We’ve only done a few store-crash visits before—like that charming local kids’ consignment shop or the office crash in Charlotte—but when Gelati Celesti opened in our neighborhood, we had to stop in. The ice cream is excellent, but the interior design is what really caught our eye. Much of the look feels approachable and adaptable for a home kitchen, not just a commercial space. Let’s take a relaxed walk through the place.
When you enter through the steel-framed door and windows and glance left, you see a whitewashed plank wall and a prep area lined with mint-green penny tile. Funny enough, the owner mentioned he’d seen our kitchen and was inspired to choose penny tile—he just went with mint. Small world. Before we dive deeper into the penny-tiled prep area, take a moment with those marble counters. The veining is gorgeous and feels luxurious without being fussy.
Thinking about kitchen combinations? The contrast of dark concrete floors, light marble counters, mint penny tile and rustic wood plank walls makes a striking, balanced palette. A pop of peachy coral in the signage and glass-jug pendant lights over the service counter brings warmth and personality. Maybe skip a giant, freezer-filled island—unless you love the idea of a central ice cream vault in your kitchen as much as we do.
Here’s a closer look at that salmon-colored sign. The lower ten squares are painted with chalkboard paint so the staff can write current flavors, which is both functional and visually charming. And the mint penny tile below is such a fun, fresh touch.
Closer still—who’s craving a big cone? The display and tile make the serving area feel inviting and playful.
The seating area on the opposite side mixes industrial metal and wood tables and chairs with more of those glass-jug pendant lights. Large black-trimmed windows flood the space with light and pair beautifully with the concrete floors. If you’re considering a residential update, painting window sashes black against white cabinetry, dark floors and colorful tile is a bold, contemporary move. There’s also a playful sign in the back that ties the space together.
I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment on the sign.
Here’s a close-up of the jar pendants. They’re simple and charming, adding a handcrafted feel to the space without overwhelming it.
More seating details: the mix of metal, wood, and a darker-wood bench stripe suggests ideas for a breakfast nook or banquette. Built-in benches can save space by allowing the table to sit closer to a wall than if you had freestanding chairs, so it’s a practical solution for smaller kitchens.
Of course the visit included tasting. If you’re local, try the “Just Ask”—white chocolate ice cream with peanut butter and Oreos. Seriously, it’s outstanding. Clara is a fan of the cake batter flavor, too.
That’s our quick store-crash stop. Have you visited a shop that inspired ideas for your home? It’s surprising how many commercial design elements translate well to residential spaces when you’re paying attention. The owner also wanted to acknowledge his team: the designer was Fraser Design Associates, and construction was completed by THS Construction—credit where it’s due for bringing the concept to life.
Psst—if you want to see other store-crash visits, check the rest of our store-crashing posts in the archives on the site.