Taka Sakaeda, Jihan Lee, and Lisa Limb—who met while working alongside three-Michelin-starred chef Masayoshi “Masa” Takayama and are the team behind Japanese restaurant Nami Nori—have launched Postcard Bakery in Manhattan’s West Village.
Postcard Bakery draws from vintage Japanese design
Crafted by Brooklyn-based Sarah Carpenter & Studio, Postcard Bakery features a retro-meets-whimsical design concept that draws from vintage Japanese postcards and 1920s Taisho-era artwork. The intimate 300-square-foot space is decadent and vibrant, combining pastel tones and rich patterns.
An oversized curved glass and mirrored metal pastry display case is visible from the street, while every surface in the arched service area—from the ceiling and walls to the counters and floors—is bathed in a vivid vermillion red that stands in contrast to the soft, warm glow of the seating area.
The seating area is characterized by quilted banquettes set against a muted palette of creamy peach and butter yellow. Golden marble floor tiles, which are reflected in the pastry case, further accentuate the space’s softness.
A green wallcovering, framed by custom oak millwork, evokes the botanical and geometric influences of artist and illustrator Yumeji Takehisa.
“At the start of the project, Lisa shared a Spotify playlist that she had put together to convey the nostalgic, playful tone she wanted to set for Postcard and we played this on loop in our studio,” says Sarah Carpenter. “In past projects, clients have provided us with a wide assortment of content to help articulate their ideas, ranging from a poem to a single photograph. We embrace it all, but this was our first playlist! It speaks volumes about the team behind Postcard and the type of space they have envisioned.”
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