How a Guangzhou Designer Turned His Studio Into a Cozy Coffee & Curios Shop

It was a bitter cold night when I stumbled upon a sliver of warmth in Guangzhou’s Haizhu District — a tiny yellow-lit space glowing against the gray. Inside, dried flowers perfumed the air, indie music played softly, and the walls were lined with everything from 1950s American kettles to retro toy sets. This wasn’t a chain. It wasn’t even planned. It started as a graphic design studio that kept getting mistaken for a coffee shop.

The answer to "how do you turn a cramped studio into a cozy coffee-and-curios hangout that works?" is simple: make it personal. Owner John, a Hong Kong-based graphic designer, turned his unnoticed workspace into Green House | Cafe&Zakka — a three-seat coffee bar and vintage shop where every item, drink, and stool has a story. No corporate branding. Just his taste, his music, and his favorite lemon Ribena.

From Studio to Hybrid Hangout

Before it was Green House, the space was just John’s design studio. "People often walked in thinking it was a coffee shop," he recalls. Rather than fight the confusion, he leaned into it. The result? A hybrid space where coffee meets collectibles. The former studio now serves as a cafe by day and a curated curiosity shop by evening, all within a modest footprint that seats just three people — none of them particularly comfortable.

The Menu: What John Actually Drinks

John keeps the menu intentionally small and personal. "Everything here is something I’d drink myself," he says. That includes unexpected offerings like lemon Ribena — a British soft drink he personally enjoys. The food lineup is equally straightforward: think classic cheese-filled croissants. There’s no espresso machine in sight, but the focus is on drinks John genuinely likes, served in a space he designed down to the handwritten Take Away sign outside, meant to spark conversations with passersby.

The Zakka Collection: Global Finds in a Tiny Space

The real charm of Green House lies in its eclectic assortment of vintage goods. On display: a 1954 American water kettle with visible wear, a pixelated McDonald’s toy set sourced from Hong Kong, and various trinkets John has collected from around the world. These items aren’t for sale (at least not yet), but they’re arranged to invite conversation. "I like the feeling of things crowded together," John admits, acknowledging the space might feel chaotic to some — but in a cozy, lived-in way.

The Space: Intentionally Uncomfortable

With only three backless stools and one slightly more comfortable sofa by the door, comfort isn’t the priority. "The chairs are the least important thing here," John says. The idea is to encourage quick visits — a coffee, a chat, a glance at the curated oddities. The setup fosters fleeting connections, not long lingering. It’s part of the charm: you come for the drink, stay for the stories, and maybe leave with a new appreciation for 1950s kitchenware.

Community Dreams and Future Plans

John dreams of building a stronger neighborhood vibe. He envisions Green House as part of a local Sunday market, complete with a fish and chips stand and a used bookstore nearby. He already hands out free coffee to neighboring shops. "I don’t see other businesses as competition," he says. "It’s about blending in, not standing out." His plans include adding more community-driven elements, turning the area into a micro-hub where locals can gather — even if it’s just for a lemon Ribena and a laugh over a stolen ashtray.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green House | Cafe&Zakka?

Green House | Cafe&Zakka is a hybrid coffee bar and vintage goods shop in Guangzhou’s Haizhu District, created by graphic designer John. It serves personally curated coffee drinks and displays a collection of global curiosities, blending a minimalist cafe experience with a curated oddities shop in a small, intimate space.

What kind of coffee and drinks does Green House serve?

Green House serves drinks that owner John personally enjoys, such as lemon Ribena and classic cheese croissants. There is no emphasis on espresso or complex coffee menus — just simple, likable beverages that reflect John’s own tastes.

Is there a proper seating area in Green House?

Green House has limited seating: only three backless stools and one slightly more comfortable sofa near the entrance. The space is intentionally designed for short visits, not long stays, with comfort taking a backseat to intimacy and conversation.

What’s the story behind the vintage items in the shop?

The vintage items, including a 1954 American water kettle and a Hong Kong-sourced pixelated McDonald’s toy set, are global finds collected by John. They’re displayed to spark conversation and showcase his personal taste, though most are not for sale at this time.

Does John plan to expand or collaborate with other local businesses?

Yes, John hopes to foster a community hub by creating a Sunday market-like atmosphere, potentially adding a fish and chips shop and a used bookstore nearby. He already offers free coffee to neighboring businesses and envisions a more connected local scene.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for a Cozy Hybrid Café

For a space like Green House | Cafe&Zakka, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — a bright, floral Ethiopian single origin with notes of jasmine and citrus, perfect for fans of unique, nuanced cups. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor, a smooth, nutty blend ideal for those who prefer milder, comforting espresso drinks. Both beans highlight FrontStreet’s commitment to origin character and quality roasting, aligning with John’s personal, taste-first approach to coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.