3 Interior Designers Transform the Same Cozy NYC Café | Space Savers | Architectural Digest

We gave interior designers Laura Hodges, Patrick Mele, and Xavier Donnelly a photo of the same empty NYC café-then asked each of them to transform the space in their particular style, however they pleased with no restrictions. Three artists, one canvas, each bringing something different to the space. Which coffee shop do you see yourself cozying up in with a hot drink this fall?
00:00 Meet the Designers
01:04 The Plan
01:55 Flooring
03:20 Walls
05:50 Ceiling
06:31 Windows
08:21 Furniture & Fixtures
12:27 Lighting
13:59 Decor
15:56 Final Thoughts
16:46 Reveal
Renders by Duke Renders
We Serve Busy Interior Designers With 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings Of Their Creative Designs. We make you and your clients proud, confident and empowered at every step of the design process.Visitwww.dukerenders.com/start
Designer Portfolio Pictures by:
Melissa Hom www.melissahom.com/
Jennifer Hughes jenniferhughes.com/
Annie Schelchter annieschlechter.com/
Victor Stonem victorstonem.com/
Jenn Verrier www.jennverrier.com/
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Ron Douglas
Senior Producer: Alyssa Marino
Line Producer: Joe Buscemi
Associate Producer: Josh Crowe
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davilla
Camera Operator: Jake Robbins
Gaffer: Cody Belvins
Audio Engineer: Brett Van Deusen
Production Assistant: Noah Bierbrier; Caleb Clark
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Courtney Karwal
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[@leonadjimbi8125]

One made a cafe, one made a bar, and one made a farmers market 😭. I will say though they’re all so incredibly beautiful. Completely different vibes and they all ate. I especially like the glamours vibe of Xavier’s. The materials he chose are so gorgeous…but it’s bar-ish. And has no seats.

[@jodyj0]

the fancy swarovski encrusted wine barrel seats (the only two they've in the location) are stored away in the musty luxe 🍷 🍾🥂wine cellar every evening at closing time, they only see the light of day during the infrequent open hours 🤭it was too early in the morning to take them out; the popular Parisienne patisserie opens late, closes early & operates only three days a week max (unstable business hours) bc everything sells out fast😏 only the lucky two get to sit down everyone else bring your own 🪣 buckets.

[@luxon4]

i dont think they ate there, it's a 3d rendering not a real place.

[@sarahtyster7342]

well interestingly in italy/france/etc you DO stand in cafes a lot, as its cheaper than the terrace or table and normal to just have a quick coffee often, or a quick aperitif. etc. so I see it as quite an Italian kind of cafe bar - and similar to many, although yes, they would actually have a table or two. but not usually that many.

[@sandraleigh4023]

@@sarahtyster7342 That would be very uncomfortable if you're by yourself, or have a physical need to sit.

[@spritelink]

I like Laura’s design the best: it was uncluttered, relaxed, lovely and seemed most functional. Patrick’s space seemed high-maintenance and Xavier’s gave me the sense that I might be overpaying for my drink

[@N.aesth1]

it's NYC you'll be overpaying for everything anyways

[@JMJoubert]

Laura, again, creates a realistic and usable space.

[@chriswilson4112]

Yes her design actually has a name. It's called Starbucks.

[@skypup77]

Where is the seating in Xavier's design? When people are sitting at the mirrored bar in Patrick's space how are other customers supposed to see the menu? Who's going to be constantly cleaning all those baskets of fruit sitting on the floor? Who's going to want to get on a ladder to dust all those plates on the wall? Laura is the only one who's created a realistic practical space.

[@jodyj0]

Xavier's foldable stools are out of sight in the utility closet 🔎

[@hundeware]

Agree..

[@EH23831]

Not to mention that skirt curtain would be filthy within a day!!

[@jodyj0]

@EH23831 within an hour they'd be unsalvageable they'd have ti be changed everyday

[@simontaylor647]

One thing about this series I don’t think it’s supposed to be practical and realistic, I think it’s more about letting their creativity free and creating their dream interiors

[@aneesahahmed2712]

Laura is the only practical cafe option

[@chriswilson4112]

And dare I say the most bor....oh sorry, didn't finish that word...I fell asleep just thinking about Laura's design...LOL...just teasing now...

[@chantaldesiree1393]

Most practical for sure. My thoughts as well.

[@rhholo]

​@@chriswilson4112its true

[@gardenhappy4]

These are some very talented designers. All 3 results are gorgeous. That said, having worked in a few coffee shops over the years I would add that none are very functional for the staff and operations, but that is okay. Running a shop is not their profession.

[@jj6282]

I agree entirely. I would love being in any of these stunning and transportive spaces. As a restaurant vet, I recommend the third designer to consult someone in the industry during the design process, should he ever decide to go into the cafe biz

[@seyio.4942]

The lady had the most functional design I feel

[@raquelkthomas]

But as a designer you have to design the space to function as intended - “cafe”

[@laurettecarolyne8599]

I agree but the other two designs are so much more interesting.@@seyio.4942

[@KeemaChiles]

Agreed. The yellow island idea made me scratch my head.

[@noronahahaha]

Laura’s is the most minimal and traditional looking but I prefer it because it’s uncluttered and soothing.

[@alyshalight9762]

I appreciate what Patrick designed, but I would say Laura knocked this one out of the park! I'd hangout at her cafe.

[@chriswilson4112]

Say, while you're there, would you mind watching my kids for me? I'll be hanging with the cool cats at Xavier's place....lol...oh I'm just joshing now....

[@EmmyUnwindWorld]

It's amazing how three different designers can bring their unique styles to the same space. This cafe makeover is a true testament to the power of interior design.

[@PsLoveJane]

Laura had the best design. It was functional for the flow of a restaurant and aesthetically pleasing for the guest.

[@N.aesth1]

Laura has the most realism on every design of hers... i'd totally trust her to upgrade my indoors❤

[@leoalcalde]

Laura as usual is the only one that actually solves the problem wit her projectual solution.

[@nana_alderweireld_coys]

normally i'm not into Patrick's designs but i love his design here. also i think it's cute that he mentions his friend's handrawn tiles. xavier's design gives a strong vibe of A Bar at the Folies-Bergère ! But it has no seating therefore it looks like an exquisite liquor store rather than a cafe. Laura's design looked like a cafe the most but the design is a tad too run of the mill? living in kuala lumpur, there's a cafe that looks quite like this in every corner.

[@laurettecarolyne8599]

I agree. Her designs tend to be practical but run of the mill. Xavier always lets the genie out of the bottle. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not, but I still feel his are the most interesting designs. The one I look forward to seeing the most. Patrick's design is very themey but still warm and inviting.

[@hannahoros]

Same! Where I live there's a lot of cafes that look like Laura's design so I'm kinda over it. I love Patrick's design! it's so cool especially the niche part and how it's in the whole cozy cafe theme. It feels like your grandma made your pies and coffee and hot choco and I love that. Xavier's looks more like those cafes you see in a badass movie where all the secret agents go lol idk why but it gave me that vibe.

[@farah-ow8sy]

I'm dying over your comment rn🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣@@laurettecarolyne8599

[@mindfuldesignconsulting2108]

Absolutely captivating! It's a testament to the profound impact of a skilled interior designer. Moreover, the absence of client input highlights how crucial it is in shaping the identity and functionality of a café. Customers inherently provide invaluable insights that guide design professionals towards creating truly functional spaces. Despite this, all three designs are undeniably outstanding!

[@danieljohn4014]

I LOVE Patrick's 'Grandma's kitchen' feel. Only thing it needs some more seating to feel less like a market, but it's my favourite.

[@miguelsaltos7351]

One of my biggest dreams is to own a café/coffee shop/bakery... Loved this episode. Patrick Mele's is so flexible in that it can be a restaurant, a flower shop, a market and and a café... Definitely my favorite.

[@borahaegurl]

Laura created a very comforting space, especially by utilizing shades of green!!! I need Cafe Josephine to exist irl!!!😭❤️

[@2kooldancin]

Loved Patrick and Laura’s designs. Patrick transported me to Italy and Laura’s to my beloved Brooklyn but in the gentrified Park Slope part lol. They were both soothing and felt like places I would chill and drink a matcha latte in. I love Xavier’s as a night spot bar, not really a café. It especially works as a wine bar. Like I can’t pull up, order a coffee, and start working on a play there 😂.

[@tamarvasquezhernandez7208]

I really like Xavier's design on this one . Makes me feel comfortable and luxury

[@borahaegurl]

Xavier’s space needs to be bigger give them the budget!!!! the color scheme and materials are so lovely omg😭❤️

[@monig.1843]

all three designers have created amazing cafes. I would feel most comfortable in Laura's café. it exudes a calm, relaxed elegance.

[@michelleemily]

Gotta chime in here because I hope AD keeps making these forever! Such incredibly creative designs-they all smashed it. Always some impracticalities, for sure, but it's so fun and freeing to see what these geniuses come up with when they let their imaginations run wild. Helps me remember to think outside the box, and be transported!

[@jodyj0]

Keep them coming Architectural Digest, I can not get enough of these episodes, just enjoy them so much☆☆♡■All 3 designers created lovely cafes, but Xavier's was the most hygienic, thoughful, creative & functional in my opinion, but Patrick & Laura did amazing jobs this time.

[@laurettecarolyne8599]

I agree with you about Xavier, but as somebody with a walker, it is not functional. PLEASE AD , start a series about accessible/universal design to stop this myth that it is granny and ugly.

[@chriswilson4112]

Well actually it would very EASY to enter Xavier's place with a walker. And while the stone floor with the grout in between the pieces might be ever so slightly uneven, it would also provide more traction. Laura's floor looked slippery and Patrick's floor seemed the most irregular in terms of a flat surface. And let's not forget, the MAJORITY of the people will be walking so I think Laura's floor poses the most threat to the most people as again it looks super slippery. @@laurettecarolyne8599

[@larissawoodall5466]

Would love to see this series' take on a hotel lobby!

[@brittanyt729]

I would love to see how any of these designers create a GYM space! Is it even possible to design a gym?

[@hailynewma9122]

the designs of patrick and xavier are too much for my taste laura‘s is much calmer and appealing so I would go for a tea at her place ;)

[@michaelfrancistan]

YESSSS!!!!!! My fave series in this channel!

[@dirkster42]

Same!

[@Liveandlove806]

I love the three interpretations, and directions in terms of commercial viability as well. One is a conventional neighborhood cafe, the go-to type of a place and attracts regulars. One is an upscale bar style cafe which more of a destination establishment and one that is a ‘farmer’s market’ style cafe thematic and has instagram appeal.

[@BloodHoneySin]

I would walk into all of these cafes and go "omg this is so cute!". They are all so different and beautiful for different reasons. I love seeing how different people's creativity looks.

[@issey-roquet]

We need more retail space design series like this! Please do more AD! 😊

[@imjody]

Laura made a very cozy and comfortable looking place that resembles something of a Starbucks. Patrick made a place that would be an absolute nightmare for bugs and cleaning in general. Also too cluttered for my taste. Xavier made a really neat looking place that I would definitely not mind checking out every now and again.

[@stareye8]

FINALLY all three, amazing designers! I've watched this series in the past and was taken aback by at least 2 designers choices. Just horrible. But these designers? Well, I wouldn't know which to choose, all were perfection! I LOVED them! I'd go to all three cafes and have a wonderful relaxing break. Just beautiful!

[@charlotteb6450]

i think this is the first time i've loved all 3 - Laura's seems the most cafe-like, Patrick's seems like a place I'd buy fancy jars of jam at, and Xavier's somewhere I'd get a patisserie-level pastry to-go

[@r.i.t.i.k.a]

Laura is consistently THE GOAT. Like Xavier is fine too dont get me wrong but that's not a cafe. Laura's is pretty and useful

[@JustLeeThings]

I think this is probably the only episode where I like all three designs. One is a modern everyday cafe. One is a country side homely cafe. And one is a boujee high end cafe (probably located at an expensive commercial lane). Every kind of a person will get something they like. ✌🏻👏🏻

[@chriswilson4112]

Aptly put!

[@user-ov5pf8jv2w]

I love the design of the woman… simple elegant and without much add’ons❤

[@Sweet_life_34]

Laura was the Best designer.... Your design was cozy and very soft.. And she choosed a confortable colours....

[@ansbach74]

Of the three designs, I love Laura's design. Thanks for sharing.

[@hannahoros]

I love Patrick's design! it's so cool especially the niche part and how it's in the whole cozy cafe theme. It feels like your grandma made you sweet pies, pastries and coffee and hot chocolate and I love that. It's so inviting!

[@carlapaz8722]

I love Laura's design. She is by far the best!!!

[@mayasmith8067]

Laura usually gets the most positive comments. And it because she is pratical and doesn’t go to extremes. it’s All about trust. I trust Laura.

[@ALMAPAGAN]

Patrick's cafe was charming, Xavier created an expected design you could see anywhere. Laura's was actually cozy and warm, easy on the eye.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

Wow! I am so overwhelmed with ideas in one content video. Please keep uploading with the same concept. It's engaging, entertaining and of course full of learnings. 😉✨

[@sunnyyycee4388]

I really enjoyed this one! Cafe josephine stole my heart and I wish I could visit irl!

[@lmarshall7000]

If Laura doesn't do anything else, she will put green in her design. And that is ok! Xavier's design...I feel like I would have a mental breakdown in a place like that. Patrick's design is more like a local market than a cafe.

[@pcbrightlights]

Cafe Josephine is a lovely space and the most practical. I found Patrick’s café beautiful and Xavier’s cafe high end and stunning.

[@josephinehoh3194]

Laura is the winner to my taste, both functional and esthetic

[@birdsongforest7950]

On Xavier's tables, I would be the dorky customer who would flop and fall by catching a foot on those little table legs. Love Laura's design! Patrick's design just screams clean me after a month with the plates and the counter curtains. Plus Patrick's mirror menu could be very difficult to read, white script on glass esp with the sun.

[@mkeerkens]

Ah, Cafe Josephine for the win for me. It's serene and a place where I could really relax with my newspaper and a cappuccino. There's no place to sit in the other two spaces. I love the aesthetic of the one that looks like a farmhouse kitchen in Italy, but it doesn't seem functional as a cafe. This is just me, but for some reason that marble one with the murals made me feel anxious and even a bit angry. I am easily overwhelmed and would not enjoy being in that space. It's so busy everywhere you look, and the colors just feel depressing to me. Those bar tables look like cheap clothing racks, and I don't understand the choices, since these styles of grand marble, cartoonish murals, and industrial steel minimalist bar tables, seem to clash. But this is just my aesthetic. Someone else might really like a maximalist space like that.

[@crizzy8373]

Patrick’s design was fabulous!!

[@GratitudeGriot]

i like everyone's thoughtful consideration of cleanliness and functionality. Laura and Patrick's designs were my favs!!

[@map_style02]

The woman did an amazing job, the other two are NOT cafes. One is a fancy kitchen and other is a bar.

[@enchi6138]

Once again Laura created a beautiful, serene space which is also practical! The other two look and feel nothing like a cafe... Interesting, but not realistic at all. Cafe Josephine is a definite win for me :)

[@Ayiwa]

I love all three, specifically Patrick’s and Laura’s design but Patrick’s design is number one. It’s just perfect 😍.

[@crazyguy_1233]

I really liked Xavier's design. Its a very classic feel while still giving the space a more modern touch. I prefer a space with character not to say the other two didn't its just theirs seems more cookie cutter than his. His was more bold and I like that.

[@chriswilson4112]

You go guy!

[@BillTrammel]

I've been binge watching a bunch of these videos and Laura is consistently the only one that dominates the assignment. Practical, elegant and creative. It's so striking that it almost feels like the videos are a satire where Laura is the only actual interior designer and then the other two are caricatures there for comedic effect.

[@chriswilson4112]

Well I've only seen this one video with these three. My take is, if I were with the kids, I'd go to Laura's. If I was with my grandmother I'd go to Patrick's and if I was with the woman I love, I'd go to Xavier's 🙂

[@borahaegurl]

I need patrick’s design to be my future kitchen it’s so vibrantly sweet and pretty😭❤️

[@DanielElizondoL]

I love Xavier's coffee bar. Very Italian. Great, coffee, great pastries, great design.

[@shigemorif1066]

Where do you order, where do you pay, where do you wait, and where does the queue go? Very little emphasis on customer flow.

[@lisaarmstrong5208]

All were gorgeous, I have experienced variations of each of these - different vibes but all lovely. Laura's was the most true to brief though - loved it.

[@Chepina_tik]

I loved Cafe Josephine, and I thought the Italian kitchen was very clever.

[@sagehurd8982]

In the beginning I identified with Patrick and Xavier’s design styles but in the end I liked Laura’s the best.

[@jae1747]

I absolutely loved their surprised expressions at each other's design!😊 So professional & respectful of each others design.❤

[@rainbowgirl949494]

ah it looks like patrick loves to use colors but in a comfy way. I would love to see all his works. my eyes would be blessed

[@lydiamoon5235]

I loved the feel of Patrick's design, but he only made space for 3 customers. That cafe is going to go out of business. Laura at least allowed for a few customers and I thought the green was soothing. It just didn't have much pizzaz. Xavier's cafe looked like the walls were bleeding.

[@EH23831]

Looks lovely but that skirt curtain under the bench needs to go! Would be filthy within a day! 😂

[@ednatucker5445]

Definitely unique and stunning designs by all! Patrick's design has the gorgeous window and Xavier has the striking display case! But since I am elder in age, I would prefer to sit at a table for eating and conversing in a calming atmosphere. So, Laura's design would get my attention.

[@samirrangooni]

cafe josephine - simple, eloquent 👍

[@taleib]

For me I would go to Josephine’s in the morning for coffee, Patrick’s for lunch, and Xavier for evening wine!

[@rockistx]

oh i love when laura is in the video

[@taiwanmark]

Xiaver always has such bold designs. I like all 3 but all so different.

[@gabriellazevedo1]

I would love to go to Café Josephine, the designer really nailed it! 💚

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites-CDO]

Very impressive! Love all their visions! Talent at its finest!❤🎉❤🎉

[@slonecznikdoniczkowy]

Patrick did beautiful job and very warm and inspiring. Xavier design reminds me of comunistic bars allower my country back in the days. The lady design was safe and more like Starbucks.

[@jaquelinereidcarbonell3799]

i love Laura design, clean, elegant, minimal. Thank you for share!!!!

[@immeremma]

Nice to see new designers in this format!

[@dinodinosaur2930]

2, 3 & 1 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 2 has too be the clear winner for me 🏆

[@gabyfernandes6334]

This was so much fun to watch!

[@MaryRiche]

Xavier is consistent…always unhinged designs.

[@beadedsheart]

OOOHHH LOVED THIS SO MUUCHH my favorite episode REALLYYYY

[@adriannademadriguera4859]

i love this series and i love ALL the talents featured. just fabulous. awards and raises to everyone involved. be well and safe.😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@pioneeringmedia]

Oh certainly looking forward to this one

[@dcoughla681]

Xavier is the clear winner here for me. Totally unique & sophisticated & the focus is clearly on the products with that display case that would have customers salivating at the mouth! It has the broadest appeal as tourists love NYC Art Deco architecture & instagrammers would love it too. However, as the owner, I would be worried about the cost of the build with all that marble. The other 2 designs were lovely & practical but too safe. Having seating would mean that customers would linger longer over a coffee decreasing sales.

[@chriswilson4112]

Totally agree with you and I said as much in my comment 🙂

[@theshypersistence]

I can actually see all three 'cafés' in the same little village square or design centre, each with a different offering and clientele. Maybe not super practical, but charming nonetheless 😊

[@meisyapuspita]

i really love laura's design😩✨🤍

[@majazielinska909]

I’d go to Laura’s place. For me a comfortable seat is a must! I do like the other looks too but Cafe Josephine would be my go to place :)

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Wow! So creative!

[@Eli-dx1om]

wow so different and wonderful, great job 👏

[@nikkiseashores82]

More Laura please! ❤

[@whitemoon3317]

Fav series

[@futureentrepreneur123]

They have an another level of thinking in terms of design.

[@One-eo5lj]

its cool how they all had the same sort of ideas but they all did different things with it

[@angelacarrerarivera]

I really liked Xavier's this time... I see this cafe working in europe, particularly in Spain many people is standing up, usually tables are outside

[@N.aesth1]

love the series

[@jbennett87]

Would love a video on a modest balcony, thanks!

[@brendaqueiroga5858]

I love cafe Josephine!! ❤

[@user-co7rz6xo9s]

太有才华了 喜欢他们的设计

[@rxoryn4874]

next video pls come out soon 🙈

[@user-qi3hf8ko3q]

We need an episode with Darren, Lula and Becky! Pretty pleaseeeeeee

[@gardenjoy5223]

NO, not Lula! She's able to make Any space ugly and unlivable.

[@user-qi3hf8ko3q]

@@gardenjoy5223 Unlivable? Maybe. Ugly? NEVER

[@lisaharrington6488]

I am surprised that I ended up liking all 3 designs! I wasn't sure about Xavier's ideas at all until he put up the mirror and shelving behind the counter. My favorite design is Laura's followed by Patrick's but all 3 turned out great.

[@dirkster42]

I know the ship has sailed, but using "guest" for "customer" is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

[@blurryinterests]

Why?

[@dirkster42]

@@blurryinterests You don't charge guests money. It corrodes the meaning of the word and the value of actual hospitality. And there's no shame in being a customer.

[@biglittlebirdie450]

Liked Patrick's flooring, walls and ceiling the least... but when he showed his final design liked his scheme by far the most