In the upscale district of Kolonaki in Athens, the streets are lined with shopfronts competing for the attention of passers-by. Riza, a new homeware shop on Kapsali Street, brings a new concept to the area’s assortment of upscale boutiques, featuring a curated assortment of objects sourced from all over Greece. The shop’s ethos extended to the interior design as well, with the vision to create a space that celebrates craftsmanship, down to the last detail.
Our office designed a fully custom interior that creates a neutral backdrop for the products, all the while staying true to Riza’s concept of highlighting Greek craftsmanship. The rather limited space of 20 sq. m. was completely transformed as a unified micro-architectural gesture, in collaboration with a team of local craftspeople who created everything by hand.
The custom-made counters, display cases, and central table are in oak, while the shelves and staircase are in painted wood. The shelves in particular are decorated with grooves and feature a traditional system for adjusting shelf height. Acting as a subtle separator between the interior and the street, the black iron window frame and door are a reference to typical Athenian shops from the 1960s.
Design team: Sofia Xanthakou, Joana Gomes
Construction: Doriki Techniki
Photography: Marco Arguello
Τext: Kiriakos Spirou