pm
post #30 of 36

With the name babycakes, I love the idea of going with that theme and having polished wooden floors (or that look) with pale baby blue or baby pink and cream with white/cream chairs etc.. I don't think men would be put off by those colours especially ones with kids-they'd be used to it, but I would steer clear of ruffles and lace and keep the lines simple and classic.

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