Its design was prepared by Agata Dac of Liv Studio. Bar Scarlet is located in Krakow, or more precisely in the local Kazimierz district, which has been famous for places with soul for years. It is a small establishment on Miodowa Street, which combines the nostalgia of bars from the 1920s and 1930s with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. Scarlet was created out of respect for the past and a desire to build a new, intimate meeting setting.
The venue is housed in a former liquor shop – a fact that was not merely noted, but became the axis of the design architectural story. The metal display rack, the counter and the grey-white terrazzo floor have survived, been refreshed and incorporated into the new arrangement, so that the interior retains an authentic connection to local history. The former counter gained a deep wine-coloured tile front and a higher countertop, improving the ergonomics of the service, while also becoming a signature feature of the bar.
The investors opted for second-hand furniture, placing Scarlet in the neighbourhood tradition of ‘soulful’ interiors. The bar chairs and the lamp made of coloured ornamental glass come from a pub that closed down in the area. The chairs have been refurbished and upholstered in patterned fabric, while the lamp, in its original form, hangs centrally, introducing an artistic touch and subtle reflections of light. This conscious recycling of furniture emphasises the local character of the venue and builds up the atmosphere of a contemporary meeting antique.
Energy of colour
The main conceptual axis of the interior is colour – wine, brick and burgundy juxtaposed with cream beige create a palette full of contrast and warmth. The strong colours are broken by soft curves of mirrors, glazed tiles and woven upholstery, creating the effect of a multi-layered, intriguing space. Mirrors with a wave motif, arranged on two walls, optically enlarge the compact interior and introduce a dynamic play of light.
One of Scarlet’s most recognisable elements is the burgundy string curtain hanging over the bar – a contemporary reinterpretation of the fringed fabrics of the inter-war era. Its semi-transparent texture filters the light, the softly falling strands introduce movement and a subtle, cabaret-like mood. It’s a detail that not only evokes the elegance of cocktail bars of yesteryear, but also gives the space a theatrical intimacy.
Day and evening space
The entrance of the venue is kept in lighter tones – creamy beiges with wine accents dominate, creating a welcoming environment for morning coffee or afternoon matcha. Further inside, the proportions are reversed: saturated, warm colours create an intimate atmosphere in the evening, ideal for tasting classic and original cocktails. Scarlet thus operates on two levels – as a daytime meeting place and as a setting for evening moments.
design: Liv Studio
photography: Patryk Polewany
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