At aIDyl Interior Design, we’re passionate about bringing our clients’ visions to life. Last year, we had the exciting opportunity to design a charming cafe in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This vibrant space, which is currently under construction and set to open soon, has been a rewarding project from start to finish.
As a startup business, our clients had a lot to consider—from layout to branding—and we were thrilled to guide them through every step of the process. Together, we have created a space that captures their vision, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
THE BRIEF: A Space for Connection, Comfort, and Creativity
Our clients approached us with a clear mission: to design a cafe serving delicious coffee and healthy food, both for takeout and to enjoy in-house. Given its prime location surrounded by university students and busy professionals, it was crucial for the cafe to feel inviting—a place where customers could enjoy a change of scenery while working, studying, or catching up with friends.
They requested a warm, earthy colour palette and were particularly inspired by Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s 2024 Colour of the Year. This soft, cozy hue became a cornerstone of the design, complemented by natural textures and tones to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, as the cafe is a small space, we had to be clever with seating arrangements—maximising capacity without compromising comfort. We incorporated a range of seating options to suit different needs, from solo workers to social groups.
Existing Space
THE DESIGN: Thoughtful Details for a Memorable Experience
We are thrilled with how the design has come together, balancing practicality and personality. Here are some of our favourite features:
The Snug: A Cosy Corner to Relax
As you step into the cafe, to your right is The Snug—a relaxed, intimate area featuring a sofa, armchair, and pouffes. It’s the perfect spot to sip coffee, watch the world go by, or curl up with a book.
Adding a playful touch to this space is a custom piece of artwork that reads:
“FREE COFFEE”
…but look a little closer, and you’ll see the fine print: “FREE Wi-Fi with your COFFEE”. A cheeky feature designed to grab attention and draw people in!
The Booths: Work, Study, and Socialise in Comfort
The cafe offers comfy booths designed to seat 4-6 people—perfect for small study groups, meetings, or casual hangouts. We paid special attention to functionality by including dimmable pendant lights with individual switches at each table, allowing customers to adjust their lighting to suit their tasks. Plus, with plenty of accessible power outlets, customers can stay charged up while they work.
The Statement Counter: Serving Style and Substance
One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk in is the stunning counter, which combines warm wood with a textured earthy stone finish for a natural, organic look. Although compact, the counter delivers big on style and functionality. With a fully equipped kitchen behind the scenes, the counter was designed to focus on customer interaction and quick service.
Banquette Seating: Sit, Sip, and Stay a While
To the right of the counter, we included a banquette seating area with small tables—ideal for customers waiting for takeout or those who decide to linger longer. This area balances efficiency with comfort, offering flexibility for different customer needs.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT: Global Design, Local Impact
One of the most exciting parts of this project is that we designed it entirely online! At aIDyl Interior Design, we specialise in remote design services, which means we can create beautiful spaces anywhere in the world.
Using immersive 3D renders, we presented our clients with realistic visualisations of their new cafe, helping them feel confident in every design choice. These detailed visuals also made it easy for the contractors to implement our designs on-site without us needing to be there physically.
INTERIOR DESIGN: AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS
We understand that for startups, budgets can be tight. That’s why our remote design services are a fantastic option, offering professional expertise without the high costs of in-person consultancy. But here’s something many people overlook: interior design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy.
A well-designed space can be the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one. From traffic flow to seating arrangements, our layouts are crafted to:
✔ Maximise seating capacity
✔ Encourage longer stays (and more sales)
✔ Create memorable customer experiences that drive repeat business
READY TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM SPACE?
If you’re starting a business or revamping an existing one, we’d love to help you succeed. Whether you’re around the corner or across the globe, our online design services mean we can work together—no matter where you are.
Reach out to us at info@aidyl.co.uk to get started on your design journey today. Let’s create something beautiful together!