The artistic ceiling of Arch & Type chocolate shop in Buffalo, New York, captivates and shapes consumer behavior

Architecture studio Arch&Type recently opened Blue Table Chocolates, a new chocolate store located in Buffalo, New York. The store features a stunning interior design that is sure to attract shoppers and increase sales. As a designer, I can attest to the importance of a well-designed retail space to attract customers and increase product engagement.

Designer: Arch&Type

The centerpiece of Blue Table Chocolates is a stunning sculptural ceiling inspired by the image of flowing, untempered chocolate. This ceiling, with its fluid and dynamic design, is comprised of custom flowing ceiling tiles that were digitally modeled and manufactured using CNC machined parts, hand assembled and painted. The visually captivating design extends into the chocolate workshop, creating a seamless transition between the sales and production areas. One of the standout features of the design is the portion of the ceiling that appears to flow down the walls, creating an illusion of flowing chocolate. This effect allows customers to feel more connected to the design, enhancing their sensory experience.

The material palette chosen for the boutique exudes luxury and warmth, just like the chocolates it houses. Gold, white oak, mirrored dishes and white marbled concrete form the basis of the interior design. These elements are complemented by mirrored displays and magnetic labels, which add a touch of modernity and sophistication. The grooved panels with a uniform texture add to the feeling of height and luxury, in harmony with the curved lines of the ceiling. The wood finishes evoke the rich and comforting sensation of eating chocolate, enveloping customers in an atmosphere of indulgence and elegance.

Despite the relatively compact size of the store (approximately 900 square feet), clever design techniques were employed to create an illusion of greater depth and space. Mirrored panels on the back wall reflect the flowing chocolate ceiling, making the design appear to extend far beyond its actual boundaries. This visual trick not only makes the space appear larger, but also leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The interior design of Blue Table Chocolates goes beyond mere aesthetics. By translating the brand values ​​and the essence of its products into the physical space, the store offers a more immersive experience to consumers. This approach allows customers to identify and engage more deeply with the products, fostering greater appreciation and connection. In recent times, the trend of visiting aesthetically pleasing places for the ambiance, rather than simply the quality of the food, highlights the mindset of the contemporary public. This store perfectly captures this trend with its captivating design.

The elaborate presentation of the chocolates, which look like luxury items wrapped in glass, further enhances the sense of opulence. Each chocolate vignette features mirrored display cases and magnetic labels, elevating the presentation of the products to an art form.

The store’s design is a symphony of carefully selected elements. From the vertically grooved panels to the frameless lime plaster door with a brass base, to the recessed white oak woodwork with LED lighting, every detail has been meticulously planned. The chocolate workshop continues this theme with a marble table with tenon details, adding both functionality and beauty.

The store’s creation was a collaborative effort that honored local resources and craftsmanship. Designers Seth Amman and Adam McCullough worked with a diverse team, including Amman’s father, Mark, and students from the University at Buffalo’s SMART Manufacturing Facility. This multidisciplinary approach not only brought the design to life, but also ensured that each element was crafted with precision and care.

Blue Table Chocolates is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a retail space into an unforgettable experience. Drawing on the emotional and physiological impacts of chocolate, Arch&Type created a store that celebrates both the art of chocolate making and the craft of architecture. The result is a space that is quintessentially Buffalo, yet universally appealing, offering consumers a unique and delicious experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re drawn to the sculptural ceiling, the luxurious materials, or the warm ambiance, one thing is for sure: a visit to Blue Table Chocolates is an experience to be savored.