I love and appreciate a beautifully designed coffee shop as I love and appreciate all well-designed spaces. New shops are able to design the space better, and they often pay special attention to matching details, color coordination, and setting a specific mood. Take for example the coffee shop from which I write this blog. Neutral shades with a pop of red on an accent wall with evenly placed artwork. There are beautiful natural elements, a divider wall between the main seating area and the milk and condiments section – everything about this space has been well considered. It’s relaxing and pretty, yet vibrant thanks to all the people inside. And when I look around, the majority of the people here are a bit (or a lot) older than me. This place attracts families, friends and a somewhat sophisticated crowd. The people here look as if they belong as part of the space, although the space is likely what influence the people to come here.

On the other hand, another favorite shop of mine is downright grungy. I love it for all it’s cramped eccentricities. Loud music blares from inside the long and narrow space and tables are shoved in wherever they will fit. The lighting is dim except when you find a spot near the window where the majority of the few chairs and tables are collectively jumbled. Nothing matches, much like the artwork that hangs haphazardly wherever there is space. But I love it. You won’t find the same people here, either. The majority of the crowd are young, possibly students, most with alternative style. The place is hip and cool because of its space which attracts this young alternative crowd. It’s just as good as the other coffee shop, but it attracts such a different crowd, and the space combined with the people creates such a different atmosphere. It’s not the greatest for working (what with the blaring music,) but it’s a great place to be inspired.

Local coffee shops seem to be different. Often, my favorite places are a combination between the two listed above because there is a wonderful mixture of styles as well as people. Next time you go into your favorite cafe, look around and see if you feel as though you “fit” the space.

I don’t really get it. As far as the environment goes, the independent shop is comfy and homey with plush couches, free Wi-Fi, and coffee tables that give the impression that customers are just relaxing in their own homes. On the other hand, our Starbucks is relatively small, and though they have a small seating area, it has a more “restaurant” feel.

And the coffee? I consider myself a coffee connoisseur, and the coffee at the independent shop is equally as good. Starbucks does stay open longer, and therefore, it’s more convenient for coffee addicts like myself, who don’t require coffee only in the early morning hours. However, what is it that makes Starbucks the “go to” coffee place, crushing the hopes and dreams of independent shop owners in small towns like mine?

On the one hand, it’s flattering that he or she actually remembers your name, your usual order, and even correctly associated it with your face. On the other, it’s a bit presumptuous. What makes him or her think that you don’t have enough sense of adventure to try out something new right now? Do you look like the kind of person who can’t help but stick to his boring old routine? Non-fat? Aren’t you looking more fit today, so that you deserve a calorie-laden frappuccino with double servings of whipped cream?

Next situation. You’re in the mood for a quiet, relaxing day. What could be a better setting than your neighborhood cafe, with that steady buzz of coffee brewing, the subdued chatter that blends into white noise, and the soft jazzy music playing in the background? You settle into a comfy chair, open your chosen feel-good book or magazine, and then suddenly, that familiar voice again asks you, “Hey (name)! How are you doing?” You smile politely and say you’re fine, thank you very much. You’re about to go back to your book when it cuts in again. “Oh, you’re not working today? Are you on leave?” Again, it’s flattering that he or she remembers you, and some things about your life which you probably shared bit by bit through your frequent visits. But isn’t it obvious that you just want to enjoy some quiet alone time? And, it’s not like you’re old buddies.

Do baristas annoy you?

A new Intelligentsia concept coffee store is due to open in Venice, California either June 8th or 9th. It was originally due to open in February 2009, so it has been many months of waiting for it finally to open. Soon westside LA will have its own local Intelligentsia coffeebar.