Frabala jewelry & clothing store renovation by So Far Studio honors a space with a rich and varied history

In a quiet neighborhood of Pagrati, a 100sqm ground-floor shop is reintroduced, by So Far Studio, through a subtle yet intentional architectural intervention. A space with a rich and varied history — from a handmade fabric flower workshop in the 1970s, to an auto repair shop, a photography studio, and now a clothing and jewelry store — is given a new, contemporary identity that feels both approachable and familiar.

The design bridges past and present, revealing and respecting the material memory of the space without replicating its earlier forms. A two-tone wall treatment — with a warm beige at the base and a deep, muted burgundy above — softens the imposing vertical axis of the envelope, while creating a more human scale. This chromatic pairing also highlights the original mosaic flooring, which is preserved as an integral part of the space’s narrative.

“Natural wood adds warmth and material depth, reinforcing a sense of simplicity and comfort. Concrete blocks — a subtle reference to the site’s rougher, industrial past — are used creatively in both larger interventions, such as space dividers, and smaller elements like side tables and planters”.

Custom furnishings follow a language of clarity and restraint, allowing the focus to remain on the products themselves. Jewelry display surfaces are designed with built-in recesses that discreetly frame each piece, offering a quiet yet deliberate moment of emphasis.

Fabric curtains were selected to conceal old internal mezzanines, introducing a scenographic quality that enhances the visual clarity and spatial continuity of the central area. Equally important is the repositioning of the jewelry workshop: once tucked away in the back, it now occupies a prominent place within the shop, allowing visitors to witness the making process in real time — a direct and engaging link between craftsmanship and experience.

The intervention focuses on detail and coherence. Without excess or spectacle, and with respect for the space’s existing character, the renovation establishes a subtle yet meaningful transition — from past to present — transforming the shop into a quiet contemporary landmark within the neighborhood.

Facts and Credits:

Title: Frabala Clothing & Jewelry Store, Typology: Renovation – Interior Design – Retail, Location: Pagrati – Athens – Greece, Architecture: So Far Studio, Status: Completed 2025, Text description: So Far Studio, Photography: Vasso Paraschi