Templess in Belgrade is a café whose futuristic interior design resembles a portal to another dimension. Designed by Olga Bogatkina, the space stands out for the intensity of sensations it can evoke on such a small scale. It is a place where the everyday ritual of drinking coffee is transformed into an almost metaphysical experience.
The interior is enveloped in a deep ultramarine shade, which acts as a filter that muffles the outside world. Here, colour is not used as decoration, but as a tool for creating a mood, putting guests in a state of focus and gentle contemplation. In such an intensely saturated space, every element takes on meaning, and light and shadow create their own narrative.
Original interior
The walls are complemented by custom-made mirror panels. Their surfaces are not static – they reflect moving guests, multiply silhouettes, visually enlarge the interior and draw fragments of the city inside. Thanks to this, Templess functions like a lens: it focuses attention on what is most important, while at the same time opening up to its surroundings.
The most surprising element is the ceiling made of stretched metal mesh. This industrial material becomes the basis for a light installation in which various light sources create changing, pulsating patterns.
The beauty of glass
Glass blocks from the Soviet era play an important role. Arranged in a minimalist form, they replace the classic bench, becoming an object that combines the weight of history with contemporary design. Their massiveness contrasts with the light gradient glass tables made by local craftsmen. The intertwining colours make the furniture look as if it were floating in the air.
The shelves feature books and prints referring to the work of Francis Bacon. These images introduce intellectual depth to the interior, and those who wish to do so can turn the simple act of waiting for coffee into a brief encounter with art.
Custom-made furniture
Sculptural seats inspired by Patricia Urquiola’s designs introduce an element of lightness and free creativity to the interior. Their forms evoke childlike playfulness, but at the same time fit in with the futuristic character of the café. They encourage you to stay longer – to work, talk or simply observe the light reflections.
The Templess café in Belgrade is a space where guests become co-creators. It is a place where simple materials – paint, metal, glass and light – combined with a bold vision create an atmosphere of freedom. Its small scale does not limit, but rather opens up opportunities for encounters.
design: Olga Bogatkina
styling: Aleksandra Pylenkova
photos: Kay.T
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