A Journey Back to the Origins of Bread
The team stripped the building back to its original grandeur, removing a lowered ceiling and partitions added over the years when the space housed a bank and pharmacy.
Crafting a Sensory Journey
The sensory journey of the customer was meticulously crafted, from the sense of arrival to the journey to the counter. The space exudes a casual, approachable vibe, yet features strong symmetry and geometry, highlighted by contrasts of pattern and plain, textured and smooth. Much of the space’s dynamism comes from the thoughtful planning of these contrasting elements.
Aged brass is used throughout, starting with the divided disc handle on the 3-meter high doors and continuing with a bold ribbon of Cabin brass tiles from Alloy Tiles set between black and white tiles that directs the eye to the counter.
Timeless Design Elements
The space is divided by the brass strip, with predominantly white tiles and paint on one side and the inverse on the other. It takes time to notice these nuances, a testament to the subtlety and depth of the design. To ensure the space would endure stylistically, North used marble extensively alongside classic Thonet chairs with customized leather pads and bespoke leather banquettes.
At night, the bakery transforms into a sophisticated wine bar. Dramatic black powder-coated steel lights from Italy and plenty of candlelight shift the atmosphere—a mood carried through to the restrooms with dark wallpaper and brass light fittings.
Sonoma Bakery is a chameleon, artfully adapting its nature to suit the time of day and the needs of the locals.