As lead designer on this project, I was commissioned to deliver the interior concept for Costa Coffee’s new flagship store on King’s Road, Chelsea — a prototype that would go on to define the brand’s identity for the next five years. The brief, driven by the company’s CEO, was to reposition Costa with a renewed sense of Italian heritage, warmth, and craft.
Collaborating closely with brand identity consultants Jones Knowles Ritchie, who developed the new visual language, I was responsible for designing and overseeing every element of the interior. From spatial planning to bespoke detailing, the project included the design of all furniture, lighting, and finishes — as well as a custom-moulded concrete “bean wall” and a purpose-built refrigerated counter.
The result was a flagship store that seamlessly blended contemporary café culture with Italian tradition — setting the tone for Costa’s expansive rollout programme in the years that followed.
A clean, modern façade with a bold cut-out logo announces the brand’s refreshed presence. Full-height glazing offers clear views into the warmly lit interior, showcasing the coffee bar and curated retail displays, inviting passersby to experience the new Costa identity.
A framed vintage-style photograph titled Conversazione reinforces the idea of the café as a place for dialogue and connection. Rich mustard tones and softly upholstered seating lend warmth and intimacy.
Concrete “Bean Wall” Feature This sculptural installation became one of the signature elements of the new Costa identity. Each tile was custom-moulded in concrete to resemble a stylised coffee bean, creating a tactile brand backdrop that is both playful and iconic.
