When it opened 30 years ago in Malmö, southern Sweden, the Italian trattoria Spot embraced the shabby chic look of the day — and became a legend for its cosy, casual ambiance and quality home cooking. Back then it was a rare interiors project for designer Johan Lindau, who went on to found the furniture manufacturer Blå Station. Recently, however, Lindau was called up again to update the local institution for a new generation, and made a rare exception for a project he says is ‘close to my heart and a natural continuation of my original work from the mid-90s’.

After a two-month renovation, Spot 2.0 reopened this summer with a few contemporary touches that capture the refined interplay of old and new. Sticking with the azure-blue theme of the original space and the central tiled bar, he replaced flooring and wall panelling with bold terrazzo tiles. These contrast with the mosaic feature wall and harmonise with the bar, both left from the early design.

Rather than refurnishing the room, he repurposed existing pieces — mostly classics from Blå Station’s roster. The BIT tables and Moment chairs remain, and vibrant OXO bar stools were added in a custom cobalt-blue finish. A centrepiece bespoke chandelier by Ateljé Lyktan replaces the original candelabra version.

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