Café Cressida was imagined as a joyful escape — a sun-drenched courtyard café where colour, texture, and spirit weave together in a celebration of everyday pleasures.

The vision was to capture the innocence, charm, and lively spirit of a young muse — creating a space that would feel sweet, colourful, and spirited from sun-drenched mornings through to a few romantic nights.

Drawing inspiration from the casual elegance of a Parisian café, I reimagined the concept with a playful Australian sensibility. Layered colours, bold patterns, and nostalgic touches come together to bring warmth and whimsy in equal measure. French-inspired garden chairs gather across the courtyard like an invitation to linger; striped awnings throw soft shadows across marbled tables; buttery yellows, soft greens, and deep burgundies catch the light as the day moves.

Every piece was chosen with intuition and heart — scalloped ceramic sconces, hand-painted signage, leafy patterned fabrics, richly textured materials — creating a space that feels spirited yet grounded, everyday yet enchanting. The design strikes a balance between romance and function, inviting guests to pause for a morning coffee, gather for a leisurely brunch, or settle into a cosy banquette for an evening glass of wine.

I approached the project with a deep sense of personality and purpose — crafting a palette that is expressive and uplifting, a mood that is effortless yet thoughtful. Every detail, from the lighting to the layout, was curated to support an all-day offering that feels layered, welcoming, and intuitively full of life.