Building a stand for Fiona Cairns…Piece of Cake
At a glance
4x3m stand
- Integrated arch (adjustable) shelving
Curved service counter with hidden storage
‘Art Deco’ inspired gold & marble vinyl finishes
‘Mood lighting’ to create ‘zones’
Mounted acrylic cut logo
Project Gallery
Background
Our creative partners at Promotion Line were tasked with designing a contemporary exhibition stand to showcase the work of their prestigious client, Fiona Cairns.
Through a collaborative discovery process and Promotion Lines expertise in experiential food sampling and creators of immersive, face-to-face tasting experiences, we determined that the success of the stand relied on three pillars: open shelving, a large service counter with integrated storage, and an overall luxury bakery aesthetic.
The Solution
1. Architectural Design & Spatial Planning
As with all collaborations, we began by working alongside Promotion Line to create initial mind maps and sketches before turning these into a high-fidelity 3D render. To maximize the small space, we designed large, integrated arched shelving to fit the two full-height walls. These arches featured adjustable shelves to accommodate cakes of various sizes, providing the space with a sense of depth and “architectural grandeur.”
2. Premium Material Selection & Precision Engineering
We opted for toughened glass shelving rather than standard acrylic to elevate the luxury feel. This provided crystal-clear viewing angles and a high-end finish. The front of the stand featured a curved counter, strategically designed to mirror the display arches and the sweeping details of the Fiona Cairns logo while providing plenty of space and storage for sampling.
We maintained a meticulous level of detail throughout the entire build process to ensure a seamless finish. This included custom-painted pink and gold screw cap covers to match the brand palette and an invisibly integrated bin within one of the countertops, keeping the workspace functional without disrupting the aesthetic.
3. Colour Palette & Aesthetic Detail
The colour scheme was a direct reflection of the brand’s iconic packaging. We utilised:
- Chic Pastel Pink: Soft wall panels to establish the base tone.
- White Marble & Gold Vinyl: Trims positioned to add a sophisticated Art Deco flair.
4. Strategic Lighting planned to create two distinct moods:
- Bright Natural White: Integrated into the arches to illuminate the cakes with accuracy.
- Warm Filament Bulbs: Suspended from a custom gold arch over the front counter to reintroduce the inviting, artisan feel of a traditional bakery.
5. Branding & Visibility
The Fiona Cairns logo, cut from satin gold vinyl, was applied at two heights. One was placed on the front of the counter for immediate brand recognition, while the second was fitted to intricately cut acrylic and raised above the stand height. This ensured uninterrupted visibility from across the exhibition hall.
The Result
The final build was a “piece of cake”, a seamless blend of functionality and high-end retail design that allowed the client’s work to take centre stage. The stand didn’t just display cakes; it provided a premium environment that lived up to a Royal reputation.
Behind the scenes
