The display counter is characterized by a showstopper white marble wall that’s enlivened with rich veining and, like lively sprinkles, metallic brass finishes throughout offer warm counterpoints to the white palette.
The ingenious design concept employs wavy panels, similar to the knife patterns found in icing, and they nicely conjure the idea of cake in a luxuriously tactile way. Crafted with a keen attention to detail, the swing-gate that leads to the kitchen echoes the countertop design and furthers the wave treatment.
The cakery exudes luxurious warmth, yet is uncluttered and has a commanding stylistic purity. Lee says, “It was key to maintain a less-is-more approach here so that the artistry of the cakes and pastries are the true heart of the space.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Space planning was a major challenge. It was only a 700-square-foot store, yet it had to accommodate a cake production area, a sales counter, customer seating, and product displays. Even though the space was small, it had to function like a fully equipped shop - every inch and every square foot needed to be carefully planned.
We assessed the compact space to determine how production, sales, seating, and displays could coexist efficiently. After confirming the direction, we developed renderings maximizing the 700 square feet. We selected durable, appealing materials, created detailed space-planning drawings, and coordinated execution within budget.
The client was highly involved in this project. She genuinely enjoyed being part of the design process - for example, we had fun discussing the detailing of the wavy wall panels together, including how to handle the inside and outside corners. She had a real interest in design, so the entire collaboration was enjoyable for both sides.
Our main wavy feature wall was originally specified as a prefabricated product, which was expensive and had to be shipped from the U.S. To reduce costs, we redesigned it ourselves - providing the dimensions and details so it could be CNC-cut locally. This approach cut the price by nearly half.
The client loved the final result, and it's proven successful—Cuckoo Cakery has become a popular neighborhood destination. The thoughtful space planning and distinctive wavy wall earned two prestigious awards: London Design Award Silver 2024 and Architecture Masterprize in Retail Interior Design 2024.
Yes, absolutely. We take on projects like this. Small commercial spaces with multi-functional layouts are something we specialize in, and we enjoy creating thoughtful, efficient designs that maximize every inch for our clients.
Photos of your space and any floor plans you have. For multi-functional small spaces, we'll need to understand your operational workflow during our site visit, where we'll take measurements and discuss how to maximize every square foot for your business needs.
Email info@dexignmatter.com with your location, space type, timeline, and budget range. We'll schedule a consultation to discuss your vision and determine if we're the right fit for your project.
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Dexign Matter is an independent creative interior design studio based in Toronto.