The store MILS in Riga, Grostonas Street, combines various functions – it is a bakery, where bread, cakes and other sweet treats are baked on-site, a store, offering food products of excellent quality, and a breakfast restaurant with exquisite meals as well. The combination of the store’s different purposes was a real challenge for the architects since the capacity of the space is only 155 square meters. Because of the comparatively small size of the space, it was necessary to divide it into two zones – a separate cafeteria (including a kitchen) and a store.
One of the main settings in the project was planning how a successful client flow would be implemented, as well as separating the zones, so that the visitors would not be disturbed during a relaxing conversation, or vice versa. Various room planning projects were created during the project, however, one of the initial ideas was chosen by the owner of the store to be the most favorable. As experience shows, frequently the first ideas are those, which establish the basis for the further interior concept.
As for the outcome, a convenient and cozy store with a warm aura was constructed. The result was reached by playing with spatiality, different materials and their textures. A particular accent in the overall concept of the interior was successfully created by using decorative corrugated profile metal sheets in the wall finishes, therefore granting the rooms particular elegance. As for the wall behind the shop counter, sheets of silver color were used, whereas black color sheets are displayed in the cafeteria area.
The materials generally used within the interior are metal, glass and faux stone, however, for instance, keeping in mind the architects’ idea, the cafeteria tables are made of natural stone. Together with the owner of the store, who eagerly took part in the whole reconstruction and interior process, various natural stone factories were visited to choose the most appropriate material and color tone. Since it is not necessary to buy a whole sheet of material for relatively small furniture, such as the tables, the tables were made by the effective use of scrap material.
Another solution used to create an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable interior concept were curtains for the windows facing the street. Thanks to a carefully chosen light fabric, the curtains fulfil the acoustic function, as well as grant a sense of privacy, therefore in a way helping one “distance” themselves from the street. The tone of the curtains – antique pink – works well with the stone tiles of the flooring (the only building element which was left from the previous owner and was not adjusted in any way) and the rest of the colors used in the space – black, pink and silver.
Objects from the store owner’s personal collection are placed next to and onto the walls – posters from various trips and places, as well as the so-called coffee books and interior magazines, which are placed in the shelves.
This was one of the projects in the creation of which the owner actively participated in since the very first day. The easy communication and creative process helped create an excellent solution with a cozy, charming and pleasant atmosphere, as confirmed by the clients, who live nearby MILS, as well as people who reside farther away. Reservations for breakfast in the weekends should be made early!
