We’ve only done a few store-crashing posts before—like a charming local kids consignment shop or an office crash in Charlotte—but when a new ice cream shop, Gelati Celesti, opened near us, we had to take a look. The ice cream was excellent, but the design was what really caught our attention. Much of the look felt surprisingly translatable to a home kitchen rather than strictly commercial, so we thought it would be fun to share the details and ideas that could inspire your own space.
When you enter through the black-framed doors and glance left, the first thing that stands out is a rustic whitewashed plank wall framing a prep area clad in mint-green penny tile. It was a funny coincidence that the owner mentioned he’d seen our kitchen before choosing the penny tile—he went with mint instead of our color, but the influence was clear. That small-world moment made the space feel even more personal. Alongside the tile are lovely veined marble counters that provide a bright, slightly luxurious contrast to the more rustic finishes.
If you’re picturing kitchen pairings, imagine dark chocolate concrete floors paired with light marble counters and mint penny tile, all softened by rustic wood plank walls. The combination reads warm, modern, and a little unexpected. A pop of peachy coral—in the shop’s signage—adds a playful accent, while oversized glass-jug pendants over the serving area bring in a handcrafted, vintage-modern vibe. You might skip a giant commercial freezer in your home, but a well-integrated refrigerated island could be a standout feature if you have the space and the appetite for it.
A closer look shows the salmon-colored sign with several chalkboard-painted squares at the bottom for rotating flavors, sitting above the mint penny tile—an effective mix of color and function. The small chalkboard area is a smart touch for any kitchen that needs space for notes, changing menus, or family reminders, and the color pairing of coral and mint is unexpectedly fresh.
On the other side of the shop the seating leans industrial: metal-and-wood tables and chairs paired with a darker wood strip bench and more of those jar pendants. Large black-trimmed windows flood the room with light and complement the concrete floors. Translating that to a home kitchen, painting window sashes black can be a dramatic and modern choice, especially against white cabinets, dark floors, and colorful tile accents. It’s an effective way to anchor a room while letting brighter elements pop.
The jar pendants are a highlight—simple glass, workmanlike yet elegant when grouped over a counter or table. They have a timeless quality and would be equally at home over a kitchen island or a casual dining nook. Speaking of nooks, the metal-and-wood seating and the built-in bench idea could easily inspire a space-saving breakfast nook or banquette. Built-in benches allow tables to sit closer to walls than loose chairs do, making them a practical solution for smaller kitchens.
Of course, design appreciation doesn’t mean you can’t indulge. For locals wondering what to order, the “Just Ask” flavor—a white chocolate base studded with peanut butter and Oreos—comes highly recommended. It’s one of those combinations that truly wows and proves that the shop knows how to balance creativity with comfort. There’s also a cake-batter option that was a hit with our daughter, so there’s something to please different tastes.
This little store crash was a reminder of how everyday places—cafés, shops, and eateries—can become great sources of inspiration for home design. Small, thoughtful details like color choices, lighting, and seating arrangements can be adapted and scaled down for residential projects. The shop owner also wanted to acknowledge the local team that helped bring the concept to life: the designer was Fraser Design Associates and the construction was completed by THS Construction. It’s always nice to give credit to the teams behind a beautiful space.
Psst—If you’re curious about other store-crash visits, we’ve gathered a few more in past posts for easy browsing.