A Whimsically Soft Kitchen Inspired by The Cupcake Shoppe

Join us as we design a kitchen for the SPEC house — a conceptual home designed and inspired by the local businesses that we know and love here in Raleigh.

Nestled in the heart of our community is a hidden gem that not only delights taste buds but also inspires design dreams. The Cupcake Shoppe is more than just a bakery; it's a place where sweetness meets sophistication, and where every bite tells a story. It served as the perfect inspiration for our concept kitchen in the SPEC House.

Q&A

• Describe your brand in a few sentences.

  We are purveyors of scratch based sweet treats for clients with not only a refined palette but also a refined eye, those looking to not only revel in the deliciousness of their dessert or pastry but also marvel at it's beauty. We believe in taking the time to do things right, celebrating the small things, and are lucky to spread joy every day with a perfect latte, a gooey cinnamon roll, or a cute little cupcake!  We stand by the motto that "Life is short.....eat dessert first" and truly believe there is something worthy of celebrating each day!

• What emotions or feelings do you want your brand to evoke?

  JOY! Nostalgia for a simpler time, happiness and small moments of bliss.

• If your brand were a person, how would you describe its personality?

  Cheerful, modern, simple & sweet, a timeless classic.

• How do you want the community to perceive the mood or vibe of your brand?

  Elevated boutique bakery with a focus on exceptional quality and a beautiful aesthetic.

• What colors best represent your brand?

  Soft pink, neutral grays, crisp whites, with touches of brass/gold.

Design

The Cupcake Shoppe isn't just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it's a place to indulge in beauty and elegance.

The interior design elements come together to create a space that is as delightful as the treats it serves, making it a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts and food lovers alike. We wanted the SPEC house kitchen to feature the use of modern and classic design elements.

The checkerboard marble floors are a nod to classic design, adding a timeless elegance to the space. The contrasting black and white tiles create a striking visual impact, making the shop feel both modern and classic.

Brass fixtures add a touch of glamour to the shop's interior. From light fixtures to cabinet handles, these brass accents tie the design together and add a luxurious feel.

The intricate molding adds a sense of grandeur to the space, elevating the overall design and creating a cohesive look.

“We resonate with clients who want a guide who can take them where they cannot go alone, with the result being a fearless, soulfully elevated space- full of good tension, rooted deeply in authenticity, and hopefully transcending time just a bit.”

— Kate Haynes, principal designer

Shopping Guide

Blog post shopping guides feature products from our favorite retail stores. Full service design projects will always be furnished from our curated trade resources.

A | Classic Gas Stove (bigchill.com)

Charting a new course for industrial chic design, the Big Chill Classic 1900 Series Stove mixes textured metals like brushed brass, distinctive finishes, and rich colors.

B | Pretty in Pink Cupcake (thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com)

Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream.

C | Hollywood 6” Fitter Winged Chain Pendant (rejuvenation.com)

Inspired by the glamour and luxury of the Art Deco with handcrafted details and a solid brass fixture.

D | Madelyn Capiz Faceted Sconce (anthropologie.com)

Delicately handcrafted of natural capiz, offers a serene moment of illuminated beauty

E | Eon Dining Side Chair Walnut (homethreads.com)

An Iconic chair with a design that spans the ages, Eon works well in industrial modern and vintage modern kitchens.

F | Rae Round Marble Pedestal Bistro Dining Table (potterybarn.com)

Inspired by those found in Parisian cafés, features a decorative metal base and polished marble top.

G | Temple Brass Window Cremone Bolt (signaturehardware.com)

Bring a timeless look to your home. Made of brass and covered with a tarnish-resistant finish, this product feels premium to the touch.

H | Unlaquere Brushed Brass Kitchen Sink (etsy.com)

Adds a touch of timeless elegance and warmth to the kitchen aesthetic, enhancing its overall beauty and charm.

I | Mancho Vintage Turkish Runner (revivalrugs.com)

A variation of motifs—simple, tribal, bold, and colorful—all hailing from the Anatolian region (modern-day Turkey) Lined with a repeating set of five medallions to create multiple points of visual interest and direction.

Inspired? Let us be your guide.