A Scandinavian inspired bakery serving fresh Kanelbullar in Thessaloniki
The Swedish bakery Kanel, by Fluo architecture and design studio, brings traditional baked goods to the Greek coast complete with Scandinavian interior design, earth tones and neon signs.
Jade studied Glass and Ceramics at The National Glass Centre, Sunderland before moving to London to become a content writer in the architectural glazing field. Two years later she became a freelance writer for glazing companies, and influential architecture and design platforms.
LinkedinCompleted in January 2020, Kanel is a Swedish konditori (bakery) in Thessaloniki. The family-owned bakery brings traditional Swedish delicacies to Greece, along with earth-toned Scandinavian interior design.
The owner had lived in Sweden for many years and returned to bring classic Swedish recipe for kanelbullar to Georgiou Stravrou, Thessaloniki. Kanelbullar is a Scandinavian twisted cinnamon roll that is made with a delicate dough, achieving a light panettone style texture.
The minds behind – Fluo architecture & design studio
Fluo architecture & design studio was founded in 2010 by Thalia Michail, Fei Maniati and Christina Serrou. The practice specialised in the architecture and interior design fields for private residences and hotels as well as commercial buildings and public spaces.
Fluo has offices in both Athens and Thessaloniki but carries out projects in a variety of locations from end to end. One of the core values of this practice is sustainability and intelligent concepts to design buildings that will improve the daily lives of the residents and guests.
Materials & Techniques – Glass facades and neon signs
Kanel is set within the ground floor of a narrow building with natural light only accessible from the store front. Regardless of this, Fluo ensured the interior was bright and inviting with the use of neon signs on opposing walls, contemporary lighting and large frameless glass windows and door to the bakery’s entrance.
The contemporary wall lighting within the bakery utilises curved metal rods in the same colour as the cold zone, which ties in beautifully with the metal chair legs used throughout the interior. Fluo carefully selected curved lighting and furniture to maintain a soft and welcoming interior aesthetic. For a playful addition, white neon lights were selected to state the bakery’s motto (“a piece for everyone”) and “your day just got a little sweeter”.
Natural materials were used widely to extend the emphasis of the earth-like tones used on the walls and furnishings. The counter was finished with an elegant terrazzo surface, which complemented the terracotta coloured warm zone, and wooden slats were used to display the coffee selection. Within the cold zone there’s also an exposed brick wall, although painted white, that provides a connection to natural materials.
Style & Aesthetics – Scandinavian earth tones
Fluo design and architecture studio used warm and cold tones and textures throughout the interior design which was inspired by traditional Scandinavian design. The cold zone at the front of the bakery is the primary seating area that’s also used as a corridor leading to the counter at the back. The warm zone was finished with terracotta colours to achieve an earth-like tone to the atmosphere.
These warm earth-like tones were used at the back of the bakery where the counter and bar stools are, which adds an inviting sense of depth to the interior. The cold zone at the front of Kanel creates a fresh space that brightens the storefront. Earth toned wall graphics were used on one side of the cold zone to bridge the divide between the two zones.
Kanel in Thessaloniki featured many Scandinavian design attributes that are evident in the minimalistic yet warm and welcoming interior. The earth tones used within the design create a natural and relaxed ambiance where guests can enjoy kanelbullar with a fresh coffee.
Kanel by Fluo has the motto ‘a piece for everyone’ which captures the bakery’s desire to welcome everyone to come and try their delicious kanelbullar
The family-run bakery was designed to be a relaxed and welcoming space for local residents and visitors to enjoy a taste of Swedish baked goods. Their motto accentuates this core value and combined with the interior design makes for a comfortable space for gatherings with family and friends.
Design Memento – A tonal juxtaposition
The colour palette used by Fluo is significant as it encompasses the history of the bakery. The predominantly Swedish design concept, in a Greek coastal location, is a beautiful companion to the traditional Kanelbullar baked here.
For a modern aspect, two neon signs were installed on opposite walls, one in the cold zone and one in the warm zone, sharing the bakery’s philosophy and providing backdrops for visitor’s Instagram posts.
The writer’s comment – A bite of Swedish Kanelbullar
Fluo sought to fill this bakery with a traditional Scandinavian design which highlights the cuisine being served at Kanel. The way that they used broken plan interior design techniques, by playing the light and dark tones off against each other, adds an undeniable sense of attraction.
Approaching from the streets of Georgiou Stavrou, the terracotta tones of the storefront offer a kerb appeal (and I’m sure the smell of cinnamon from the Kanelbullar is irresistibly inviting too).
