Coffee shop store design

- History, evolution, and modern style -

Coffee is a drink loved all over the world, and at the same time, the spaces in which it is served, "coffee shops," also reflect the times and cultures. Store design is more than just decoration; it has shaped the experience of people enjoying coffee. Here, we will trace the history and evolution of coffee shop design, introducing the trends that have led to the present day.

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17th century: European coffee houses

The origins of coffee shop design date back to 17th century London, England, and Paris, France. At the time, coffee houses were social spaces equipped with wooden furniture and fireplaces, and served as places for political and cultural discussions. They were characterized by the emphasis on being a place where people could easily gather, rather than being luxurious.

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19th century: Viennese café culture

In the 19th century, Vienna, Austria, became the center of "café culture." Luxurious designs, complete with chandeliers and marble tables, created spaces where artists and intellectuals could gather. The store designs here combined "comfort for lingering" with "cultural formality," and became the origin of modern café design.

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Early 20th Century: American Diners and Modernism

As the 20th century began, diner-style cafes appeared in America to coincide with the era of mass production and mass consumption. They featured linear designs using stainless steel and chrome materials, and spaces that emphasized speed and efficiency. At the same time, modernist architecture such as the Bauhaus influenced cafes in Europe, and simple, functional designs became mainstream.

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Postwar to Showa Period Japan: The Era of Pure Coffee Shops

In Japan, "junkissa" (pure coffee shops) spread throughout the country from the postwar period through the Showa era. Unique design elements such as heavy wooden furniture, stained glass, and red velvet sofas were added, creating spaces with a distinctive sense of calm. Junkissa were not only places to enjoy coffee, but also social gatherings for students and intellectuals.

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21st Century: Specialty Coffee and Minimalist Design

Since the 2000s, as specialty coffee has spread globally, store designs have also changed significantly.

• Minimalist design : Simple and clean interior with white and gray as the main colors

• Emphasize the texture of materials : Wood, stone, concrete, etc. are used to create a space in harmony with nature

• Lab-like elements : By showing the roasting machine and brewing equipment, we emphasize transparency and craftsmanship.

This design enhances the cafe's value as a place for experience, rather than just a cafe.

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New Design in Contemporary Japan: Fusion of Japanese Culture and Coffee

In modern Japan, coffee shop designs that incorporate Japanese elements are gaining attention. Traditional Japanese motifs such as tatami mats, shoji screens, and bonsai are reconstructed in a modern way to present a unique style not found overseas. This is highly praised as a new way of promoting Japanese culture to the world.

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BONGEN COFFEE design

A prime example of this is BONGEN COFFEE . The Ginza store is centered around bonsai, creating a space that evokes the tranquility of Japanese culture. The Nihonbashi store expresses a "Japanese space that is close to your life," with a focus on pairing with rice balls and Japanese sweets.

The packaging and logo designs are modern, while still utilizing traditional Japanese materials such as washi paper and foil stamping, making them a perfect embodiment of the fusion of Japanese and Western styles.

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summary

Coffee shop design is like a mirror that reflects the times and cultures. It has evolved from European coffee houses, Viennese cafes, American diners, Japanese coffee shops, and modern specialty cafes.

In line with this trend, BONGEN COFFEE presents new value with a design that reflects a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. Just like the taste of the coffee, the space itself also creates a special experience.

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👉 BONGENCOFFEE | OFFICIAL SITE
https://ginza-bongen.jp/