Gelati Celesti: An Ice Cream Shop That Doubles as Kitchen Design Inspiration

We don’t often “store crash,” but when a new local ice cream shop called Gelati Celesti opened in our neighborhood, we had to stop in. The ice cream was outstanding, but what really caught our eye was the shop’s thoughtful design. Many of the elements feel surprisingly home-friendly, especially for kitchens, so we wanted to share what we noticed and how you might adapt these ideas into your own space.

Just inside the black-framed doors and windows, the left wall is clad in rustic whitewashed planks that immediately set a warm, textured backdrop. In front of that, a prep area is dressed in mint-green penny tile—an unexpectedly fresh choice that balances the rough wood and more refined surfaces. The owner mentioned he had seen our kitchen and picked the penny tile in a similar spirit, choosing the mint hue to create a playful twist. It’s a small-world moment, but it also shows how commercial design choices can translate seamlessly to residential kitchens.

One of the strongest pairings in the space is the combination of dark chocolate concrete floors with light, veined marble countertops and the mint penny tile. The contrast between the raw concrete and elegant marble creates a modern, layered palette. If you’re planning kitchen updates, consider pairing a darker, durable flooring with lighter stone counters and a colorful tile backsplash to add personality without overwhelming the room.

Another standout detail is the coral-salmon sign above the serving area. The lower portion of that sign is finished with chalkboard paint for daily flavor listings, creating both a visual focal point and a practical surface. That pop of peachy color ties the whole palette together and complements the mint tile, demonstrating how a single accent hue can unify disparate materials.

If you’re thinking about lighting, the shop’s glass-jug pendant lights are charming and approachable. They feel handcrafted and add soft illumination over the service counters and seating. Jar-style pendants work well in kitchen islands, breakfast nooks, or over a banquette; they bring an artisanal vibe without dominating the space.

The seating area mixes industrial metal and wood furniture with a stripe of darker wood on a built-in bench, which reinforces the rustic-meets-modern aesthetic. Built-in benches or banquettes can save space and make a small dining nook feel cozy. In tighter kitchens, consider a bench along one wall to allow the table to nest closer to the seating without needing room for chairs to pull out.

Large black-trimmed windows flood the interior with light and frame the view outside while adding architectural interest. Painting window sashes black is a simple but effective way to introduce contrast in a kitchen with white cabinets, dark floors, and colorful tile accents. Black trim can anchor a room and make other colors pop.

Here’s a closer look at the jar pendants. Their informal, approachable look suits casual dining and family-oriented kitchens. If you like the idea but want a softer light, choose bulbs that emit warm color temperatures and consider adding dimmers for versatility.

A few additional seating details show how simple materials—metal, warm wood tones, and a darker wood bench—can create a layered, lived-in feeling. These are easy elements to replicate at home: mix chair styles, add a built-in bench, or use reclaimed wood boards for a textured wall to create depth without breaking the budget.

Of course, we didn’t visit just for the design. The ice cream deserves a mention: try the “Just Ask” flavor if you’re local—it’s white chocolate with peanut butter and Oreos, an indulgent combination that many fans rave about. There’s also a cake batter flavor that’s a hit with kids. A memorable menu helps a well-designed space feel even more inviting.

We loved this visit as a rare “store crashing” installment that offered practical design inspiration. Small commercial spaces often explore combinations and materials that translate surprisingly well to residential settings. If you’re updating a kitchen, consider borrowing one or two ideas rather than copying an entire scheme: mint penny tile as a playful backsplash, marble counters for a touch of elegance, black window frames for contrast, or jar pendants for character.

The shop owner asked us to acknowledge the team behind the build: the designer was Fraser Design Associates and the construction was completed by THS Construction. We’re always happy to give credit and share local resources for anyone looking to turn design ideas into reality.

Psst — want to see more of our store crashes? There’s a whole collection of visits for design inspiration and practical tips.