Project: Paper Cake Shop
Architecture: Heliotrope Architects
Team: Mike Mora, Jonathan Teng
Contractor: BMDC Services
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Area: 856 ft2
Year: 2025
Photo Credits: Kevin Scott
Tucked into Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, Paper Cake Shop by Heliotrope Design brings the artistry of pastry into a carefully crafted interior. Created by chef Rachel Yang of Joule and Revel together with pastry chef Gabby Park, the boutique bakery is dedicated to elegant slab-style sheet cakes that are as refined as they are approachable.
Design Inspired by the Cakes
The interior of Paper Cake Shop mirrors the qualities of its signature desserts: layered, balanced, and never overly sweet. Earthy greens and soft pinks define the palette, accented by warm cherry wood cabinetry and cake displays. A striking quartzite stone countertop becomes the focal point of the service area, grounding the space in natural sophistication. Even the cake boxes contribute to the visual identity, becoming part of the graphic storytelling.
A Cozy and Playful Atmosphere
The bakery is intentionally small and intimate, with seating for around 20 guests. Banquettes line the front windows while sofa-style seating faces the counter, creating a relaxed, sociable environment. The overall mood is subtly feminine, slightly retro, and perfectly aligned with the playful yet elegant spirit of the cakes themselves.
More Than Cakes
While the layered cakes take center stage, the menu extends to tea lattes, coffee, wine, and sparkling beverages that pair seamlessly with the confections. This thoughtful curation elevates Paper Cake Shop into more than just a bakery—it’s a neighborhood gathering place designed with intention, flavor, and beauty at its heart.
