Building The Platter Girl Brick and Mortar
When I first signed the lease for 418 S Trade Street in Amity, Oregon, I had a vision—one that combined my love for food, artistry, and community into a physical space. The dream was big, but the reality of transforming an empty space into a Platter Girl was even bigger.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we took an idea and turned it into a reality, from bare walls to a charcuterie lover’s dream shop.
It all started with a lease and a whole lot of imagination.
The space had great bones—original 1905 barnwood floors, exposed brick walls, and just enough character to make it something special. But it needed work. We had to paint, build, install, decorate, and design every single element to bring The Platter Girl - Luxury Grazing Company to life.
From day one, we knew this was going to be a labor of love. And I love that. With a mix of DIY projects, custom installations, and a few unexpected surprises, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
The biggest glaring issue with the space, we quickly found out, was the brick itself. The brick was sort of, shedding. I don't even know how else to describe it but it basically needed to be cleaned, treated, and sealed.
Thankfully our gracious landlords handled it seamlessly and after a month or so delay we were able to get the greenlight to start the overhaul.
The second big task was painting. We wanted to create a bold, modern, yet warm aesthetic that felt high-end but still inviting. I didn't want my palette to conflict with the beautiful brick but it also had to be "Platter Girl" - The color palette was carefully chosen:
Black and white for contrast
Pops of neon pink and bright yellow for personality
Tropical greenery to soften the space
With every stroke of paint, the vision started to take shape. I was nervous the green trim would be super noticeable after adding black but honestly, you cant event tell it's green now!
BEFORE
AFTER
One of the most exciting elements of the shop is our U-shaped charcuterie bar. We wanted a space where customers could order their favorite grazing items while experiencing the artistry of food firsthand. The base is sleek black wood, while the countertop features a light natural wood finish for contrast.
But what’s a charcuterie shop without a statement logo sign and an epic menu? And they definitely needed to be.... COOL! Since I couldn't find anything specific I wanted online or in stores, we decided to DIY our own!
Check out this reel on how we created the platter menu simply by painting a large black platter on the wall then applying wooden rails and letters I found on Etsy.
Here’s what we did for the logo sign:
Measured and cut a 4' x 8' plywood board for the base. Created a 2" frame around the board and painted it all black. I went with a flat "Blackout" from Behr which I also had color-matched at Lowes with Sherwin Williams.
Layered black tropical paneling on the sides with a white center panel that is actually just a big white canvas I got at Hobby Lobby. Then we affixed black metal letters to the canvas to spell out Luxury Grazing Co.
Installed a bold neon pink ‘@the_platter_girl’ sign above it.
Surrounded it with lush faux greenery for tropical feel I love so much.
We installed a wooden mantle below the sign to prop up boards, plants, smaller signs and other knick-knacks.
This project was definitely a challenge, but seeing the final results has made every moment worth it!
One of my favorite design elements in the store is the large gothic-style black hutch that houses our bakery selection. Stocked with freshly baked breads, local jams, honey, and artisanal crackers, it’s the perfect complement to our grazing offerings.
Next up was setting up the boutique section—an area filled with charcuterie accessories, gourmet products, and beautiful tableware. Every piece was hand-picked to reflect the brand’s aesthetic and mission: luxury grazing, made accessible.
As we neared the finish line, it was all about the small but impactful details:
Plants, plants, and more plants – Greenery adds warmth and life to the space. My friend Laura at Mi Home Nest (find her IG here MI HOME NEST) HOOKED your girl up with some awesome easy to handle plants. Don't even ask me the names of the plants she adorned my space with, I just handle the cheese, ok?
Statement lighting – We purchased a beautiful sparkly chandelier to create a cozy glow but haven't had time to install it yet! Will do soon and you will love it!
Signage & branding – Custom signage, decals, and branded elements brought everything together with most of it coming from creators on Etsy.
Product displays – We carefully styled the shelves to make shopping an experience, not just a transaction. More products coming soon!
With every addition, the shop feels more like home.
After months of planning, painting, building, and styling, The Platter Girl - Luxury Grazing Company storefront is finally ready to open its doors!
This journey has been filled with hard work, unexpected challenges, and so many learning moments. But standing here now, looking around at this beautiful space, I know every late night and early morning was worth it. This shop isn’t just a business—it’s a celebration of food, community, and creativity.
This isn’t just a shop—it’s a whole vibe.
When I dreamed up The Platter Girl, it was never just about selling charcuterie. It was about creating something bigger—a space where food, community, and creativity collide in the most beautiful way.
This is where you come to grab a board that turns a regular night into a celebration. It’s where you find the best artisan cheeses, fresh local ingredients, and little details that make every bite feel special. It’s a place where food isn’t just something you eat—it’s an experience, a conversation, and a work of art.
But more than that? It’s a space for you—for connection, for gathering, for indulging in something that feels luxurious but effortless. Whether you’re picking up a platter for a girls’ night, planning a grazing table for your wedding, or just stopping by to see what’s new, you’re part of this story.
Every board, every detail, every corner of this shop is built with heart—and I can’t wait for you to step inside and be part of it. 💕
To everyone who has supported this journey—whether through kind words, social media love, or just believing in this dream—thank you. I can’t wait to welcome you all inside!
XOXO,
Lea
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