Let’s travel to Webster, TX, the home of Water Oak Cafe & Bakery, a place for the community to gather and enjoy an expansive menu of sweet and savory delights. The owner of Water Oak had been a baker since her teenage years in high school and opened Water Oak House in 2015, a home bakery. As her treats rose in popularity, she decided to expand her business from her home to a brick and mortar location, which opened in 2023 and was designed by the talented designers at Kim Lewis Designs (KLD).

When designing this special place, KLD honored the essence of Water Oak’s roots and journey from a home bakery to a storefront and place of community. The space is inspired by the quintessential French patisserie: casual and laid back yet elegant and refined.

Water Oak is as special as it is magnificent, with high ceilings and unique fixtures complemented by the natural light that bathes the bakery, transforming it into a bright, airy, and balanced space. With a color palette consisting of blue, pink, and seafoam with brass accents throughout. From the pink and white checked floor tiles and the rich blue paint on the fridge display and walls to the abstract floral wallpaper tying everything together, the use of color in the space was key to the design. White oak wood and light counters and tabletops were incorporated to balance out the design.

With all the other finishes coming together, Lewis needed a neutral and light surface that was durable yet elegant. In comes Silestone Calacatta Gold, a timeless color selected for its white base and subtle gold movements. The surface in 2.0 cm thickness was used on the tabletops, countertops of the point of sale, bar top and back, and condiment station, as well as the bar backsplash.