The new Cara Mela Pastry Shop in Madrid, designed by Casa Antillón, explores pastry shop interior design through colour contrast, spatial sequencing and material continuity. Located in the Chamberí district, the project transforms a compact commercial space into an immersive hospitality environment where layout, surfaces and custom furnishings contribute to a carefully choreographed customer experience.
The intervention develops around the relationship between compression and openness, translating the metaphor of a heartbeat into architectural space. Through chromatic transitions and controlled visual rhythm, the project combines functionality with a strong narrative identity.
Pastry shop interior design with white tiles and stainless steel
The entrance area is entirely clad in white tiles, defining a bright and minimal environment that emphasizes the clean geometry of the interior. A stainless-steel corner element organizes the operational functions of the pastry shop, integrating a tasting counter, hand-washing station and display case for handcrafted desserts.
The use of reflective steel surfaces reinforces the visual clarity of the front area while creating continuity with the technical dimension of food preparation. The compact layout maximizes functionality without interrupting the fluidity of customer circulation.
Colour contrast and spatial rhythm
The project is structured around two contrasting spatial atmospheres. The narrow entrance sequence gradually opens into a more relaxed rear lounge finished in a deep sea green tone. This transition generates a visual rhythm inspired by the alternation between systole and diastole.
The continuity of the white flooring across the different levels reinforces the perception of spatial flow between the two rooms. The chromatic contrast does not separate the spaces abruptly, but instead creates a progressive transition between operational and social areas.
Sculptural tables with wavy edges and slim metal legs finished in sea green contribute to the identity of the pastry shop while introducing softer geometries within the otherwise rigorous composition.
Visual storytelling through material details
One of the focal points of the interior is the small kitchen window framed in glossy red, positioned along the green wall. The colour references candied apples, directly connecting the architectural palette with Cara Mela’s product identity.
The same red tone is repeated at the main entrance, reinforcing the visual continuity of the project and establishing a recognisable graphic element within the space. Through these controlled chromatic accents, Casa Antillón develops a hospitality environment where branding and interior architecture become part of the same narrative system.
Contemporary hospitality design by Casa Antillón
The project represents a contemporary interpretation of pastry shop interior design, combining spatial storytelling, colour psychology and material research within a compact hospitality environment.
Rather than relying on decorative excess, the design focuses on rhythm, proportion and chromatic balance to create a memorable customer experience. The result is a hospitality space where architecture, branding and product presentation work together through a coherent visual language.
Project information
Location: Madrid, Spain
Architecture Studio: Casa Antillón
Photos courtesy: Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán + Rocío Romero)
Client: Cara Mela
Model: Daria Etma
Stylist: Anna Pandozzi
by AN Shopfitting Magazine no.169 ©