Patisserie Melanie

San Diego, California

Design Challenge:

To design an open kitchen bakery that reflects the chef’s passion for Scandinavian design while balancing the functional needs of a working bakery with an inviting public dining area.

Physical Context:

Located on a bustling corner in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, this 1,500-square-foot space offered an ideal canvas for the French bakery owner’s first location, blending high visibility with a vibrant urban context.

Solution:

The design centers around a bold yet minimalist service and display counter, serving as the boundary between the public dining area and the open kitchen. This thoughtful delineation ensures functionality for the bakery while maintaining a sense of openness and interaction. Inspired by Scandinavian principles, the space embraces simplicity and warmth through a palette of neutral colors, natural woods, and subtle geometric accents. The result is a welcoming environment that highlights the craft of baking and creates a serene backdrop for both work and leisure.

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