Postcard Bakery in New York City's West Village boasts a design by Sarah Carpenter as delightful as the treats on offer, with a retro style inspired by Asian artwork.

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 citr...