Kate’s Great Plant Based Ice Cream

Colorful, playful, and unapologetically joyful, Kate’s Ice Cream in Portland is a space that invites you to smile before you even taste a scoop. Known for its plant-based, gluten-free desserts and vibrant brand identity, Kate’s has created more than a shop — it’s an experience. And photographing it was pure delight.

The interiors are a visual extension of the product itself: bright, expressive, and full of personality. Pastel curves sweep across the walls, yellow and peach tones melt together like a summer cone, and whimsical touches like globe pendants and sunflowers soften the geometric lines. Every corner feels intentional yet effortless — a design that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet remains undeniably polished.

From a photography perspective, the light in this space was everything. Natural light flooded in through the large front windows, casting soft, diffused shadows across curved countertops and tiled surfaces. I focused on letting that light bring out the texture and warmth of the materials — the matte paint, the tiled counter gradients, the cool stone and cheerful, curved mirrors. As a commercial interior photographer, my goal is always to document not just the design, but the feeling of a space. And Kate’s radiates happiness.

What stood out most during this shoot was the sense of inclusivity that the brand exudes. From its proudly plant-based menu to its warm and welcoming energy, Kate’s doesn’t just sell ice cream — it shares a point of view. The imagery needed to reflect that: approachable, fun, clean, and full of heart.

Projects like this are a reminder that retail design can and should feel emotionally resonant. Kate’s Ice Cream is a perfect case study in how a brand’s values can be carried seamlessly into physical space. And as a photographer, capturing that kind of alignment is always a joy.