Small Space, Big Flavour: Better Burnt Opens in Hawthorn
From cult-status cakes online to a charming shopfront on Glenferrie Road, Better Burnt’s new Hawthorn café fitout brings handcrafted – burnt Basque cheesecakes to life in a whole new way. The founder Kai Yee Ho had a clear vision for her first bricks-and-mortar store: a space that felt as honest, cosy and deliciously inviting as the cheesecakes themselves.
Working within a compact 22m² footprint and a modest budget, The Stylesmiths were engaged to deliver a hospitality interior design solution that was warm, textural and highly functional. With no major structural changes, the goal was to maximise ambience and brand impact through simple, thoughtful detailing.
The new café features a custom POS counter with an integrated cake display fridge as its centrepiece. From there, the space is layered with soft sage greens, reclaimed timber finishes, whitewashed brick, and an abundance of natural light — creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the handmade ethos of the brand. Green powder-coated café chairs nod to the nostalgic simplicity of European cafés, while indoor greenery and shelf styling add warmth and personality.
With the kitchen fit out managed separately, The Stylesmiths focused on the customer-facing elements: layout planning, colour palette, furniture selection and lighting. The result is a space that feels confident and cohesive, proving that good design doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful.
“At the start of the design process, I had no idea where to begin. I had a small budget and a big dream. The Stylesmiths matched me with Julie, and from our first conversation I felt supported. She understood my vision, worked quickly, and introduced me to a great builder. Later, I met Richard (Creative Director), who even offered me business advice. I’m so grateful for their support — I’d happily work with them again.”
— Founder of Better Burnt
