It measures just 22 square metres. The Templess café is located in Belgrade. The interior was designed by Olga Bogatkina, who used white tones and mirrored features to make the space appear larger. The inspiration for the space came from the clash between the local tradition of coffee drinking and global cultural shifts. The designer wanted to create a place that is modern, yet friendly and approachable. It is both futuristic and human.
The illusion of space
The biggest challenge was working within an extremely small area. To avoid a feeling of crampedness, bespoke mirrors were used, which reflect the cityscape and create an illusion of infinity. The reflections multiply the space, and the mirrored worktop acts as a dynamic surface that reacts to movement and light. As a result, the small space gains a sense of depth, as if it were extending beyond its physical boundaries.
Lighting also plays a key role. A metal mesh has been stretched above the guests’ heads, through which light in various forms filters. Instead of traditional light fittings, a lighting system has been created that forms complex, changing patterns on the walls. The ceiling becomes a scenographic element, rather than merely a backdrop – it is this that creates the atmosphere of the space.
Choice of materials
The interior of Templess is based on a combination of austerity and precision. The designers have used metal, glass and paint to create an ascetic yet refined composition. The stark walls reduce visual clutter, ensuring that every element – from the glass blocks to the small accessories – serves both a functional and an aesthetic purpose.
Glass blocks replace the traditional bench, introducing lightness and translucency. Tables with a gradient finish give the impression of fading into the space. Sculptural chairs inspired by Patricia Urquiola’s designs add a soft, futuristic form to the interior, breaking up the industrial character of the materials
A small café and a multi-dimensional space
Templess is an example of how a limited space can become the impetus for creating a bold, experimental space. Thanks to a consistent choice of materials, the use of light and precise details, the designers have achieved an effect they describe as a “sense of absolute freedom”. Functional elements such as mesh, glass blocks and mirrors take on the status of objects that organise the interior and give it character.
The café at 35 Makenzijeva Street in Belgrade is not just a place for coffee, but also an example of how contemporary design can transform urban micro-spaces into fully-fledged, distinctive spaces.
design: Olga Bogatkina
photography: kay.t
styling: Aleksandra Pylenkova
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