a local bookshop
Balham, London
Type | Commercial fit-out and interior design
Client | Backstory Independent Bookshop
Contract Value | Undisclosed
Status | Completed December 2022
Backstory is Balham’s first independent bookstore, masterminded by the former journalist Tom Rowley. The company originally started as a pop-up shop every weekend, where Tom soon realised the community’s enthusiasm for a local bookshop.
It was essential that the design solution for the project was fit for purpose, visually inspiring and did not exceed the modest budget, which came in part from Tom’s life savings and online crowdfunding.
We designed a vibrant and effective fit-out for the space, which used to be an uninspiring tile shop. We aimed to create a welcoming neighbourhood shop, with space for people to meet and socialise over a coffee or afternoon wine. The shop has been intentionally finished without Wi-Fi capabilities for customers, encouraging people to read, talk and meet.
To keep the budget down, we utilised low-budget materials with high-end finishes: the interior was designed around IKEA Billy bookcases completed with bespoke alterations to give them a quality, unique appearance suitable for the shop. The bookcases were clad and painted a vivid cobalt blue, with contrasting yellow, white and chalkboard accents. To inject design detailing to the interior a few bespoke pieces, such as the children’s circle, were installed. The circle offers a natural break between different zones of the store, it also doubles up as a seat which customers often use as a reading chaise-lounge!
The interior was created to be flexible, to allow the book store to be used by the local community for book clubs, book signing and other community events. The furniture is freestanding, allowing the space to be rearranged as needed. The bar area gives a focal point for people to come together, to socialise over books with neighbours and friends.
