Having redesigned a this 1st mall location of the same franchise in 2024, we were excited to return and work on another Boba Nation store (this time in Scottsdale, Arizona), creating an interior that feels consistent with the brand’s look and personality. Known for its trendy drinks such as boba teas, smoothies, slushes, and shakes, along with savory snacks and popular desserts, Boba Nation attracts a lively, energetic crowd. For this dynamic boba tea franchise store design, we followed the same approach, focusing on a bright, open interior with a light, airy feel and a youthful, playful atmosphere that invites people to hang out and enjoy the space.
In designing this space, we paid close attention to franchise-wide brand consistency, based on the idea that a brand should be instantly recognizable from one location to the next. While this was achieved in part through color—by centering the design around the brand’s signature orange and teal blue—we also focused on preserving the hip, clean feel (with a strong social edge) that defines other Boba Nation locations.
When designing the store, we kept in mind a visually aware, design-savvy audience—one that appreciates impact, but not visual noise. Instead of treating color as an afterthought, we made bold use of the brand’s orange and blue, applying them in unexpected ways across walls and furniture. While standard retail interiors often play it safe with neutral palettes and minimal accents, we chose to take a more expressive approach and embraced color as a primary design tool. By balancing these bold choices with a neutral backdrop, the result feels vibrant without being overpowering.
Slim soffits and LED-edged cutout wall accents, featuring a dramatic wave pattern, tie in with the upholstered benches, minimalist chairs, and retail shelving, becoming the chromatic life of the space. A large wall graphic with an orange background anchors the service counter area and doubles as a selfie wall, adding a fun, interactive moment for customers as they wait.
Orange alternates with teal blue elements, which play a secondary role in the overall chromatic composition of the space. Though cooler in tone, the teal introduces an unexpected softness that balances the boldness of the bright color. Wood paneling adds texture to the mix, enhancing this feeling of coziness.
We used neutral ceramic floor tiles, wall tiles, and quartz countertops to create a subtle stage where the two brand colors could play off each other. Their complementary relationship is a perfect recipe for a dynamic, vibrant space that also looks striking in photos—making it highly Instagrammable.
Since the space draws its energy mainly from the contrast and combination of colors (highlighted by the oversized logo behind the counter), we kept the lines and materials simple, clean, and minimal. The angular shape of the service counter is the only deliberate embellishment, aside from the terrazzo-like flecks in the material that subtly add depth. A minimalist wall-mounted counter and pedestal tables create a look that is intentionally understated, letting the colors take center stage.
Texturally, the space feels rich, even while maintaining a refined, uncluttered look. We mixed hard and soft surfaces, 3D wood panels with 2D paint, and pendant lights with LED strips. We also varied the height of the seating and alternated chair colors. Every element has a visual partner: spherical pendant lights pair with circular wall accents, and rectangular and round mirrors play off each other. The space is full of little visual conversations, which keeps the atmosphere engaging and reinforces the brand’s energetic, social vibe.
While the space is not large, it still feels surprisingly spacious. Part of this is due to the simple layout, which maximizes seating along the long walls and allows customers to move through the space without disturbing others. Another reason is the use of large mirrors facing each other, which visually expand the room.
The beauty of the space comes from the details. The juxtaposition of mirrors, circular wall accents, and the unmistakable wavy wall structure — which creates a subtle double-layer effect, with a gap that enhances the decorative depth — makes this boba tea franchise store design a study in visual interest for both the casual passerby and the intentional viewer. The ceiling landscape, made entirely of pendant lights that resemble floating balloons, is the final touch to an already trendy, open, and luminous space.
Finally, the digital menus allow a clear and up-to-date view of the menu, while the self-ordering stations improve the flow of customers and fits perfectly with the mindset of today’s customers.
Boba tea franchise store design: Mindful Design Consulting
All photos: Mindful Design Consulting
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