Starbucks Takes Center Stage at Milano Design Week with a New Chair and Ceramic Mug

The latest evolution of coffeehouse design debuts at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Milano as part of Inspired by Italy installation

Over the past year, teams across Starbucks have focused on re-centering the brand as a community coffeehouse by uplifting the in-store experience and bringing back the warmth and comfort customers have always loved. This work has included the introduction of softer seating, richer layers and textures, warmer color palettes, thoughtful lighting, improved acoustics and details that reflect the local character of the communities served. Some coffeehouses in locations such as New York City and Southern California have already been refreshed with these features.

And customers are already feeling the difference. As one individual shared, before the transformation, “Starbucks represented a place to get coffee and leave. Now, it feels more like a third place where I can hang out and stay longer – it provides a sense of community, comfort and relaxation.”

By the end of 2026, these new designs and familiar comforts are expected to be present in 1,000 uplifted locations, creating environments designed to help customers feel warm, comfortable and cared for.

As the coffeehouse experience continues to evolve, two new elements have been introduced to deepen that feeling even further: a new lounge chair and redesigned ceramic mugs. “These elements were created expressly to support Starbucks’ commitment to craft, comfort and connection in modern Starbucks coffeehouses,” explained Dawn Clark, Senior Vice President, Coffeehouse Design and Concepts.

A chair that invites you to settle in

One of the most recognizable changes customers have noticed in uplifted locations is the return of soft, generous seating. The new lounge chair builds on that momentum. From the earliest sketches, it was designed as an invitation to slow down and stay awhile.

With wide, open arms and generous proportions, the chair supports a range of seating positions. Its performance velvet upholstery in deep Starbucks green adds warmth and texture, while rounded arms and walnut legs help soften the space. All of these elements serve a simple idea: comfort helps make connection possible.

The chair also carries a subtle nod to Starbucks heritage. Many customers remember the iconic purple lounge chair that came to symbolize the welcoming third place Starbucks became known for. As more variety and softer seating continue to be introduced, this new chair brings that sense of nostalgia and heritage into the present day. A sneak peek of the chair was shared at Investor Day in New York City, and customers can expect to see it in select uplifted and new coffeehouses by the end of 2026.

A new ceramic mug crafted for everyday rituals

Alongside the chair, Starbucks is introducing a redesigned ceramic mug that enhances one of the most meaningful parts of the coffeehouse experience: the ritual of lingering over a favorite drink. Whether it’s the steam rising, the weight of the mug in hand or the aroma of a freshly made latte prepared just the way customers enjoy it, ceramic mugs offer a sensory moment and a feeling of comfort.

The redesigned mug was inspired by Italian cafés, with subtle references to Seattle’s maritime heritage. Its porcelain body features a wider mouth that enhances foam and aroma, while the handle is shaped for a comfortable, natural grip. Available in classic white or deep green and across all beverage sizes, the mug feels both familiar and refreshed—an everyday object designed with care and intention.

The mugs are currently being tested in select coffeehouses in Los Angeles and New York City, with broader North American availability planned for later in 2026 and a global rollout beginning in 2027.

Thoughtful additions to an intentionally designed space

The uplifted Starbucks coffeehouse design brings back familiar elements such as soft seating, tactile materials and locally meaningful touches, while creating spaces where customers naturally want to gather. The new lounge chair and ceramic mug are intentional additions to environments customers are already experiencing in uplifted locations—elements that enrich everyday rituals and help each Starbucks coffeehouse feel special.

As Starbucks continues evolving its spaces, the focus remains on what matters most: creating community coffeehouses that feel warm, welcoming and deeply human. These new elements are small but meaningful expressions of the comfort and care at the heart of the Starbucks experience.