Postcard Bakery in New York City’s West Village boasts a design as delightful as the treats on offer, with a retro style inspired by Asian artwork. Sarah Carpenter, of her eponymous firm, was tapped to envision the newest eatery from the Nami Nori team. The blend of modern and classic is a welcome departure from the minimalist aesthetic at the flagship restaurant next door. “It has a really bold and nostalgic Japanese feel, which is not a typology that you see often, especially in New York,” Carpenter says. “It is complementary to the brand, but also unexpected.”

Photos of baked goods, vintage postcards (of course!) from travels, and even a Spotify playlist help set the tone for the interior. Carpenter had plenty of visuals to refer to, so she put the music on a continual loop in the studio, and was able to capture the emotion that the owners wanted their customers to experience as soon as they stepped inside the jewel box bakery.

The designer, never one to shy away from color, deftly paired pastels and richer hues without overwhelming the compact 300-square-foot storefront. The seating area at the entrance features comfortable banquettes along the front window, upholstered in a textured, buttery yellow fabric. Patrons can place bubble tea or coffee atop the installed bistro tables, in a citrus shade for added pop.

A custom wallcovering was created in collaboration with LMNOP, the agency responsible for the bakery’s graphics. Framed by oak millwork, the pattern is reminiscent of illustrator Yumeji Takehisa’s works on paper. Yet rather than a typical botanical green, the tint here is evocative of a powdery matcha.

The service area behind the case is a highlight, with the ceiling, walls, and counters covered in luxe vermillion red. The arches, constructed of flexible PVC and finished in a high-gloss paint, make the statement that Carpenter strives for. “Sometimes the details can get lost in hospitality projects, and I am always thinking about a big move,” she notes. “We decided on this red portal, which pulls the whole design together.”

The curved glass and stainless steel display case holds the fresh pastries and sandwiches on offer, but is also a focal point. Carpenter was mindful of this touch-heavy zone, where every blemish is visible. The polished metal has just enough reflectivity for an easy interplay with the matte surfaces. Even the flooring, typically an afterthought in most establishments, is anything but basic. A combination of honey onyx and glacier white stone tiles forms a pearlescent checkerboard that seems to shimmer underfoot.

You can find more information on the Postcard Bakery here, and more from Sarah Carpenter here.

Photography by Brian W. Ferry.