6 Beautiful Cafe Interior Designs in Australia

A memorable cafe experience is as much about the food as it is the atmosphere and physical surrounds. A thoughtful cafe design can inspire you, foster connection, and transport you to other cultural and artistic worlds.

Discover some of the most beautiful cafe interior designs and coffee shop design ideas around Australia (in no particular order), plus the people behind them.

Refinery Coffee in Currumbin is a community-driven local that also offers a Gold Coast cafe interior design inspiration. Refinery’s owner, Gabrielle, tells us the story behind the cafe and her modern coffee shop design process.

“About five years ago, we saw an opportunity in an area lacking quality coffee and gathering spaces. We opened a small hole-in-the-wall cafe, offering coffee and toasted sandwiches, in a vast warehouse space. As we ran the cafe, we listened to our customers and learned how to better cater to their needs. Eventually, we decided to renovate the space. 

“Located just a few kilometres from the beach in an industrial area, we wanted the design to reflect its surroundings—an industrial feel that was soft, warm, and welcoming. To gather coffee shop design ideas, we looked at warehouse cafe interior designs in Melbourne and scoured Pinterest for ideas. Our aim was to take advantage of the building's existing features, embracing a simple, minimalist, and neutral palette with white-washed walls and light timbers. 

“The blend of industrial and minimalist styles creates an open and natural atmosphere. Lighting is actually very minimal, we only have a couple of main warehouse lights and natural light pouring in from the coffee area. What’s cool about it is depending on the weather and time of day really impacts how it feels; the light starts out at the front and goes around the building as the day goes on. 

Gabrielle reflects on one of the cafe’s interior design challenges: “We have a staircase in the middle of the building. We didn’t really know what to do with it, so we decided to just work with it, expose the original beams and make it a feature.

“We were very specific with the builders, if there’s dents in the concrete walls, if they’re a bit rough, perfect — we didn’t want it to look too pristine. We wanted to keep some of the original character because it is industrial.”

If you’re curious about coffee shop sign designs, you’ll love what Refinery has incorporated to match their scheme. “One finishing touch we always wanted was signage on the building”, Gabrielle says. Using the ABI Interiors Signage, they’ve been able to create a striking look that adds to the wayfinding experience of customers.

All photography by Peter Clarke

"Enter through the deli, slip past the glass screens, and settle into the banquette seats of the dining room. Part delicatessen, part wine bar and restaurant, No. 100 is the perfect addition to Flinders Lane." — We are Humble.

In the heart of Melbourne CBD, a new cafe has graced the rear of the iconic 101 Collins Street. With the expertise of Kim and Tom, the architects behind We are Humble, No. 100 Flinders Lane is a true testament to the art of design and functionality, drawing inspiration from its surroundings and offering a unique experience for visitors. Located adjacent to the carpark entrance of 101 Collins, this coffee shop interior design embraces the duality of its location, with a rear laneway adding an element of charm and intrigue. A concept of two different venues exists within one space, with a "secret little lounge" that awaits discovery.

Kim tells us as you step inside, you are greeted by a deli counter, perfect for grabbing a quick takeaway coffee or delicious bite. Overall, the design "is a riff of a New York deli with European influences", she says. Stainless steel accents, marble mosaic tiles, and a soothing palette of grey and white tones enhance the ambience. 

Beyond the deli area lies the dining room, separated by a large reeded glass screen that is elegantly curved and glamorous. Walls and ceilings adorned in timber exude warmth and comfort. The 'racing green' upholstered banquets provide a touch of sophistication, creating a complete contrast and juxtaposition to the sleek deli space. Using brass, gold, and warm accents adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the overall aesthetic.

Kim describes how she and Tom drew inspiration from their travels and life experiences to create a space that caters to the diverse needs of its patrons:
"It's about having two spaces that would serve the different needs of the office worker", she says. They wanted to offer a creative venue that seamlessly serves both the requirements of a quick and high-quality lunch for busy professionals and a relaxing spot for leisurely lunches or meetings in the city while being "a little bit secret", Kim notes. The cafe is a hidden gem shielded from the bustling street, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape.

No. 100 Flinders Lane is not just about the delightful culinary offerings and enchanting design. It's about the narratives woven into each element of the project, reflecting its creators' life experiences and passions. As you discover this extraordinary cafe interior design, prepare to be immersed in a world where its patrons' aesthetics, functionality, and desires converge to create an unforgettable experience. 

Images via Will&Co

Step into the world of Will & Co Bondi Headquarters, a visionary hybrid space that seamlessly blends work, commerce, and education within a revitalised beachfront building. Its beach cafe interior design captures the essence of coastal living with a refined palette, reflecting the simplicity of the seaside.

Josh Passaro from Will & Co tells us, “Our Bondi Headquarters is the hub of Will & Co, a specialty coffee brand that embodies the Australian coastal lifestyle. The aim of our space's design was to capture the personality of our brand while showcasing the art, craft, and science behind specialty coffee. To achieve this, we collaborated with Alexander & Co, architects, and Australian artists to activate the space.

“Our space is a versatile hybrid, serving as a concept store, tasting bar, micro coffee roastery, and a platform for training and education. Additionally, we wanted to provide the local Bondi community with a place to host events.

“Given our proximity to the beach, we wanted to create a bright and airy environment. To achieve this, we installed four large roller doors that allow the salty air to flow freely. The steel joinery provides a perfect backdrop for the resin coffee counters and exposed painted brickwork. In the centre of the space, we proudly display the coffee roaster and bean sacks while a Donald Judd inspired pivoting partition hovers in the background.

“We believe coffee, cafes, and baristas are essential parts of the community, so we made sure to highlight these elements in our layout. We wanted our guests to engage in conversations with our baristas. To encourage this, we created a U-shaped resin bar, allowing visitors to pull up a stool, chat with the baristas about coffee, and observe how it is prepared. We paid close attention to the details, such as the blue marbling on the espresso machine panel, representing the waves of Bondi.”

In terms of coffee shop design ideas, Will & Co’s Bondi Headquarters serves as an inspirational example of incorporating beach cafe interior design with a multi-purpose space that unites the community.

Images and words from SAX

SAX is a chic cafe by day and a lounge bar by night, seamlessly blending the sophistication of a luxury lobby lounge with the allure of a European lobby bar. With an emphasis on refined beverages and culinary simplicity, SAX offers a beautiful and moody atmosphere that is perfect for a morning coffee, a fresh meeting space for corporates, or a refined rendezvous in the afternoon or evening. Situated opposite International Tower Three on the corner of Shipwright Walk and Scotch Row, the all-day dining venue is the first project from sibling duo Bryahne and James Khouri. Together, they bring European piazza-style dining, live music, and the charm of a cocktail bar to the middle of Sydney’s CBD.

Bryahne Khouri, co-owner and manager of SAX explains, “My family has always loved to entertain. For as long as I can remember, we’ve been bringing people together through food and music in beautiful and memorable settings. That is what SAX is all about. We make available a space that is equal parts beautiful, glamorous and moody, subscribing to an appreciation of culinary simplicity and beverage sophistication – a place where people can enjoy company with live music, enjoying a chic interior and refined finishes to embellish the experience.

“The cafe’s interior design was a personal touch after taking inspiration from European piazza-style establishments, and always appreciating how a hotel lobby can charm its guests. This led to the design of SAX; we use contrasts between hard and soft finishings to offer a lux space in a very corporate precinct.

The black and white tiles are met with a warm green velvet lounge, large marble tables adorned with a rose and warm chocolate wood enhanced with glassware and warm lighting.”

With a stylish cafe frontage design that invites you to explore what lies within, SAX is a must-visit.

 Images via Studio Gram Photography by Dion Robeson

Micrology is a multifaceted venue that encompasses an attractive cafe interior design and training space, infused with a laid-back colour palette of blue and peach. Studio Gram was entrusted with bringing this space to life, and the vision for Micrology was to create a destination that not only embraced Australian West Coast culture but also provided for both coffee enthusiasts and the local industry with a fresh approach.

The soothing and gentle colour scheme in this trendy small cafe design, coupled with a diverse range of materials, creates a captivating contrast to the vibrant atmosphere. The calming backdrop of blue and peach acts as a visual palette cleanser in this dynamic environment. Anchoring the space, a vast polished concrete bench serves as an espresso bar, complementing the polished concrete floors underfoot. While industrial materials prevail, the space is softened by eclectic touches, such as multi-coloured terrazzo tabletops that line the cafe perimeter and warm timber shelving in the retail area. To complete the modern coffee shop design, Micrology installed our Elysian Minimal Mixer & Spout Set in white and Ohelu Single Kitchen Sink in brushed brass.

Images via Studio You and Me

Located in a heritage-listed 1880s terrace house in South Melbourne, The Kettle Black transcends traditional cafe interior design and restaurant boundaries, creating its own genre of luxury.

Stepping into this modern coffee shop design, you are greeted by a light-filled space that exudes elegance, warmth, and authenticity. The interior palette has been thoughtfully curated, combining soft oak timbers and polished concrete with striking mint green-accented chairs and tiled walls. The juxtaposition of black-crafted steel hanging waiters' stations and communal tables adds a touch of rugged poise, while hexagonal marble tiles and brass details infuse the space with traditional refinement.

The modern and timeless design of The Kettle Black is owed to the creative genius of Kestie Lane and Hana Hakim from Studio You Me. With their vision, they have transformed the cafe into a space where fine dining meets daily brunch, blending Nordic cool with touches of opulence through green and gold accents. 
Continue the coffee shop design ideas inspiration in your own home, with our guide to home coffee bars.