Monday, March 2, 2009

Cafe dreams for Cab...

My dear Sister Caroline (Cab, the eldest one who is moving here near me) has had a dream for a Cafe of her own for some time now. She was planning to have it in the grand building below, that was also going to be the premises my own little shop. We have been working out details of what will be the overall feel of this Restaurant Cafe for a year now, waiting with baited breath to see if it will eventuate here or not. I have the interior completely mapped out in my head and on paper and wanted to share some ideas....


This would be the entrance for Cab's Cafe (my shop is the mirror image) which can also be accessed by double doors to the left (Theatre entrance).



This was taken some time ago...but it doesn't look much different outside yet. It is the original Theatre from the gold rush years when our little town was the biggest in Tasmania. It is being restored to house a scaled down version of a picture theatre, restaurant, shop and office space. I picture twisted pines in tall pots to welcome diners....



Martha Stewart
..and gorgeous white and cafe latte coloured serving pieces all housed in glass covered glass shelving units...


Martha Stewart

...a functional coffee station, that is also pleasing to the eye, with more open shelving. The shelves would be glass though. (I nearly choked when I seen this kitchen as it is pretty much what I had in my sketches). It would also include the name of the Cafe in one of the bigger shelves 'floating' on glass backed with a chocolate colour...


Villa Maison
Coffee would be served on silver trays in chunky white mugs...


Villa Maison
...to tables laid with wicker accessories and crisp white linen...


We both had the idea of a really indulgent and comfortable coffee area, for those who just want a coffee, feeding Mothers, elderly and anyone who just wanted to chill out. I can not think of a better way to do that than on a feather filled Queen Anne Sofa along with a big wide squat coffee table.


Martha Stewart
...there would be a raised bench near the coffee counter for those who want to read the paper and wait for there order to go perched on linen covered stools with chocolate coloured legs. In this space there will also be a small retail space in a warm wood shelving unit and this one below always comes up as the ultimate to display Cab's gorgeous range of organic products...

via Lily G
This just screams vintage and sums up the old building lovely.

via - Lily G
Now I haven't forgot about the kitchen area. As some of it can be seen from the dining area, I think it should be just as beautiful. Although there won't be cupboard doors like this (not practical), there will be a big island for preparing food and a light fixture like this will not only be gorgeous...it is much better than working under some horrid, headache inducing fluorescent light (there will be some just not here). I love the fact that this light fixture is so wide that it can still house the amount of light bulbs needed to create enough light to meet standards and so she doesn't chop off a finger!!! I also think there should be a tile type picture display that can be wiped off for hygiene.

Martha Stewart
This is a similar layout to the island and benches and as she will have a huge walk in freezer, some doors like this would be heaven...but I think it will be glass :(

Martha Stewart
Now after all of the diners have gone, dishes have been placed through the washer, wouldn't it be nice to wipe down your counters and wash your hands of the night in a beautiful Belfast Sink like this?....Now let's hope it all happens so I can bring it to life!

Ness xx

20 comments:

  1. Now that's the sort of cafe I would love to sit down in and linger a while! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Cab's dreams become a reality.

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  2. Ness, it will be most beautiful, welcoming and comfortable place. Do it!!!
    XXX
    V

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  3. It sounds wonderful, and I love it when sisters have such a close relationship as adults! It gives me hope for my daughters, who get along quite well in general, but have their moments.

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  4. Oh wow - the building is SO gorgeous! I love it and I can see why you want to move right in and open up your shop!

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  5. I hope that you have the opportunity to bring your vision to life for your sister. I could definitely pull up a pew for a chiai latte here!

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  6. It all looks and sounds amazingly wonderful! Wising you GOOD LUCK to make it a reality!!!

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  7. Ness: love all the photo's. Just beautiful!!

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  8. I will come and work for coffee. Stop by and visit my little kitchen via Millie. Love your blog- visiting for months but this is my first comment.

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  9. Oh please make this come true!!! We need things like this beauty to fill our lives!!

    You know.. I've been also thinking of opening my own store ..maybe teashop/store.. I dont know really. this dream took 5 years now. I got married.. had a baby.. went back to daytime office work.. and still dreaming.
    I think the money issue is no. 1 issue thats stopping my own dream. But also , the surrounding society. I live in Kuwait and this sort of style might be regarded as " poor people style" . They wouldnt really get it.. they'd better off buy expensive furniture ..thats what im always afraid off..

    ok enough about my fears! YOU GO ON GIRL!! and your sister too!!

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  10. gorgeous building & gorgeous dream....wish you luck on your journey to acheive this
    take care, sharon x

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  11. Love it, Ness.
    You and your sister must do this!
    You did such a great job with the design ideas that I can see it finished already.
    Let me know when I can stop by for a cup of tea (sorry, no coffee for me. I'm wired enough as it is!).
    I'm looking forward to mushing down in the comfy couch for a while!

    xo
    Brooke

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  12. Hello Ness...

    Ohhh...your plans sound heavenly! What a fabulous adventure that you and your Sis are about to embark upon! I send you my very best and warmest wishes for all of your grand plans to materialize!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari
    PS...I love, love, love that old building...it's fabulous!!!

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  13. If I had to pick a favorite post of yours that would be the hardest decision ever! You always have such great ones. loving today's as always.
    xo
    noel

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  14. I'm rooting for you guys!!! It sounds like it's going to be amazing!!!
    xoxo

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  15. It's all lovely - good thoughts coming your way from me.

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  16. What a stunningly beautiful scheme! I hope and pray it happens for you both!

    xo Terri

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  17. I can't wait to see her cafe place... I hope it happens!

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  18. Things That Inspire,
    Lie wasn't always rosy between us Sisters. We used to always have hairbrush fights and squabble...but as we have got older, we really do enjoy each others company. So, There is hope for your girls...just not til teenage years are over!
    Ness xx

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  19. Room Design Studio,
    I totally know where you are coming from. This shop of mine has been on paper for about 11 years now....and still I have to wait. It has been so close I could taste it, then it slipped away. I know my sister feels the same. Hang in there, you'll get it if you want it enough.
    Ness xx

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  20. I thank you so much for all of your lovely comments and I am sure that Cab will too. I just hope it happens for the both of us. I walk past that building pretty much everyday, and it is just depressing that it never seems to get any further along.
    Ness xx

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