The Potting Shed

Name: The Potting Shed (at the Grounds of Alexandria)
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Acme & Co

It looks like The Grounds of Alexandria has been growing; both literally & figuratively. One of the newest additions to their already beautiful space (Check out photos of their roaster and cafe, here.) is The Potting Shed. This patio addition does a great job blending into the grounds and creates a welcoming retreat.

Check out the custom draft tower and more images after the jump-

As the name implies, The Potting Shed was designed to resemble just that. Warm shades of green, mismatched patio chairs, and potting tables all help tie the theme together and give you the impression you truly are enjoying your beverage in their garden.

We love the shed itself, with it's operable windows opening up to become the bar and custom draft tower. The brick backdrop and tractor stools add one more layer of warmth to this local watering hole. 

Image 1, 4 @ The Grounds of Alexandria

Images 2, 3, 5 © The Daily Addict

Bowery to Williamsburg

Name: Bowery to Williamsburg
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Di & Will Keser (Owners)

With the opening of its second location, Bowery to Williamsburg brings even more Bowery subway station-inspired, Americana sandwich shop goodness to Melbourne. This second location found its home directly across the street from their other spot, Hardware Society, in the original Beetroot space.

I love the initiate, shotgun style space. Given the space restrictions, it make sense Bowery to Williamsburg is reusing the communal layout used with previous tenant Brothl. The working kitchen and prep space interact with the dining space and encourage an engaged and interactive dining experience. 

 All images via Broadsheet.com

Top Paddock Cafe

Name: Top Paddock Cafe

Location: Richmond, Melbourne

Design: Unkown

Light filled and welcoming, Top Paddock uses it's industrial home in Richmond's warehouse district to create multiple spaces and experience.  With a large open kitchen and two bars, one specifically for to-go orders, the space feels thoughtful and exciting. 

White on white geometric moulding, subway tile, and beautiful lights fill the space with warmth and character. The interior also features multiple seating groups splashed throughout the space guaranteeing everyone is likely to find their favorite spot.

Images 1, 2, 4 © Melbourne is Design

Images 3, 5 © Breakfast Out

Auction Rooms Cafe

Name: Auction Rooms Cafe
Location: North Melbourne, Australia
Photography: Erika Hildegard Photography

It's always a good day when I get to click through recent images captured by Erika Hildegard. Auction Rooms Cafe is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in the former WB Ellis Auction House. With exposed brick, lofty ceilings, and wood supports the architecture sets a pretty great stage.

Given the original space, I find that the reclaimed and reused feel of  fixtures inside to be appropriate and welcoming. 

The vintage and reclaimed touches contrast well with the urban and industrial space while the use of architectural beams help divide the space. These allow the light filled space to remain airy and open. 

All images © Erika Hildegard Photography

Oli & Levi

Name: Oli & Levi
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Unkown
Photography: Erika Hildegard Photography

With the long, dark winter most of the states are currently experiencing, it's always a welcomed sight to have the beautiful work of my favorite Aussie/American photographer pop up in my inbox. Oli & Levi is a cafe in Melbourne that offers a bright and cheerful escape. 

** I just heard Erika will be back in the States this fall. If you are looking for wedding, engagement, family, or interior photos- reach out now before she fills up!**

I love the vibrancy of the space. Filled with bold patterns and a punch of yellow the space feels bright and welcoming.

Built in shelving and displays allows for the small space to utilize every square inch and allows them ample room for storage and retail.

All images © Erika Hildegard Photography

Wallace & Ed

Name: Wallace & Ed

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Architecture: Woods Bagot

Trends have funny way of always coming back. Wallace & Ed, located in a former Hard Rock Cafe, showcases this phenomenon perfectly with the updated use of wood panels, wrought iron, and simplicity.

Keeping the material palate simple and lines clean allows the play of geometric pattern to take center stage. 

By limiting the use of the panels and incorporating exposed concrete and warm wood floors, the space remains industrial and modern.

All images © The MP Report

Urban Coffee Farm & Brew Bar

Name: Urban Coffee farm & Brew Bar
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Hassell

Designed for Melbourne's Food and Wine festival, the Urban Coffee Farm & Brew Bar dissects the coffee beans travel. Utilizing the materials used for transportation, the pop up allows guests to interact and engage with the coffee making process. 

Utilizing shipping containers and pallets; two items used continuously in the shipping of coffee, along with approximately 120 coffee trees transformed the public plaza into an urban jungle.

By stacking the pallets and utilizing the existing red steps, they were able to create an oasis in the middle of the city. Thinking of the pallets as both furniture and architectural components allows visitors to define their own needs and use the space accordingly. Pallets can be sat on, used as tables, items to lean against, etc.

I love that they showcased what is possible with limited materials and creative thinking. They were able to open up a discussion and engage visitors on the entire process of growing coffee beans, showcasing the process it takes to get the bean to your cup.  

All photos  © Retail Design Blog

Pressed Juices

Name: Pressed Juices
Location: South Yarra, Melbourne VIC
Design: Unknown

As the juice trend continues to expand throughout the world, I love seeing these shops & cafes step up their interior. Creating an environment that matches the product being sold is critical in the food industry today and Pressed Juices created a space fitting with their brand. 

The minimal color and material palate creates a calming and cohesive space. This use of simplicity allows the vibrant colors of their product to be front and center. 

The creative use of materials provides a large visual impact, adds extra storage and display space, and drives home the hand crafted and organic feel of their company. 

Photos © Booke Holm for Share Design

Mart 130

Name: Mart 130
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Photography: Erika Hildegard Photography (If you are in Australia, I encourage you to check out her amazing range of work.)

Mart 130 has to be one of the best examples I've seen recently of a comfortable and established cafe maintaining a well curated interior. When Erika's images landed in my inbox I couldn't help but get excited. Rarely do you find the blend of well loved antiques that is also still pulled together and edited. 

Using vintage and antique pieces, paired with a nautical and industrial undercurrent, Mart 130 creates a cohesive blend of worn comfort and bright openness. 

Utilizing red, aqua, black, and blue throughout the multiple seating areas ties the entire space together without needing to match everything. This allows the space to remain cohesive while each room still maintains it's own identity. 

I love the bright back patio featuring painted, dark wood and slat ceiling, you could easily sit for hours.

All photos © Erika Hildegard Photography

Rozzi's Italian Canteen

name: Rozzi's Italian Canteen
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: mim

Rozzi's is an italian eatery with a focus on fresh, modern cuisine. The interior of the space reflects the menu and features a modern, and vibrant interior. 

Utilizing a limited color and material palate allows the space to come together easily while the added typography and wording adds an additional creative element.

I love the use of concrete tiles to tie the yellow and grey through the space while the addition of bookcases adds a homey element emphasizing the desire for diners to feel at ease within the space. 

The use of subway tiles and wood all keeps the space on trend and hip but I love that they added a few new elements to make the space truly unique and fresh.

All images via mim design & yellowtrace