10 Minimalist Cafe Design Ideas, Sizes, & Cost Estimates

The cafe industry continues to grow and is becoming a promising business option, especially with its minimalist concept, which is considered more flexible and efficient. You can create a small and minimalist cafe for takeaway, or a larger version with a comfortable seating area for customers who want to work and relax.

To help you decide on a low-budget cafe design that is worth it, check out the following minimalist cafe building ideas, complete with size descriptions and cost estimates.

1. Takeaway Window Cafe

A cafe with a takeaway window concept is ideal for those who want to start a business with a simple concept and quick operation. The size is generally around 2×4 meters or 3×4 meters. These dimensions are sufficient for a bar area, storage shelves, and a barista workspace.

Additionally, you can add 2–3 chairs outside as a comfortable waiting area. The estimated cost to build and set up a takeaway window concept ranges from IDR 70 million to IDR 180 million, depending on the booth's finishing and quality.

To reduce equipment costs, start with manual brewing tools such as a V60, French press, electric kettle, grinder, coffee scale, and cup sealer for cold drinks. This simple equipment package is typically available starting at IDR 10–25 million, keeping the total budget manageable for beginner entrepreneurs.

2. Minimalist 20-Foot Container Cafe

The 20-foot container cafe concept is a favorite because it looks modern and unique, and it catches the eye. A standard container is approximately 6 meters long and 2.4 meters wide, with an area of around 14.4 square meters.

This space is sufficient for a bar, a drink preparation area, and ingredient storage. To maintain a strong minimalist feel, you can choose monochrome colors such as white or black, with wooden accents on the front.

To make it more comfortable, you can add a small wooden deck, outdoor umbrellas, or a canopy for the seating area outside the container. In terms of cost, container modifications, electrical installations, ventilation, finishing, and outdoor decorations can cost around IDR 160 million to IDR 290 million.

If you add an entry-level espresso machine and an electric grinder, the equipment costs can range from IDR 25 million to IDR 70 million, but this can still be adjusted based on menu requirements and the target market.

3. Japandi Minimalist Cafe Building

Japandi (Japanese-Scandinavian) is a minimalist design style rooted in simplicity and tranquility. This style is ideal for cafes targeting customers who want to relax and linger, such as remote workers or students.

This type of building typically uses neutral colors, natural lighting, and light wood materials. For a small Japandi cafe, a building measuring around 4×6 meters or 5×6 meters is sufficient for a bar, storage, and work areas.

You can add a simple 3×6 meter outdoor seating area, such as a terrace, to maintain a spacious feel. Since the Japandi concept requires meticulous interior details, construction costs typically range from IDR 200 million to IDR 295 million, depending on the quality of finishes, flooring, and furniture.

If your target customers are workers, college students, or school students, the menu is typically simple, allowing you to use more efficient equipment, including a grinder, a small espresso machine, a chiller, and several manual brewing tools.

4. Outdoor Garden Cafe Model

If you prefer a minimalist cafe with a natural feel, the outdoor garden concept could be the right choice. This design is suitable for areas that are not too noisy or locations with open land.

For this concept, the core building can be 3×5 meters for the bar and kitchen, with the rest used as an outdoor seating area. If you have an area of approximately 8×10 meters, you can build a comfortable garden cafe with walkways, green plants, and warm lighting in the afternoon.

The estimated total construction cost is between IDR 150 million and IDR 280 million, due to additional requirements such as garden design, outdoor seating, paving, and decorative lighting. For equipment, you can use a simple setup, such as manual brew and entry-level espresso machines, according to your sales target.

5. Ground Coffee Concept

Ground coffee creates a relaxed atmosphere with minimalist design and no extravagant decorations. Customers come to enjoy coffee and chat, not just to take photos. Ground coffee buildings usually feature a clearly visible bar, and are sometimes semi-open to encourage closer interaction between baristas and customers.

You can build this concept with a bar and back area of approximately 4×4 meters, then add a front seating area of around 5×8 meters. A total effective area of 35–60 square meters is sufficient for comfort.

Construction and interior costs for this concept typically range from IDR 160 million to IDR 290 million, depending on whether an iron canopy, exposed cement floors, or ceramic finishes are used.

If you want to highlight the coffee menu, you can allocate main equipment, such as a high-quality grinder and a small espresso machine, at an estimated cost of around IDR 40–100 million to ensure consistent coffee taste.

6. Minimalist Open Space Cafe

A minimalist open-space cafe is suitable for tropical areas because it creates a spacious, open feel, allowing for better air circulation. This design often uses a transparent roof or canopy to keep the space bright. From an operational standpoint, an open space also reduces air conditioning costs because it is not completely enclosed.

In this concept, the bar can be built around 3×6 meters, and the seating area can be expanded to 6×10 meters. This way, customers can choose a comfortable area that does not feel cramped. The estimated cost for an open-space cafe is around IDR 170 million to IDR 295 million, because the canopy, frame, and outdoor lighting costs should be well-designed.

As for the menu, the open space concept is more flexible. You can sell coffee, non-coffee drinks, and simple snacks. With this menu, you can outfit your kitchen with equipment such as blenders, chillers, cup sealers, and coffee machines that fit your budget.

7. Bamboo Wood Cafe Design

A bamboo wood cafe is an idea that combines minimalism and natural nuances. Bamboo and wood materials give a warm impression while also reducing costs. This concept is suitable for cafes that want to give an aesthetic appearance, especially if you want to highlight an eco-friendly theme.

The core building is generally around 3×5 meters for the bar and kitchen area, while the outdoor seating area can use a 6×8 meter yard. With this layout, the cafe still feels spacious despite the building's small size.

The construction cost for the bamboo wood concept ranges from IDR 120 million to IDR 260 million, depending on the quality of the wood and roof design. In terms of equipment, you can prioritize manual brew setups that look crafty and align with the natural concept, such as V60, Aeropress, Syphon, and a small showcase for pastries.

8. Carport Cafe Concept

A carport cafe is a smart strategy for anyone whose house has a large yard or carport. This concept is often used to start a business with less capital, as there is no need to build from scratch.

With just a few minor renovations, booth arrangements, and attractive lighting, you can turn a 3×6-meter carport into a bar and service area, then add a few tables at the front.

For this concept, renovation and arrangement costs are typically in the range of IDR 70 million to IDR 220 million, depending on the required changes. You can also add a canopy, pergola, or minimalist fence to create a proper cafe look.

The equipment used can be adjusted to the capacity. For a home-based scale, equipment costing IDR 15-50 million is sufficient to get started, especially if you focus on serving basic drinks and light snacks.

9. Industrial White & Concrete Cafe

Industrial white & concrete is a design that looks modern, clean, and easy to combine with other minimalist elements. The white color creates a spacious, bright impression, while exposed concrete or cement can give your cafe a distinctive character. This concept is ideal for urban cafes to look contemporary and not overly ornamental.

The ideal size for this concept is a bar building measuring approximately 4×5 meters or 4×6 meters, with an outdoor seating area measuring 5×8 meters. This space can accommodate 15–30 customers, depending on the seating layout.

The total construction cost is generally estimated at IDR 190 million to IDR 299 million, as it requires neat finishing to ensure the exposed concrete does not look rough. For cafe equipment, industrial style usually matches an espresso-based menu, so an entry-level espresso machine and electric grinder are the main investments for your cafe.

10. Standing Bar Cafe

A standing bar cafe is an efficient choice for narrow spaces or high-traffic areas. The concept offers a quick experience, where customers buy, enjoy their drinks while standing or sitting briefly, and then leave.

The bar building can be made compact, around 2×5 meters or 3×4 meters, and the customer area can utilize a 3×6 meter space for several standing tables. With this concept, construction costs can range from IDR 80 million to IDR 230 million, depending on the booth finishing and branding.

Standing bars are also well-suited for simple, quick menus, such as iced coffee, lattes, and other fresh beverages. For equipment, you can start with manual brewing and cup sealers, or add a small espresso machine if your target market requires espresso-based menu items.

Building a minimalist cafe is exciting because you can experiment with a range of design concepts, from simple to premium. However, you also need to think more strategically, because an attractive design will not last long if the building materials are not well prepared.

Therefore, in addition to choosing a building concept, you also need to ensure the quality of construction materials, including the type of cement. In this case, you can choose Semen Merah Putih Watershield as the solution.

Semen Merah Putih Watershield is equipped with water-repellent technology that provides double protection against water seepage from the outside, the inside, and even from the ground (capillary water), while also helping protect the building from moisture.

If you want more detailed information or need consultation about the materials required for your cafe building, feel free to contact us. Semen Merah Putih is ready to assist you in finding a solution to create a visually appealing, durable building.