Isabella’s – A Fresh Chapter in Mt Eden

Client is Isabella's

Tucked into the heart of Mt Eden, Auckland, Isabella’s is a warm and inviting café that reopened in early 2025 under new ownership. Previously operated by different owners, the café underwent a thoughtful interior refresh that brought the new owners’ vision to life. The renovation was subtle in scale but transformative in effect — creating a serene, modern space that celebrates light, greenery, and intimate community connection.

The palette is quiet and calming, with crisp white walls, soft timber flooring, and layers of natural textures. A restrained mix of lush indoor plants, floral wall art, and soft lighting lend the café a relaxed, welcoming ambiance — inviting guests to slow down and stay awhile.

Central to the refresh was the furniture, which sets the tone for the café’s understated yet stylish identity. The Barry Chair in green was selected to bring a soft pop of colour while nodding to the café’s botanical styling. The chair’s distinctive mid-century silhouette and vertical channelling add just the right amount of visual interest, while its compact footprint makes it ideal for a busy urban café.

The dark oak table tops, paired with our Hydra round bases, provide a grounding contrast to the soft tones of the space. Their minimalist profile and commercial-grade durability ensure a balance of function and form — essential for hospitality environments like Isabella’s.

While the changes were modest — a fresh coat of paint and carefully curated furnishings — the result is a space that feels effortlessly pulled together. It’s a reminder that small design decisions, when made with care, can create spaces that feel both new and familiar. For Isabella’s, the refurb marks a quiet evolution — one that reflects both the café’s roots and its future.