Sahara Coffee
The brief. A first-US-unit Middle Eastern café and pâtisserie. The brief asked for a room that reads as Levantine warmth without leaning on cliché — limewash, brass, terracotta, soft ochre.
Client
Sahara Coffee
Industries
Hospitality & Café
Services
Brand Identity, Interior Design, Space Planning, FF&E
Location
Milford, Michigan, USA
MILFORD, MI
2025
CONCEPT
DESIGN
PRODUCTION
FF&E
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Challenge
As the brand’s first U.S. location, Sahara Coffee needed to establish a strong identity that would resonate with a diverse audience while remaining true to its Middle Eastern roots. The challenge was creating a premium café environment that felt culturally authentic, commercially viable, and scalable for future expansion.
The space needed to balance visual impact with operational efficiency while offering customers a memorable and comfortable hospitality experience.
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Solution
Studio Swank developed a design language inspired by contemporary Levantine architecture and hospitality. Soft limewash finishes, elegant brass accents, natural oak elements, and handcrafted terracotta details were combined to create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Architectural arches, custom furnishings, and layered lighting were integrated throughout the space to provide a sense of rhythm and intimacy. The café layout was carefully planned to maximize guest comfort, streamline service operations, and create a seamless customer journey from entry to seating.
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Client's
feedback
Working with Rayo team was an absolute pleasure! They took the time to understand our business needs and translated them into a beautifully designed, user-friendly website. The team’s attention to detail, creativity, and technical expertise exceeded our expectations. We’ve received so much positive feedback from our customers already.
Lea Tomato
Senior designer at The Way