According to the Herald Tribune, in addition to its new/old logo, Starbucks is undergoing a design overhaul of its interiors. The java monopolist has brought back designer/architect Arthur Rubinfeld to his old post to change things up. Rubinfeld has presented a new design, which may include, "energy-efficient lighting, new furniture using reclaimed materials, and modular merchandising racks, [as well as] new paintings that evoke the company's coffee heritage." I'm sure Starbucks knows what it's doing, so I don't doubt the changes will be beneficial. I'm curious, though, whether a coffee shop's design influences whether or not you'll order a latte. Does design influence your preferences out of the home?

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Aesthetics are important to me, but not the only thing. I will get coffee from a local dive if it is good, friendly and convenient.
I like the feel of current Starbucks and since they are in financial trouble I'm doubting this move.
1I agree with the second option. Design is nice, but I guess in the end what really matters is how good the coffee tastes! I like the current STARBUCKS atmosphere. I think it's very relaxed, cozy and friendly.
2I guess the improvement in aesthetics is too attract more customers and the more they attract the more people will spend in starbucks. Hopefully they'll have a plan on how to accomodate strollers. It looks like a daycare center in there most of the times. Not that I have a problem with it but sometimes you could barely move around in there.
3I like my coffee shops to feel cozy, especially if I'm going to sit & stay a while
4i just hope starbucks does something eco-friendly with all of the interior design elements that they're going to be replacing and getting rid of! wouldn't it be more eco-friendly to just leave it as is and maybe just replace the lighting and other electronic components?
5couldnt care less. I would care about the eco-friendly options, but that means worlds more to me than aesthetics does. I don't sit in and drink coffee either though, no time.
6I'm sometimes disappointed at how uncomfortable the chairs and tables are in some coffee shops that are supposedly designed for you to stick around for hours. They always have those 4 or 5 comfy chairs that I feel like I have to stalk.
7In a coffee house, I would like to see an interior that's warm and inviting. Especially if I am going to stay a while.
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