Iconic Lisbon pastry shop Pastéis de Belém has unveiled a new Gracinha Viterbo-designed retail area. The new space, aimed to accommodate the growing number of customers, is located right next to the original shop founded in 1837. The retail complements the historic space and its longstanding heritage.
Handmade tiles and oak woods
The interior relies on the Portuguese tradition of craftsmanship with contemporary architectural trends to walk the fine line between familiarity and innovation. The design is dominated by light oak woods, complemented by handmade tiles covering both the walls and the floor of the space. Plaster walls complete the design, creating a comfortable and timeless texture. The architectural qualities are highlighted by a carefully chosen lighting that underscores the exquisite execution of the finishes, which mirror the subtle glow of afternoon light in the Portuguese capital.
Shapeing a Cohesive Spatial Narrative
The bakery’s trademark colours, blue and white, were integrated into a new modern design, creating eye-catching textures and patterns. The aesthetics is completed with sophisticated brass accents and an abundance of details, which define every part of the shop. Custom-made counters and shelves mix beauty with functionality. The layout guides the visitors seamlessly through the shop, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. Beyond aesthetics, the space reflects the Viterbo Interior Design Atelier’s philosophy of discovery and belonging. All surfaces are meant to tell a story, evoke emotion, and engage the senses, thus connecting the visitors with not only the space they see today but also with a rich heritage of the shop and the country of Portugal as a whole. By creating a conversation between different eras, the design revives the charm of the original space, which sold world-famous coffee and pastries for hundreds of years.
Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers‘ Upcoming Projects
The new retail bakery will come in handy during the renovation of the original store scheduled for 2026. The upcoming project is also awarded to Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers, which aims to remodel the legacy of the flagship store to better suit a global clientele. The family-led studio, founded in 1979, is also based in Lisbon and is highly regarded for its high-end human-centered interiors. Run by Gracinha Viterbo and her husband Miguel Vieira da Rocha, the studio transforms old villas and contemporary homes across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Known for their unique blend of everlasting elegance and modern elements, the studio manages every stage of the process, from the creative concept to the final installation. While reinterpreting the original flagship store, the studio aims to create a better connection, (both functional and aesthetic) with the new retail. The design will preserve the spirit of one of Lisbon’s best-known cultural landmarks, all while creating a seamless dialogue between the old and the new space.
Technical sheet
Project name: Pastéis de Belém
Studio: Viterbo Interior Design Ateliers
Lead designer: Gracinha Viterbo
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Project Completion date: June 2025
Photographer: Francisco Almeida Dias
source: v2com newswire
