Fumihiko Sano Studio Curates a Space for a Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Brand
Kalin Ned — October 14, 2019 — Art & Design
References: dandelionchocolate & dezeen
The bean-to-bar chocolate product entails ties to superior craftsmanship and quality in terms of taste and texture. Dandelion Chocolate is a San Francisco-based maker that deploys its product offerings in small batches which, in turn, add an aura of exclusivity. With the business’ recent expansion to Kyoto, the artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates become even more accessible in Japan. For its new branch, Dandelion Chocolate commissioned Fumihiko Sano Studio who was tasked with curating a welcoming atmosphere that embraced elegance. As a result, the space — which is a hybrid between a café and a shop, is minimalist and sophisticated, with a rustic appeal that reels in consumers.
Moreover, the retail space is located in a century-old timber-framed house which contributes to Dandelion Chocolate’s ethos with a sense of local heritage. The furnishing softly inserts itself in this narrative, with subtle hints at contemporary sensibilities.
Photo Credits: Dezeen
Moreover, the retail space is located in a century-old timber-framed house which contributes to Dandelion Chocolate’s ethos with a sense of local heritage. The furnishing softly inserts itself in this narrative, with subtle hints at contemporary sensibilities.
Photo Credits: Dezeen
Trend Themes
1. Bean-to-bar - Specialty chocolate makers that focus on the bean-to-bar process to ensure superior craftsmanship and quality are bringing an aura of exclusivity to their offerings.
2. Rustic Elegance - A growing trend of retail spaces that embrace a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic with a rustic appeal is creating disruptive opportunities for businesses to attract consumers through ambiance.
3. Local Heritage - Retail spaces located in heritage buildings with furnishings that hint at contemporary sensibilities are becoming more popular, offering opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers through a sense of place.
Industry Implications
1. Specialty Food & Beverage - Bean-to-bar chocolate makers are part of a larger trend of specialty food and beverage producers that are revolutionizing how we think about food, and offering opportunities for new, small-batch products that can stand out in a crowded market.
2. Retail & Hospitality - The trend of retail spaces that embrace a rustic elegance that is both minimalist and sophisticated is creating opportunities for businesses in retail and hospitality to create unique, welcoming atmospheres for consumers.
3. Design & Architecture - Retail spaces located in heritage buildings, such as the century-old timber-framed house that hosts Dandelion Chocolate's Kyoto shop, offer opportunities for designers and architects to create innovative spaces that blend contemporary sensibilities with local heritage.
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