I have the pleasure of living across the street from the gorgeous coffee shop seen above. The decor is inviting and the designer chairs hug my body as I work. I particularly love this coffee shop because they decorate in the same style as my own home! This is perfect for the home-away-from-home vibe most coffee shops desire.
Spyhouse Coffee Shop, my neighborhood coffee oasis, chooses to decorate in a dark speakeasy manner. Deep wood accents are paired with exposed pipes and black leather. The masculine vibe is perfect for a morning of work aside a steamy cup of french press. Their choice of decor isn't far from the style we have chosen to decorate our new apartment in. The nice similarity is great for working in a place that feels like home without the distractions.
Does coffee shop decor play a huge role when you choose your "regular spot"? Do you prefer a bright, sunny space or the comfort of a dimly lit cozy atmosphere?
Images: Spyhouse Coffee Shop


Sprout Side Table
Oh my gosh - this is my favorite coffee shop of all time. I knew from the top right pucture right away that it was my little escape better known as Spyhouse. Love that sweet place in the neighborhood!
Much love,
B
No way!! I feel the same way about Spyhouse! Maybe it's not so much a "neighborhood spot" thing as a Spyhouse thing...
I am noticing a trend!
To be fair, when I had a coffee shop, I picked it because my roommate worked there, and I stuck around because of the quirky artwork.
But then there was a mass exodus after the manager was fired (for being a loyal employee and getting paid an unsustainable amount for the company), no one I knew worked there, and the artwork was painted over.
I'll miss you, Grand and Oxford Caribou Coffee circa 2008. I miss you a lot.
Yes! I am extremely fortunate to have several great independent coffeehouses within walking/biking distance. When it comes to a home away from home, you can't beat the independent coffeehouse. One of my favorites brings out candles to each table as night falls.
This is my spot, too. I love their Cubano lattes. We call it "The Spizzy" at our house. As in, "I'm going read tonight at The Spizzy. Wanna come?"
This is what Starbucks calls "the third place." The other two being home and work; they (successfully or not) actively try to achieve this feeling in their stores. But I've never felt as at home in a Starbucks as I have in some neighborhood haunts, and I used to work there.
The nearest coffeehouse that could be "home" belongs to a famous rock star with an amazing folk art collection. Years ago he stopped rotating the art collection, much to my dismay. The food is terrible. The building and atmosphere are perfect. It's so almost perfect that I try it again about twice a year. I wish they'd at least improve the food.
A shout out to Europa Coffee in Denver...the secondhand couches and old trunks as tables might seem unsightly but it's oh so comfy. Don't ever change!
I am definitely loyal to my coffee house of choice and go there every Saturday and Sunday without fail.
I live in Sydney and love MY cafe because I am able to site outside in the sunshine year round. It isn't pretentious, or over the top in trendiness, just a familar comfortable fit.