signature brand + web package
Veranda Books Signature Branding and Shopify Website
Veranda Books curates a diverse and globally inspired collection of literature, celebrating stories that transcend borders and spark curiosity. Founders Leo and Alison brought us on to create a brand identity, complete with logo design, a brand colour palette, typography, and a Shopify website.
Project objectives
Curate a diverse and globally inspired collection of books that captivate and enrich readers.
Create a visually compelling and strategic brand that reflects the joy of discovery and the richness of storytelling.
Establish a modern bookshop identity that stands apart from traditional, old-fashioned bookstores.
Leo and Alison focused on curating the books and fostering a literary community, while we used our strategic design skills to craft a visually striking and contemporary brand identity that brings their vision to life.
“Honestly, every time I look at this site it gives me a huge thrill! It’s so beautiful and makes me really excited about the shop.”
alison, veranda FOUNDER
Our Brand Design Approach
We began by delving deeply into the types of readers Veranda Books aims to attract. The results revealed a diverse audience of curious, cultured, and intellectually driven individuals seeking books that transcend borders and offer new perspectives.
This insight led us to explore their reading habits, preferred genres, and the types of bookstores and brands they already engage with. By understanding their preferences and behaviours, we positioned Veranda as a modern, inclusive, and globally inspired bookshop that resonates with their adventurous literary spirit.
The Logo Design
The logo for Veranda Books is a thoughtful fusion of symbolism and storytelling, perfectly capturing the brand’s literary heart. At its core, the 'V' is brought to life with carefully placed serifs, cleverly mimicking the pages of an open book. This subtle yet impactful detail draws a direct connection to the world of literature. Beyond its elegance, the 'V' is designed with versatility in mind, serving as a standalone mark for stamps and other branding elements, making it as practical as it is captivating.
The logo also incorporates a clever symmetry by mirroring the 'V' in the form of upside-down 'A's. This design choice reinforces the theme of books while creating a balanced, visually coherent identity.
Subtle 'spine' details within each letter further echo the structure of a book, tying the logo back to Veranda’s mission of fostering curiosity and storytelling. Intriguing curves within the serifs add an element of allure, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the rich literary world that Veranda embodies.
Brand Colour Palette
The colour palette for Veranda Books is a blend of timeless tones and contemporary vibrancy, reflecting the brand’s commitment to blending tradition with modernity. Each shade is thoughtfully named to evoke the essence of exploration and the literary world.
Vellum and Manuscript, soft and neutral tones, echo the delicate pages of cherished books, grounding the palette in classic sophistication. Bookish Olive and Vintage Leather add depth and richness, reminiscent of well-loved book bindings and timeless library shelves.
To contrast, Coral and the brand’s signature Verdant Vert bring a fresh, modern twist with their bright and energetic hues.
This thoughtful mix ensures Veranda feels welcoming and cultured while standing apart from the conventional, stuffy bookshop aesthetic.
Brand Typography for London Book Shop
The typography for Veranda Books is designed to feel as welcoming and intriguing as the stories it celebrates.
For the body text, we chose a classic serif font that feels like flipping through the pages of a beautifully bound book—timeless, trustworthy, and effortless to read. It’s the kind of typeface that quietly lets the words take center stage.
For headings, we opted for a sleek and stylish font with light and italic variations, adding a touch of sophistication with a modern twist. It’s confident but not overbearing, guiding the reader’s eye and making key moments pop.
Together, the fonts create a balance between classic charm and contemporary flair, mirroring Veranda’s unique mix of tradition and adventure. They tell their own little story—one that’s every bit as inviting and enriching as the books on their shelves.
Shopify Website Design: Bringing Global Stories to Life
Veranda’s Shopify website is designed to reflect its mission of connecting readers with stories from around the world. One of the standout features is Veranda Voyage, which allows visitors to browse books by continent, highlighting Veranda’s specialisation in translated fiction.
This thoughtful navigation emphasises the brand’s global perspective and invites readers to explore literature through a cultural lens. On the homepage, clickable book covers creatively punctuate the mission statement, seamlessly blending design and functionality. This unique touch engages users and subtly encourages exploration of the catalogue.
Shopify Website Strategy: Storytelling First, Sales Second
The strategy behind Veranda’s Shopify website was to prioritise storytelling over straightforward sales. The design uses large, visually compelling sections to spotlight featured authors, placing their stories at the forefront of the site.
This approach transforms the website into a platform that celebrates the writers behind the books, aligning perfectly with Veranda’s ethos of discovery and connection. That said, conversion isn’t forgotten—subtle features like upsells on book pages are handpicked by founders Alison and Leo, offering recommendations that feel personal, just like the experience in-store.
Thoughtful Touches to Spark Curiosity
The Veranda Shopify site is full of thoughtful details that enhance the browsing experience. A touch of Verdant Vert green appears throughout the site, adding intrigue without overpowering the clean, modern design. This vibrant accent complements the brand’s welcoming yet sophisticated tone.
Hand-curated upsells, with personalised “You Might Also Like” suggestions that reflect the founders’ expertise and passion. These intentional design choices ensure that the site is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging, inviting readers to linger and explore.
Shopify Website Training
We teach all of our clients how to use and update their Shopify website with our bespoke video training at the end of the project, all of our clients say how easy it is for them to update their website after the training.
We also offer Shopify maintenance packages for those who need additional help with their site.
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If you have a one-of-a-kind business and you’re looking for a brand and website to match, we’re here for you! Get in touch with our expert design team today, and let’s start your creative journey together.