I am by all accounts a residential Interior Designer. I love nothing more than delving into the life of a new client and their family, honing in on the specifics of how they want to live in their spaces and working to create their own piece of heaven in their homes, however, when the opportunity arose to work on a very special commercial project, I jumped at the chance. It didn't hurt that it was a cafe that my husband and I decided to open in our beloved community of Deep Cove, British Columbia.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, our neighborhood lacked an urban style coffee shop where people could spend time enjoying a fantastic coffee & high quality artisinal food while working away on their laptops and socializing with their friends after a hike on the local trails. Our goal was to create such a place and we knew that enticing people to spend their time with us would hinge on creating just the right vibe.

My background in residential design proved quite helpful in conceiving a comfortable space that functions as a busy cafe but has elements that make our patrons feel at home. The first furniture that I selected for the space was a lovely vintage Scandinavian mid-century settee and chair set that I found at a local consignment store. It creates an intimate setting in the middle of the cafe, giving the sensation of sitting in someone's living room. The custom made walnut chandelier hanging above the vintage coffee table reinforces this as a cozy seating area.

In order to maximize seating I called for two walls of built-in banquettes. To keep these from feeling too commercial I designed the backs with heavy tufting, a feature that recalls an upscale sofa in a gentleman's study. Behind the banquettes on one wall I installed a large scale framed photo of a grizzly bear flanked by two sculptural wall sconces playing further into that living room feel. To finish the look I chose my favourite shapely reproduction Cherner dining chairs in a walnut veneer.

I opted for a very simple palette, white surfaces paired with charcoal grey seating that has a violet undertone and lots of warm walnut. Elements like bead board paneling and brick add texture to the simple palette.

This project was definitely a labour of love and the leap from residential to commercial design came with a steep learning curve but that unique perspective is what lead us to our successful design.

Come visit us in person at Cafe Orso in Deep Cove and let us know what you think!

Simply Home Decorating

Cafe Orso

Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography