How a Limited Budget Shaped This Stylish Coffee Space

When you walk into a coffee shop where the walls are scrawled with oversized graffiti spelling "coffee space," and the furniture includes an old air conditioner painted bright colors and a coffee table made from a decommissioned espresso machine, you might assume it’s all intentional — a calculated attempt at industrial-chic cool. But often, the most striking visual styles in specialty coffee come from necessity, not aesthetics.

The truth? This Qingdao coffee shop didn’t set out to look avant-garde. Its founder, Gao Zhengui, simply started with almost no money and got creative — turning junk into design features because that’s all he could afford. The result? A space now known for its unique, resourceful charm.

How a Cash-Strapped Start Shaped an Iconic Look

Gao Zhengui, an 80s-born coffee shop owner, admits the gritty-meets-chic interior wasn’t planned. When he launched Coffee Space back in the early days, funds were tight. So instead of buying new decor, he painted an old air conditioner in bold hues and transformed an outdated commercial espresso machine into a usable coffee table. The striking graffiti on the grey stone wall — that famous exaggerated “” (Coffee Space) — also came from limited means, channeling a DIY 798 Art District vibe. What began as cost-saving hacks ended up defining the café’s whole visual identity.

A Café That Only Serves Coffee — And That’s the Point

Coffee Space isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. Since day one, it has focused solely on serving quality coffee — no teas, no pastries, no distractions. That laser focus stems from Gao’s dual passion: he’s both a coffee enthusiast and a coffee shop devotee. For him, running a café isn’t about upselling snacks or trendy drinks, it’s about perfecting the brew. That commitment has kept the menu simple and the quality high for years.

Qingdao’s Surprisingly Sophisticated Coffee Culture

Located on University Road — a spot with rich cultural roots and a quiet, European-style ambiance — Coffee Space became an early fixture in the area, quickly attracting attention from travelers and locals alike. Gao points out that Qingdao’s coffee scene punches well above its weight nationally. It’s easy to find shops serving single origin coffees here, and home roasting is fairly common. That local depth helped set the stage for Coffee Space’s reputation as a must-visit spot for backpackers exploring Qingdao.

Beyond the Cup: Launching a Coffee Education Hub

Gao’s devotion to coffee culture goes beyond the café. In June 2013, he founded Lixiang Coffee Training School to share professional knowledge and brewing techniques with aspiring baristas and enthusiasts. Teaching became another way to spread what he loves most — not just serving great coffee, but helping others understand and craft it themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Coffee Space only serve coffee and no other drinks or food?

Coffee Space has intentionally focused solely on coffee since its inception. Founder Gao Zhengui is deeply committed to quality in specialty coffee and avoids offering teas, desserts, or other distractions in order to maintain that singular focus. This decision reflects both his personal passion for coffee and the shop’s long-standing dedication to perfecting brews without compromise.

Was the quirky interior design of Coffee Space planned from the beginning?

No, the eclectic and industrial-chic look of Coffee Space — including graffiti walls, a coffee table made from an old espresso machine, and a colorful repurposed air conditioner — was not intentionally designed that way. It resulted from the founder’s limited startup budget, which forced him to creatively repurpose old items instead of buying new furnishings. The unique style was accidental but ultimately became a signature feature.

Where is Coffee Space located and why is that significant?

Coffee Space is located on University Road in Qingdao, an area known for its cultural richness, quiet atmosphere, and early adoption of indie cafés. This location gave the shop early visibility and helped it become a go-to spot for backpackers. The surrounding environment also reflects Qingdao’s deeper coffee culture, which supports single origin offerings and home roasting.

What led Gao Zhengui to start a coffee training school?

In June 2013, Gao Zhengui founded Lixiang Coffee Training School to promote professional coffee knowledge and brewing techniques. His goal was to share his passion for coffee beyond his own shop by educating baristas and enthusiasts, further contributing to the growth and understanding of specialty coffee in the region.

Did the use of old coffee machines in decor contribute to the café’s style?

Yes, one of the most striking examples of Coffee Space’s decor is a coffee table made from a decommissioned espresso machine. This repurposing was originally a budget-driven choice, but it became part of the café’s signature look. Along with painted appliances and graffiti, these elements contributed to an unintentionally stylish, industrial-chic aesthetic that defines the space today.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Single Origin Focus

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