As a person who finds peace in discovering cozy, relaxing settings — I’ve come to decide that Starbucks is my go to, but most coffee shops boast that cozy atmosphere we've come to love. Here’s a list of reasons why Starbucks — and coffee shops in general — are my favorite!
1. The Lighting
I love walking into a place where the lights aren’t yelling at me. The mellow lighting at Starbucks is one I can relax with. The fixtures aren’t your everyday ceiling tile lights, that can be exhausting to sit under. They’re more lively, while also being less stimulating. Less lighting is better lighting in my opinion. It’s more intimate, and makes for a more comfortable setting, encouraging both focus and leisure.
2. The Aroma
There might not be anything more comforting than the smell of coffee being fresh brewed. It’s something that takes me back to my home, in the mornings when mom and dad would wake up and start the coffee pot. Or when my family would sit around my grandfather's table and eat an evening lunch, with a small cup of coffee to top it off at the end. The earthy tones are pleasing and soothing. Just a couple more characteristics that make it a comfy place to curl up and read or study.
3. The Music
As someone who tends to be a fan of music that isn’t all that well known, I love when public places play more low-key genres and songs in their settings. At Starbucks, music is constantly being played. And what’s better is that it's my music, you know? Not music that I’ve made, but music that I love to listen to. It gets old to hear the same radio songs that pop culture has made known. I primarily enjoy smaller bands and genres, so it’s good to find places that enjoy them too.
4. The Drinks (Duh)
Starbucks has a drink to fit my every mood. When I’m stressed, there’s nothing better to relieve my worries than being able to wrap my hands around a warm cappuccino. If I’m feeling a bit parched, their green tea, and refresher beverages are the perfect quencher. And when I’m feeling a little playful or adventurous, my resort is always a white hot chocolate with a pump of raspberry. Aside from their delicious drinks, their foods are also quite relaxing. Ranging from sandwiches to cake pops, they never disappoint my tastebuds.
5. The People
Coming from a girl who often times likes to sit and just observe and admire other humans, this place is full of diversity. Ranging from sharply dressed hipster boys, to teenage girls, to people covered in tattoos and piercings, the crowd that Starbucks draws never fails to amaze me. I know that some people come here for the exact same reason as me—to escape to somewhere familiar and warm, while others are just here for the free wifi and the new seasonal coffee. I find it funny that despite the “basic” stereotype that Starbucks is known for at times, the most unique and scruffy people tend to wander in here sometimes. A hitchhiker with a backpack or a disheveled looking old man can be found throughout the day. It's enjoyable to share the same setting with so many types of people.
Overall, Starbucks essentially offers a nice, homey setting to relax and unwind in, and I’m thankful for that. Everyone needs somewhere to escape to when the world becomes too much to handle, and I’m glad I’ve found mine.
