Sunny Side Up: Banacado Cafe in Stockholm by ASKA.

Located in Stockholm’s lively area of Vasastan, café Banacado opened its doors to the public with a 70 square metre interior imagined by ASKA as a vibrant dreamscape. Warm yellow and peach tones, greenery and a generous amount of natural light are reminiscent of exotic atmospheres, where sweet-flavoured, colourful food naturally blends in with the setting. Adding to the vibe are design elements like shelves, arches and the painted checkerboard floors inspired by the aesthetic of Cuba.

Pale yellow light envelopes the interior, resembling the effect of a sepia lens, making visitors become a part of an old movie. The concept of an environment where “time stands still” is further enhanced by the subtle vintage details like an LP player and a polaroid wall.

“The composition of the interior references the aesthetics of Wes Anderson movies, as his motives often follow a strong symmetry and are built from a one-point perspective,” says ASKA co-founder, Polina Sandström. “That sense of constructed perfection makes the space feel somewhat unreal.”

Striped handblown lamps, designed specifically for this project by glass artist Ulla Gustafson, are a nod to polka caramels, adding a playful touch to the interior. Impressionist scenes by painter Carl Palmé highlight the poetic tone of the space.

ASKA’s intention for Banacado was to create an interior that stands out from the typical restaurant and café interior found in Stockholm, striving towards a bold, international look. The large form-cut mirrors and materials like tiles, terrazzo and stainless steel add a touch of luxury, complementing the café’s all-day breakfast menu, more commonly found in cities like London or NY.

“At ASKA, we often draw inspiration from places we have visited in other parts of the world. We feel that in Sweden, it is common to play it safe when designing public environments, the goal being to attract the widest audience possible,” says ASKA co-founder Madeleine Klingspor. “In this project, our ambition has been to create a strong and focused experience that elevates the core and essence of Banacado. A place with a clear and unique identity.”

In order for the concept to truly take off, the architectural duo put much effort into designing details and working over different scales and disciplines. In addition to graphic design and logotype, the team also designed some of the furniture for the café.

Related: Making Waves: Maria Nila Salon & HQ in Stockholm by ASKA.

[Images courtesy of ASKA. Photography by Mikael Lundblad.]