მდებარეობა: Likhoslavl, Tver Oblast, Russia
I was very lucky with the clients for this café project. Without them, I never would have discovered this unique town—the capital of Tver Karelia. And the town was lucky to have me: it gained a new attraction for locals and travelers alike—a place that celebrates our country's culture. By placing their trust in me, the clients gave the town a welcoming spot with a distinct national spirit, located right in the city park in the very center of town. ▎The Challenge To inject creativity, breathe new life into an ordinary brick building, and transform it into a place with a soul—a space that values tradition and authenticity. ▎From Northern Log Cabin to Modern Café We decided to create a modern interior that embraced the authenticity of Karelian culture, drawing on the traditions of wooden architecture and weaving together Russian and Karelian motifs. The traditional Northern Karelian log cabin is a majestic, distinctive dwelling made of massive logs, featuring smooth-hewn walls, sturdy doors, a carved porch, and a Russian stove at its heart. Its austere simplicity comes to life through vibrant painted details, carved partitions, and geometric and floral patterns, creating a striking image of a traditional home. However, the project I was handed involved a brick building with floor-to-ceiling windows—a structure far removed from the traditional northern homes the Karelian people have built for centuries. We therefore sought to create elements and details that reflected the local character, using modern design methods to infuse the space with the spirit of Karelia. ▎Ornaments as the Foundation of the Concept When deeply exploring the café’s concept, it was impossible to overlook the role of ornamentation. Patterns play a pivotal role in the culture, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the local people. We combined Karelian ornamentation with Slavic motifs. The diamond motifs spread throughout the space, appearing most vividly at the focal point: the bar’s front panel. The resulting pattern is rich, graphic, dynamic, and memorable—inviting the eye to linger and explore its details. On the bar’s facade, I incorporated "white-on-white" embroidery in the *poimittu* style—a traditional Karelian needlework technique. Set against the bar’s black base, the embroidery creates a striking contrast and a captivating sense of visual depth. These ornamental motifs are rooted in the decorative and applied arts. In the interior, we applied them to shutters, partitions, stair railings, the bar’s backsplash tiling, the bar’s framing, and lampshades. The embroidery and patterns appear on specific elements chosen to convey the national spirit and showcase the craftsmanship of modern artisans. However, I did not want to simply reuse traditional patterns from the past. I set out to create new, contemporary designs—blending Slavic and Karelian elements, simplifying their forms, and introducing something truly unique. ▎The Atmosphere My primary goal in designing the café in Likhoslavl was to create an atmosphere where every detail tells a story—from the symbolism of the Karelian star to the aesthetics of authentic wooden architecture. I wanted to craft a space where tradition and modernity intertwine, reflecting the rich heritage of the Tver Karelians. To achieve this, I filled the interior with elements that highlight the grandeur and beauty of Karelian culture: spacious rooms, massive columns, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant accents that evoke a sense of warmth and coziness. The café will host workshops on traditional crafts and events celebrating Karelian traditions, allowing every guest to connect with the culture and feel part of the festivities. ▎PERINTÖ "PERINTÖ" has become more than just a café; it is a place where heritage is preserved and passed on. It is a space where everyone can enjoy an atmosphere of Karelian culture, interwoven with Russian style and modern creativity.
