In Kraków's Kazimierz district, we designed a restaurant that transports guests into the atmosphere of Sweden. Its name, Dala, refers to the traditional wooden horse, dalahäst, which for centuries has been given during celebrations as a symbol of happiness and festivity. Just like the horse, the restaurant is meant to live by the rhythm of celebration, from everyday fika, through the summer festival of Midsommar, to evening gatherings in the spirit of mingel. The project was created for the founders of Kaffe Bageri Stockholm, who decided to move beyond the café formula and create a place where Swedish traditions could be experienced in a fuller and more atmospheric way.
The main inspiration for the interior was the Swedish landscape of green forests, crystal clear lakes, and colorful wooden houses. In such surroundings, life follows the rhythm of nature, and the changing seasons are closely tied to traditions and holiday rituals. The space reflects these natural cycles through colors, textures, and forms that evoke both everyday customs and seasonal celebrations, from summer Midsommar to the winter festival of Lucia. Aromatic dishes, herbs, and floral decorations associated with these occasions are subtly translated into spatial elements, creating a multi-sensory narrative rooted in closeness to nature and the joy of everyday life.
The interior's colors and details tell the story of spices that have accompanied Swedish holidays and baking for generations. Cinnamon, present in kanelbullar enjoyed during daily fika, is reflected in dark wooden shelving with rounded edges and cylindrical backrests reminiscent of cinnamon sticks. Red countertops and finishes introduce warmth and coziness, echoing saffron-infused lussekatter baked for Lucia and bringing light into the darker months. Cardamom, known from semlor prepared for Fettisdagen, appears in airy green curtains that softly divide the rooms and in table lamps shaped like its seeds, building an intimate atmosphere for conversation and shared meals.
The entrance area evokes the spirit of Midsommar, with a bar embedded with flowers preserved in resin and a dried arrangement of field bouquets suspended above a central table. A long communal table placed near a piano encourages shared celebration, while curtains and subtle metal canopies create more intimate zones within the restaurant. Throughout the space, the scent of chamomile, pine shoots, and herbs reinforces the connection to Swedish nature.
In Dala, day and night naturally intertwine. Mornings and afternoons revolve around fika, while in the evening, candlelight and focused illumination introduce the intimate mood of mingel. The bar, long table, and elongated sofa shape a layout that recalls the domestic rhythm of kitchen, dining room, and living room combined. Flowers, natural materials, open shelving, and warm light complete the atmosphere of a place designed for being together, here and now, and for savoring both tradition and the present moment.
