We’ve only store crashed a few times (like this cute local kids consignment shop or this office crashing from Charlotte) but when a local ice cream store called Gelati Celesti opened up in our neighborhood, not only was the ice cream pretty darn good, so was the design. In fact, we actually thought a lot of it could translate into someone’s home (so it’s not just a “commercial” look that you can’t implement in your own kitchen). Let’s have a look around on this fine Wednesday afternoon, shall we?
When you walk in the awesome black-framed doors surrounded by black-framed windows and look to the left, there’s a rustic whitewashed plank wall with a prep area full of fun mint-green penny tiles. The hilarious thing is that after chatting up the owner he revealed he had seen our kitchen and that’s how he had chosen the penny tile, although he opted for the fun mint color. It’s such a small world. But we’ll get to showing you more of the awesome penny tiled area in a second. First lets linger on those marble counters. Veiny and delicious, eh?
So if you’re brainstorming kitchen pairings, we think the dark chocolate concrete floors with the light marble counters and the penny tile mixed with those rustic wood plank walls are a pretty smokin’ combo. Especially when paired with a pop of peachy coral (in the sign) and those awesome glass-jug lights above the serving area. Maybe skip any giant freezers full of ice cream in the center of your kitchen though. Wait, but on second thought, I think a giant freezer full of ice cream in the center of a kitchen could be pretty amazing…
Here’s a closer shot at that awesome salmon colored sign (the bottom ten squares are chalkboard paint so they can write in new flavors) and the mint green penny tile. Me-ow, right?
Let’s get closer. Who’s craving a big ol’ cone? Just me?
This is the other side of the room, which is full of industrial metal + wood tables and chairs along with more of those awesome glass-jugs-turned-pendant-lights. And now you can see more of those giant black-trimmed windows that let in lots of light and seem to work really well with the industrial concrete floors. So painting your kitchen window sashes black in a kitchen with white cabs, dark floors, and colorful tile could be awesome. And check out that sign in the back…
I couldn’t agree more.
Here’s a close up of those awesome jar pendants. I totally didn’t stand on a chair to get this picture. Nope, wasn’t me.
Here are a few more seating details for you, just in case the metal + wood + stripe of darker wood bench gives you any ideas – maybe for a breakfast nook or a banquette? I’ve heard that built in benches can save space (you can place a table much closer to a wall than you would if it had pull-out chairs) so maybe it could work for your kitchen?
Of course this trip wasn’t all business. A girl’s gotta eat! For any locals, you HAVE to get “Just Ask” (it’s white chocolate ice cream with peanut butter and Oreos). In other words, IT WILL BLOW YOUR FREAKING MIND.
Sorry for the caps. It’s that good. And Clara’s pretty into their cake batter variety too. So there you have a rare little store crashing installment. Have you been to any stores that have actually inspired you when it comes to things you could do to your own home? It’s amazing how many things might be applicable if you keep an eye out. Oh and the owner asked if we could shout out the designer and construction crew that made his store possible, and you know we love giving props and sharing the local love, so for anyone else looking for help, the designer was Fraser Design Associates and the construction was done by THS Construction.
Psst- Wanna see everything we’ve crashed? Your wish is my command (just click here).
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
I’ve been there before!! Is this a new location? Their ice cream is fantastic! I want to go again so bad!
YoungHouseLove says
I believe it opened sometime last spring or summer, so it’s new-ish. Their original location is on the other side of town, I believe.
-John
kristen says
have you guys been to bon fruyo yet? it’s new by joe’s in on buford.
YoungHouseLove says
We have! It’s a fun spot – we especially liked the kids tables in the back.
-John
Lindsay says
I’m wondering if the benches/tables are made of old bowling lanes?
YoungHouseLove says
Someone actually commented here about those being locally made! So cool!
xo
s
Audrey says
I love that I’m not the only one scoping out stores when their design (not just their product) catches my eye! A Starbucks near my office has a beautiful dark blue hexagon patterned tile backsplash. I took a picture of it while they made my drink!
Katherine says
The last pic of the ice cream made me want an ice cream cone exactly like that. It may very well be worth a trip to south side.
Anna says
LOVE THIS! I’m rather obsessed with Gelati Celesti and live just minutes away from the West End location. I was excited at the beginning of the post but even more so at the end because Just Ask is my favorite–I’ve seriously never gotten another flavor there because it’s just that good!
Love when I see local Richmond stuff on the blog I can get pumped about!
eileen marie says
Totally had to get gelato after I saw this. Sadly, it was not that great & no cones! (Say what?!)
Sherry, I know you love your Dirt Devil Kone/Kurv, but ours unceremoniously died, & Dirt Devil doesn’t make either anymore! Is yours still going strong? If not, suggestions??
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Have you tried ebay or amazon.com? They might still have them. Otherwise my sister in law has a little Black & Decker hand-vac that she loves.
xo
s
amyks says
That sign…my family’s life in a quote, perfect! The store looks awesome, too! The windows are amazing.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I’ve never been here before, but we drive by all the time since we have friends in the neighborhood right behind the Stony Point Shopping Center. My husband used to eat at the one on the Northside in college, so I feel like I’m missing out!
Emily says
OLIVE OIL FLAVOR?!?!?!
o.O
Kathryn says
I tried all sorts in Sicily last summer. They may sound odd, but trust me; after you’ve tried basil flavoured or ricotta flavoured gelato, chocolate and vanilla just won’t cut it.
Anatale says
Oh–ha–milk bottle lights in an ice cream store. That took me a while. I like how it’s sort of theme-y but not all up in your face. And in a kitchen it wouldn’t be at all.
Noelle says
I found myself singing “Pumpkin Halloween” to the tune of “Where are you, Christmas?” last night while cooking dinner. Just thought Clara should know. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hilarious! Best song ever.
xo
s
Jason Fredrick says
We were involved with making those lights….Let me know if you are interested in how we pulled these off!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh, they’re so awesome! We’d love details/pics/a link to a description of the process – pretty much anything! Hahah!
xo
s
Danielle says
Just when I think I’ve settled on backsplash tile, you toss another one into the mix! I was completely planning on a white penny tile, until I saw Katie Bower’s marble hex tiles… and now I’m back to the penny tile. I think.
Leslie says
I don’t live in Richmond but I visit often and I LOVE the ice cream at Gelati Celesti. Fortunately the friends I stay with live close by! And it is a cool-looking place.
Fran says
Very cool! I love the ice cream scoop wall art.
Chrissann says
Growing up in the West End, Gelati Celesti was always the “fancy” place to go for ice cream. Glad to see they’re still going strong! :)
Nitya says
Oh my gosh!!!! you guys made my day. My hubby and I had icecream here on our first date nearly 13 years ago!!!! Brought back wonderful memories…. Cinnamon and chocolate gelato thats what we had.
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
bridget b. says
what a cute place!and the ice cream looked pretty good too. i love borrowing design ideas from stores and restaurants. check out this cool-looking restaurant i blogged about with tons of inspiration. http://623designs.tumblr.com/post/15239093696/eat-in-style-coppa-ristorante
YoungHouseLove says
So cool! I love it!
xo
s
Arlene says
WOW!!! How did a milk jug from Albuquerque get all the way to Virginia! I remember Valley Gold Diary, it’s been gone for a while. So excited to see that on your blog!
Jodi says
what a beautiful space! thanks so much for sharing.
Ann says
Here’s another great consignment store. Not gelati but still something you’d be interested in….kid’s clothes!
A little secret in the Westbury Shopping Center and one to check out. Nothing fancy but some great deals.
http://www.elephantsandgiraffes.com/page/page/1635598.htm
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like fun!
xo
s
Kimberly says
Wow – what a beautiful store! The ice cream doesn’t hurt and I’m definitely adding Gelati Celesti to my list of places to check out the next time I’m in Richmond. By the way, cake batter is my daughter’s favorite as well. :-)
Fraser Design says
Hey Guys, awesome post as always, and thanks for the shoutout! So fun to have great clients and delicious ice cream to work with- makes design easy! Cheers- Peter
YoungHouseLove says
Of course Peter! We’re huge fans of your work!
xo
s
Katie@LifesNextBigStep says
Gelati Celesti is the only place my husband will go to get ice cream. We’re in the west end so we go to the original one on Broad between Parham and Glenside. It’s not quite as pretty as the new one, but the ice cream is the JAM! And I agree, Just Ask is the best flavor there (unless you’re my husband and go with boring old vanilla or strawberry). Or the mint chocolate chip. Yum!
Cindy says
I have a question about painting window sashings. My windows are pretty standard builder’s grade windows, and they are glass and metal. Are we talking about actually painting the metal? And the locking mechanisms and the frames and everything? I love the look of black windows, but any ideas on how I would go about that?
YoungHouseLove says
I would just paint the window sashes if they’re wood and you can just do the ones on the inside (not the sides that slide open and closed since that would scrape off paint I think).
xo
s
HK says
That metal bench got me to looking around the Intertubes – found these on Etsy in just a couple of seconds of searching:
Rustic Living
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53798765/metal-leg-set-for-park-or-garden-long
Rustic Living
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73036710/outdoor-furniture-picnic-table-kit-w?ref=v1_other_1
I would definitely use either or both inside, the table would look great as a modern country table with no gaps between the boards and some aging ala House of Smiths(?) aged planks.
YoungHouseLove says
SO cool!
xo
s
Lauren@FilingJointly says
Ok so the first time I read the ice cream flavors I thought it said “White Chicken” instead of “White Chocolate” and I was like, “That sounds gross,” but for some reason didn’t go back and double check.
I figured it out with the picture of your cone, duh LAUREN.
I write it off to the fact that Ryan and I went out to dinner at a fancy place recently (because we are fancy obviously) and his dessert was parsnip cheesecake with mushroom glaze and it still tasted very dessert-y.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha!
xo
s
Jessie Stanley says
“Just Ask” is my favorite flavor too! We live in Glen Allen and go to the West End store on Broad :)
Kristin W. says
The ice cream is amazing here. I’m not a big ice cream eater, but their salted caramel flavor is addicting! And i would paint my whole house in that dreamy blue.
Lynne Williams says
Hey guys, I love this place and you picked my favorite flavor too. For your next crash, you should try Papeterie, a couple of stores down in the same shopping center. It is being taken over by 2 new owners and they have some great new things in there. It would be so great to support small business and local owners!!!
Love you guys, you are the best.
YoungHouseLove says
No way, that sounds awesome!
xo
s
Michele says
Love the lamps and even more the ice cream poster:)
http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/02/flourless-knockout-ninja-brownies.html
Ali says
I love that place! I almost wish it was not so close because it’s so good. Haha. Just so you know, at least this past year, they had free gelato for kids if you showed up in a costume on Halloween. :) Plan ahead. Haha.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! I love that!
xo
s
Shan says
I couldn’t help notice your use of the term “eh”! And here I though it was an exclamation unique to Canadians ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Well, Sherry did once date a Canadian. But we don’t talk about him anymore… :)
-John
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
I’m pretty sure I’d live there if I could…what a beautiful place! Of course the 20lbs I’d gain wouldn’t be that great….
Shanda Davidson says
When I was a kid and got in trouble, my mom didn’t do the normal things like take away TV or whatever. Nope. She took away ICE CREAM. Needless to say, I was a damn near perfect kid..
Audrey says
So cute! If you ever happen to be in Virginia Beach check out Savor the Olive– it’s just in a strip mall but it’s awesomely crashable inside and definitely translatable to home. Handmade tables and the most amazing lighting. And if you haven’t done a balsamic vinegar/olive oil tasting, you definitely should! (Plus they love kids in there– our 2.5 year old loves tasting all the sweet flavored balsamics!)PS– I don’t have any affiliation with them despite how this comment is starting to sound– just think it’s a cool place. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, sounds amazing!
xo
s
Scott says
It was probably already mentioned but, for the locals, they have a location on Broad St, and are opening a 3rd sometime soon.
I always get Banana. So good.
Stephanie says
I grew up right down the street from the first gelati celesti! My friends and I would ride our bikes there, first stopping at Stuffy’s to get a sub. Oh the memories! It makes me miss Richmond! I definitely don’t remember the original being that gorgeous.
Elaine says
How did I miss this!?!? My husband collects old milk bottles. Oh the lights we could create!!
Carol says
Before I walked out the door this morning, I asked my husband for the hundredth time if my mint jeans looked ok with my new grey and salmon striped sweater. And, like a good husband, he said yes. And then I hit up your archives during a slow minute at work and find this! I’m still not sure if I believe him, but at least I know I’m not the first one rocking the mint and salmon. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! Get down with your bad self!
xo
s