A very long time ago I took on the task of coming up with a design that would organize and beautify the old fashioned candy and coke space in Ida Red. It was quite daunting due to the shear amount of product Ida Red has at any given time.
Here is what the candy space looked like before I got my hands on it.
BEFORE
Basically as candy packages came in, the employees would tear them open and stuff them on one of the industrial wire shelves they had available. It was slightly functional but it certainly wasn’t pretty!
The numerous types of old fashioned coke that Ida sells were living directly opposite of the candy all by itself.
After speaking with Alice (Ida Red’s owner) and thinking through things, I decided that we should move the candy over to live with the coke so that we could have all the edibles in one place. I wanted this newly created area to be called “The Sweet Spot.” The statement the candy and coke could make together was much stronger than what they said separately.
Here’ s what it ended up looking like!
AFTER
I made sure that everyone caught my vision for the space with a huge chalkboard that “named” and claimed the space.
Being directly underneath the the chalkboard meant that the coke cooler was definitely going to get some attention. If you notice in the before photos, the bottom portion of the cooler was a major eye sore that had to be addressed.
BEFORE
A few stained boards fixed it right up!
AFTER
Of course the most important thing we did to the space was figure out a great design to organize and display all the candy. Alice scored an awesome deal on a bunch of old coke boxes and snagged them without knowing what she would use them for. When I saw them, I felt like I had to work them into the design. . . I mean they are so cool! So the talented Mr. Tim built me some custom shelves that fit the boxes perfectly.
Tim used wood and steel to compliment that old fashioned feel we were going for. Although we cussed a couple of times putting the shelves together, they were totally worth it!
Once we loaded the boxes onto the shelves, I cut out the logo of the candy that would live in that particular box. I feel this allowed the space to function really well while also providing a relief from the clutter and chaos that the former candy area had.
I also felt like we needed something to center and ground the space. I did that by bringing in a custom built island. Of course Tim built that as well! I love working with him.
Since the island is such a focal point, I wanted to make sure there was something special about it from the materials to the custom designs we incorporated.
The top is made from cold rolled steel and has 5 integrated bowls that hold heaps of candy.
Underneath the island is concealed storage that holds extra coke and candy. This was really important for a store that prides itself on having so many unique items all the time.
And that’s it. Let’s do a final B & A, shall we?
BEFORE
AFTER
What do think? Would you be more likely to buy candy and coke in this space? Does it give you that old fashioned soda shop vibe? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Excellent transformation! looks much less cluttered. I love the use of the old coke boxes to store the candy 🙂
I just recently shopped at Ida Red and was so impressed with this display. So fun!
So much better.. GREAT job!
Wow! AMAZING job! You always impress me with your creativity!
Kara, you never cease to amaze me. Your (and Tim’s) creativity is so inspiring!
Kara, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I just want you to know how much I love it! You’re so creative and inspiring. Keep it up because I need something fun to read while I’m at work! 😉
I think you did a really good job, it looks so much more inviting and old fashioned now 🙂 The woods warm it up quite a bit. If anything, maybe just paint the walls some warmer color to further up the inviting feel? White can be kind of stark sometimes. But even if that’s not in the plans it looks great!
so amazing!!! you guys are a great team 🙂
This is such a great transformation!!!! If I had a retail store I would want you to design it *smile*
This is my favorite thing that you have created so far! The mix of metal and wood is just beautiful. There is so many things I am pinning on this page for the house we are building. Both of you are very talented!
Hi Kara, it turned out super cute! Reminds me of being a kid all over again. Very creative ideas in that mind of yours;)
Wow, this is awesome! It looks so much more quaint and inviting!
Kara, you and Tim are such an awesome team! I love this space!!
What a great transformation! Love how you incorporated the soda boxes in the space. Well done! Blessings, Katy
looks GREAT!
love that store, and my girls do too- the candy is their favorite part, of course!
That looks great, Kara! I wish I were closer so I could see it in person!
I’m curious, what does the silver cooler with red lettering say underneath “Jax”?
Cait,
I think it says “Best Beer in Town”
Tim
The space looks great! Candy (or any other small product) is so hard to organize and make look cohesive with all the random packaging. The boxes are a great solution.
Looks fantastic! Where is this shop located?