Modern Pierogi Bistro ‘Syrena Irena’ by Projekt Praga.

Located on the historical Krakowskie Przedmieście just off Warsaw’s Royal Route this modern pierogi bistro by Projekt Praga pairs traditional Polish signifiers with a contemporary sensibility.

The team worked collaboratively with the graphic design agency Mamastudio to develop an interior that flows seamlessly into the branding. Housed in a building steeped in history the creators chose Warsaw’s symbol as the patron of the new place – a mermaid (syrena in Polish) named Irena.

To begin, the architects focused on merging old and new. They drew colour inspiration from the branding. “We wanted to incorporate the brand’s boldness into the interior while maintaining both the simplicity of the culinary concept, and the airy space.” Powder-coated bar counters in bold colours complement the existing wall mouldings and arches from the original ’50s interior. Vivid hues of blue reference the aquatic nature of a mermaid, contrasting with pink, peach, and coral tones that draw people in.

“The alternating personality of [the] Syrena Irena [branding] gave us a chance to use geometrical forms and colours. The classical aesthetic of the existing space was balanced by less profound features like wall drawings, railings imitating a mermaid scale pattern, and distinctive neon signs,” explain the architects who worked with Jacek Hanak, the gifted artisan responsible for reviving many old neon signs in the capital.

Projekt Praga intentionally chose details, shapes, and materials which are still associated with the prudent design of the communist era in Poland. Terrazzo-like tabletops with simple black bases were custom-made, as well as most of the metal objects. Triangular shaped Finn stools designed by Buck.Studio, milky glass sconces from Aqform’s Modern Ball collection, and mosaic tiles at the entrance give a pinch of mid-century feel. ‘Ulysses and the Sirens,’ the painting by Herbert James Draper, was embodied as a wallpaper covering two walls.

In the afternoon, sun glares through big windows and illuminates the dining room, giving guests the sense of being in a retro movie scene. When the sky goes dark, neon lights make their way through the dimmed bistro filled with music. Syrena Irena’s is a pierogi place—but not as you know it.

Nadwiślańska Apartment in Krakow by Mistovia.

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[Images courtesy of Projekt Praga. Photography by PION Studio.]