Athens-based architecture studio ‘threshold’ has turned a confectionery shop into a café, aiming to create a humble, minimalist, and cozy setting for the local community. Located in the suburb of Keratsini, the design of the café showcases the beauty that can be found in a simply decorated space, using a less-is-more approach. The key driving force behind the “Lemoni” was to retain as much as possible of the existing space and leave any additional materials in their raw, natural state.
More specifically, the existing terrazzo floor was polished to its original color, whilst the facade structure and metal staircase were carefully restored and repainted. The shop’s counter is built out of inexpensive concrete blocks, treated with a mat, and transparent coat, while the top is made from Volakas marble with pink and grey veins. The outdoor space follows the same principle as the interior; plain pavement tiles were placed in a slightly unordinary way to differentiate it from the adjacent public pavement. The only color used throughout the project is deep green, inspired by the existing lemon tree on the site, with some splashes of yellow. The simplicity of elements was also translated in the shaping of the shop’s visual identity, logo, cards, etc. designed in collaboration with illustrator Taria Hocke. The preservation of the space’s existing textures and elements coexists with toned-down interventions to create a simple, inviting place.
