Situated in the heart of the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, owners of good neighbor chose an old hardware store to be the home of a coffee, houseware and literary retreat for the community. SM+P was hired on to design a space where one could grab a cup of coffee, shop through locally made pottery and peruse through a large collection of design themed books. Upon first approach, the storefront is clad in slats of sapele mahogany and a soft green dimensional tile with brass corner accents. A brutalist concrete bunker-like coffee bar and espresso workbench with a soft wood and woven tatami inspired cloud hovering above is the heart of the space. Additionally, white oak built-ins were carefully designed and crafted to conceal utilities throughout the space. A beam ‘lean on’ was created to accommodate ladder retail shelving and double as a hall to access the restrooms and exterior deck.
SM+P worked with the owner to incorporate furniture and lighting that is carried by the shop and available for purchase.