LB Mini Mart

As the first spin-off concept from Portland’s beloved LB Kitchen, LB Mini Mart was envisioned as a fresh, design-forward take on the neighborhood bodega, located within a newly constructed medical office complex in Westbrook, Maine. Because the concept would serve as a prototype for future locations, the owners sought a lighting approach that felt flexible, approachable, and unmistakably tied to the LB brand identity.

The interiors are bright, playful, and energetic, punctuated by bold color moments and layered decorative lighting selected by the interior design team. Light + Form’s role was to quietly support this vision with architectural lighting that recedes into the background, making it feel as though the decorative fixtures are carrying the entire space. Working within the constraints of an already-designed core and shell, we integrated regressed magnetic linear track into the existing slatted acoustic ceiling, allowing the system to visually disappear while remaining fully adjustable for future merchandising changes and operational experimentation.

Louvered linear LED modules were selected for their exceptional glare control, appearing nearly invisible from most viewing angles even at full output. The same fixture family was carried throughout the project in recessed, surface-mounted, and suspended applications, creating visual consistency across the compact but layered space. Adjustable wall wash modules softly illuminate the back counter and feature wall, reinforcing the clean and welcoming atmosphere.

The defining feature of the project became the custom merchandise cabinetry, where concealed linear lighting was integrated to softly backlight displayed goods. The effect feels elevated yet approachable, a signature detail that has since become part of the evolving LB Mini Mart identity and is already being carried into future locations, including the newly-opened Vaughan Street store in Portland (photos coming soon!)