Pâtisserie in Karlsruhe by NoBLå

For the design of Pâtisserie Ludwig in Karlsruhe, NoBLå have designed colourful spaces that not only offer a fitting frame for the products on sale, but will also entice customers to enter.

The spaces of this confectionery include a presentation area measuring around 12 m² and a salesroom of about 26 m². The latter opens onto the road via large glass surfaces. The doorway is recessed obliquely from the street, creating a mini-patio for customers entering the shop. 

Pink particle board

Inside, the pink display shelves of pink particle board are a real eye-catcher: they extend from floor to ceiling and form a niche. Their rounded arches appear to transition seamlessly into the white ceiling and transform the salesroom into a playful, space-defining piece of furniture. Another shelving element has been set into the wall behind the counter; it is used to hold bread. Moreover, screens in the same shade of pink hold lists of the products.

A pleasing combination of materials and colours 

According to the architects from NoBLå, the combination of materials and colours will present a designerly display of the products on offer, such as macarons, tartlets and pralines. This is discernible from the sales counter. The upper portion serves as a surface for work and presentation; it is made of Corian. Its monolithic, sculptural appearance reveals a clear structure framed by the products. The base, which is of hand-worked terrazzo, adds a lively contrast to the top.

The upper portion of the sales counter serves as a surface for work and display; it is made of Corian. © Martin Baitinger

The floor and walls have been kept in a neutral grey in order to accentuate the colours, shapes and wealth of textures of the pâtisserie. To this end, the floor has been laid with stoneware tiles, while the walls have been covered with a mineral-based dispersion compound to coordinate with the floor. Overall, the walls form a homogenous whole and, like the pink display shelving, create a seamless transition. 

Between neutral and expressive

The square wall tiles behind the counter add to the ambience as well. Most of these are white, but are interrupted by tiles in blue and pink. The synergy between the homogeneous background and the playful mosaic once again emphasizes the design approach whereby the planners maintain a fine balance between a neutral frame and expressive, picturesque details.