Tea Story

Tea Story is a popular hangout place in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village that celebrates togetherness and international culture, with tea serving as the common bond and catalyst for conversation.

The idea of sharing stories over tea has been engrained in Chinese culture for thousands of years. This simple concept grounds the design theme for Tea Story’s unique and playful interior. This project focused on adding value to maximize the impact of a streamlined budget, while producing a vibrant, welcoming and bold design statement.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a bold and bright colour scheme grounded by the venue’s re-finished original dark wood floor. The tea bar, with its clever use of materiality and suspended mesh screen panels, serves to define the interior set-up while creating separation and privacy for guests seated nearby.

Polson-inspired pendent lighting hints to an exotic sense of place, highlighting the various seating arrangements ranging from faux Saarinen-tulip table and chair-sets, to an assortment of whimsical furniture including a replica of Salvador Dali’s famous Lip Sofa.

Tea Story’s enduring popularity proves that with the help of a creative and open-minded interior design team, success doesn’t always require a big budget.