Case Study: Biophyllic Design Installation at Sonder Coffee Bar
- Creating a Tranquil, Plant-Filled Retreat for Coffee Lovers -
Client: Sonder Coffee Bar
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Designer: Janae Smyth – Interior Plant Designer and Consultant , Leaf It To Me
Project Overview
Sonder Coffee Bar is known for its amazing roasts, raved about waffles, and inviting atmosphere. We had the opportunity to collaborate on this project alongside The Sill and Soil, with a shared vision: to introduce greenery in a way that feels intentional, calming, and beautifully integrated. Our mission was to design a plant installation that would complement Sonder’s minimalist, Japandi-inspired aesthetic—a seamless blend of Japanese simplicity and touch Scandinavian warmth—while supporting the daily flow of the cafe.
Nothing fits better than plants and coffee. This project allowed us to showcase how intentional, biophilic design can quietly transform a space into a grounded retreat where both people and plants can thrive.
Design Vision: Minimal, Organic, Serene
Owner Jacquie, described Sonder as minimal and naturally inviting, with soft Japandi touches and Scandinavian warmth, throughout the space. We aimed to weave plants into this vision in a way that felt:
Purposeful, Tranquil & Organic
The goal wasn’t to overwhelm, but to curate a soft, living backdrop that enhances the experience for every guest and team member.
Our Approach
Every plant was selected and placed with care, following three guiding principles:
1. Plants that Thrive in Place
We chose plants suited to Sonder’s unique light levels, and day-to-day activity to ensure lasting health and beauty.
2. Seamless Integration
We positioned greenery to complement the café’s layout, avoiding any disruption to staff workflows or guest movement.
3. Natural Calm
The final arrangement focused on sculptural forms, layered textures, and gentle height progression to evoke a feeling of peaceful simplicity.
Plant & Material Highlights
To honor the Japandi-inspired design, we curated neutral-toned planters with soft, organic lines and textures. The plant palette was intentionally diverse to create subtle depth and visual interest.
This project came with a unique consideration: roll shutters that close daily at 4 PM.
For this reason, plant selections were made carefully, focusing on varieties that would confidently thrive and be adaptable to the available lighting conditions.
Dracaena | A tall, statement plant against the slate wall, adding architectural elegance.
Chinese Evergreen | Lush, adaptable foliage perfect for low-light corners.
Pothos & Heartleaf Philodendron | A future green wall and canopy in the making, bringing movement and natural growth as vines cascade over time.
Plumosa Fern | Delicate, airy fronds that soften the space with their cascading form.
Schefflera | Offering gentle variegation and vertical interest.
Ponytail Palms | Sculptural and whimsical, adding curiosity without clutter.
Snake Plants | Upright, minimal, and beautifully architectural—perfect for complementing the Dracaena.
Ming Aralia | Placed intentionally on the front counter to create an instant connection as soon as customers walk in. Catching the eye and inviting people to slow down and notice the life surrounding them.
We also incorporated Kokedama (a Japanese moss-ball planting technique) as sculptural, non-traditional plant features that beautifully align with the Japandi aesthetic and add an additional layer of biophilia, aside from the plants themself.
The Outcome: A Living, Breathing Calm
The completed installation brings grounded tranquility to Sonder Coffee Bar.
The plants quietly enrich the space without overtaking it, adding layers of natural beauty that will evolve over time.
Guests are welcomed into a serene, biophilic environment that subtly connects them to nature with every visit, while staff enjoy working in a space that feels both energized and peaceful.
Interested in Transforming Your Space?
Let’s bring thoughtful, life-giving greenery into your business, workspace or home.
Handcrafted Kokedama moss-ball plantings displayed inside Sonder Coffee Bar. Kokedama is a Japanese planting technique (inspired by bonsai) where a plant’s roots are wrapped in a ball of soil and moss instead of being placed in a traditional pot.
