Comments on "Perceptions of Corporate and Independent Coffee Shops"

The design issue presented in this article is how coffee shop patrons perceived globally-marketed, corporate coffee shops and competing independent coffee shops by examining the growth and resistance to growth of the Starbucks corporation.

InformeDesign identified the fact that local, independent coffee shops may be characterized by eclectic, unconventional décor, often including second-hand furnishings and politically-charged or provocative art, and music by independent artists, while metropolitan coffee shops may be modeled after Starbucks and may be characterized by warm but stylish décor, prominent visual art, sophisticated background music, and gourmet menu items.

Some independent coffee shops assumed an anti-corporate position by providing unique atmospheres, outlets for self-expression (i.e., live, local entertainment), and personalized customer convenience (e.g., bottomless cup of coffee).

Before reading this article, I was planning on incorporating used, antique, or refurbished furniture and architectural elements into the design aesthetic of my tea house. The whole idea is to create a space that is serene and peaceful, where you can rejuvenate and escape from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world and life's everyday stresses.