Redesigning Cukiernia: Tradition Meets Modern Minimalism

In the heart of Lviv, the iconic pastry shop Cukiernia has undergone a thoughtful transformation led by YOD Group, a design studio renowned for its innovative yet grounded approach to commercial spaces. Originally established in 2000, Cukiernia has maintained a loyal local following while captivating visitors with its refined pastries and classic atmosphere. YOD Group’s redesign embraces modern elegance while preserving the pastry shop’s historic charm, creating a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Honoring Tradition Through Unique Materials

For the redesign of Cukiernia, YOD Group adopted a minimalist approach with carefully chosen monomaterials that highlight the shop’s identity. Italian marble with warm caramel veins was selected for floors and countertops, evoking the sweetness and layers found in many of the shop’s confections. This natural stone element adds both luxury and an inviting warmth to the space, allowing visitors to feel the essence of the pastry shop through every touch and detail.

Perhaps the most innovative aspect is the custom eggshell plaster used on the walls. Eggshell, a core ingredient in Cukiernia’s pastries, is also present in the space’s design, creating a visual and textural connection to the product itself. Made from more than a ton of shells donated by a local poultry farm, the eggshell plaster lends the walls a subtle texture and earthy tone. The plaster underwent various experiments in grinding and mixing to achieve the right look—soft enough to touch without catching on clothing but textured enough to offer a tactile experience for guests.

An Interior that Invites and Delights

YOD Group organized Cukiernia’s layout to create a natural flow and different experiences across its three main halls. The entry hall features a striking multi-tiered display showcasing an array of cakes, cookies, and pastries. Designed to allow visitors to admire the selection before deciding, the display sets the stage for a unique guest experience.

The second hall includes a bar island with seating from the Ukrainian brand Woo, echoing the display structure from the first hall and offering guests an intimate, inviting place to pause and enjoy their pastries. In the third and largest hall, various seating options are available, from small tables for quiet moments to a communal table for a more social atmosphere. Though the space is limited in natural light, YOD Group introduced light, neutral tones and arched openings between rooms to create an airy feel. Rounded pendant lamps by Spanish brand Aromas del Campo subtly highlight the curved shapes and light tones throughout the space.

A Thoughtful Connection to the Past

To preserve Cukiernia’s history, YOD Group restored and reused key elements from the original interior. Traditional bentwood chairs were given a fresh coat of white paint reminiscent of glazed cookies, while wooden bases of old tables were topped with new marble surfaces, blending the old and new with subtlety. A Lviv Secession-era antique cabinet, sourced from the shop owner’s collection, sits by the communal table, reinforcing the link between past and present. These thoughtful touches provide a grounding sense of continuity while allowing the redesigned space to feel distinctly contemporary.

A Redesign Rooted in Identity

In redesigning Cukiernia, YOD Group has succeeded in maintaining the shop’s identity, allowing its legendary pastries to remain the center of attention. YOD’s founder, Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, describes the process as a “reassembly” of the Cukiernia brand, enhancing its quality and elegance through new visual expressions. The redesigned interior is a testament to the power of restrained, thoughtful design—an inviting space where tradition and modernity converge, creating a welcoming experience for locals and visitors alike.