BON BON FAIT MAISON L’ATELIER is a modern bistro in the heart of Athens with homemade cuisine. It playfully combines the French words nice (bon), caramel (bonbon) and homemade (fait maison).
It has been described as a “work of art” as it is of particular architectural interest. Specifically, Bon Bon Fait Maison L’Atelier is housed in a restored 19th century neoclassical mansion whose restored grandeur echoes its former life as the home of the descendants of Markos Mpotsaris, a hero of the Greek Revolution.
The roof was originally hidden, but after the renovation of the space, it is revealed along with the rich decoration it bears and, thanks to the appropriate lighting, it becomes a central element. The rectangular shape of the shop and its small size intensify the imposing character of the ceiling, which immediately catches the eye of the visitor. The indirect lighting that has been used and ”runs” through 3 straight lines, gives a special character to the space, creating a special atmosphere.
The neoclassical elegance of the building is combined with the nostalgic charm of Parisian bistros – bentwood chairs, marble table tops etc. The bar counter adds Art Deco touches with a suspended light box and square wall tiles inspired by Athens’ most iconic metro stations, that of Victoria. Finally, the brass sconces chosen add a vintage character, while their diffused light highlights both the square tiles on the bar and the olive color on the walls (the station’s reference point) that dominates and unites everything.
In summary, both the lighting design and the choice of fixtures were made with the seamless connection between the historicity of the space and its shared references to Victoria metro station in mind. Emphasis and harmony, minimal elegance and vintage aesthetics characterize the lighting of Bon Bon Fait Maison L’Atelier.