Dezeen Magazine

Eley Kishimoto adds optical-illusion wallpaper to London patisserie

Graphic wallpaper by Eley Kishimoto creates the illusion of a three-dimensional grid across the walls and floors of this bakery in south-east London (+ slideshow).

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

Print design duo Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto and interiors designer Jason MacLean teamed up to convert a former Bermondsey hair salon into the second patisserie for owner Melanie Southerden. The pair also collaborated on her first bakery, located in Peckham, south-east London.

Eley Kishimoto covered the walls and floors of the Southerden Patisserie and Café in a tessellating yellow and black pattern named Venice. Black squares set into the centre of the yellow grid outline allow the background to visually recede, giving the illusion of three-dimensionality.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

MacLean devised the light fittings with black fabric flexes that are pulled taut around an arrangement of knobs on the ceiling. The electric cords create a contrasting chevron pattern across the white-painted ceiling.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

"We have worked well with Studio MacLean over the years, and with restricted time and financial budget on this commission we have executed a feast for your eyes working a top-to-toe Venice pattern installation," said Eley.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

"With the rise of prominence of the area including the opening of new restaurants and markets nearby, this has enhanced the spirit of the area," added the designer, whose first shop – designed by Studio MacLean over a decade ago – is located just around the corner.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

The space is dressed with monochrome furniture and shelving units. Wall-mounted vitrines with thick black frames display sample cakes and a selection of ornaments, including a bristled owl figurine and ceramic gnomes – one of which has been decorated with Eley Kishimoto's signature monochrome print, Flash.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

The kitchen serves up sugary and savoury treats including salted-caramel doughnuts, made-to-order cakes and coffee from Bermondsey-based company Monmouth.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

The space also hosts a series of weekend workshops, teaching aspiring pastry chefs how to make macarons, gateaux and pies.

Bakery by Eley Kishimoto

Photography is by Chris Tubbs.