In Praise of Shadows gives historic Stockholm cinema a tactile makeover

Local studio In Praise of Shadows has added a curved wooden salon bar to the BioRio cinema in Hornstull, Stockholm, which it refurbished to create a "warm and inviting atmosphere".

The studio was tasked with updating the 1943 cinema by architect Albin Stark, redesigning its restaurant and refurbishing its cinema hall.

"We carefully preserved and respected the historical elements, as well as later additions that were in harmony with the original design," In Praise of Shadows co-founder Fredric Benesch told Dezeen.

"For the new elements, we adopted a 'double-face' approach—ensuring that, at first glance, they felt like a natural extension of the original space, but upon closer inspection, it would be clear that these were contemporary additions, designed to both honor the past and introduce new qualities."

An important part of the renovation was the cinema's restaurant, Ri Ri, with the cinema offering breakfast screenings and weekend screenings combined with dining.

"The main objective was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while maintaining a clean, understated backdrop to allow the activity of the bar and restaurant, along with the presentation of food and drinks, to take center stage," Benesch said.

Here, it used micro-cement to give the walls a tactile feel, which was contrasted with wood and steel details.

"For the bar, stainless steel was used on the bartender's side to integrate it with the open kitchen," Benesch explained.

"On the customer-facing side, we opted for solid oak to add warmth and craftsmanship," he added." The addition of wooden butterfly joints in smoked oak not only enhanced the detailing but also tells a story of artisanal assembly."

In the foyer, the studio added textiles in a mustard yellow tone and another steel-and-wood bar.

Inside the cinema salon, In Praise of Shadows restored the ceiling lighting and added more seating.

The studio also created a custom-designed compact wooden bar, built around an existing pillar using stained oak veneer to match the historic mahogany panels.

Its curved shape was designed in response to the interior of the cinema hall.

"The existing space is characterized by curves and sweeping lines, so it would have felt disruptive to introduce rigid, angular forms," Benesch said.

"The outer shape of the bar follows the geometry of the overhead projector room and the wooden railing in front, and we continued this organic flow in the bar's opening and the window facing the screen, eliminating all sharp corners," he added.

"The stained black of the bar counter and the new bar table is in dialogue with the black top of the wooden railing."

By adding the salon bar to BioRio, the studio also created a new area for visitors to socialise in.

"The bar introduces a new layer of activity to the entrance space of the cinema," Benesch concluded. "Previously, this area was merely a transitional space – something you passed through. Now, it has transformed into an inviting, social hub where guests can linger before and after screenings, enriching the overall cinema experience."

Other wood-filled Stockholm interiors on Dezeen include a members' club in the city's historic meatpacking area and the Persona restaurant in Östermalm.

The photography is by Björn Lofterud.

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