Zambrero was ready to expand in the UK, but its interiors didn’t quite fit the market. The original Australian design, casual, pastel, and canteen-like felt too soft and faded to make an impact with UK audiences. Initially, KISS was brought in to refine the key in-store artwork, but the project soon evolved into a full interior redesign.

The existing design lacked cohesion, distinctiveness, and the energy needed to reflect Zambrero’s feel-good values. KISS focused on embedding the brand’s identity into the space, drawing from creative platforms and guided by valuable feedback. The aim was to create a unique and authentically Zambrero experience that stands out in the competitive local market.

Typically, an interior concept builds directly off the core brand. However, with the UK brand still evolving — and a tight timeline in play — the Founder prioritised updating the interiors first. To guide and inspire the refresh, we developed creative moodboards. These platform boards served as a fast, effective way to translate abstract ideas into visuals, helping align everyone on a clear direction in a short amount of time.

We drew inspiration from urban street music, seeking more texture and edge — deliberately steering away from pop, jazz, or rock. This became our creative foundation, reflecting the mashups with hip-hop beats played across all stores, bringing a raw, gritty energy to the atmosphere. We also explored the cultures intertwined with that music scene, particularly the influence of streetwear.

We took inspiration from streetwear concept stores, embracing raw materials like cement and brick but elevating them with thoughtful layers of light, vinyl art, curated seating, and tiling. Where the in-store TV once floated awkwardly, it’s now grounded within an industrial pole frame, punctuated by bold neon accents that inject the brand’s energy. We also introduced a neon Zambrero sign, clearly visible from the street, creating a striking, urban beacon for passersby.