Today I continue the Beautiful Bucharest series with a wonderful concept store, a place that showcases a selection of authentic design and artistry, of one-of-a-kind objects carefully gathered from around the world. Come along to discover the story behind one of Bucharest’s best spots, Anda Roman Atelier.
Anda Roman created her atelier-boutique because that’s how it was meant to be. She created it for herself, first of all. And I think this shows. You feel like you’re in somebody’s home here, her home, not like in a mere shop. And that’s exactly how it is designed, like a home, with living-room, dining-room, bathrooms, kitchen, bedroom, studio, children’s rooms and attic. Every single room is brimming with inspiration and you don’t know what to take in first. This inspiration comes from trips, books, albums, websites and blogs, theater plays, museums of contemporary art and massages, says the owner. Yes, massages, an unexpected, but endless source of inspiration, that are like movies she has access to.
The store is located in an old house dating from the 1930s, which Anda restored, making small adjustments, like uncovering the skylights, so that it could meet her unique concept. “It was an exercise of sincerity, as if we were looking into the soul of the house”, she says. Anda’s ideas and collection of treasures found their home here.
Anda herself is in charge with the selection of the objects and with the interior design. She sources the products from the trips around the world she takes and brings them to her store for others to find and take them home. She overjoys when she sees her customers happy in her atelier. She is very specific when she names the items she thoughtfully collects and curates “instruments of communication”. Nothing is randomly chosen or displayed, they are all part of a whole: the variety of styles, textures, colours, fabrics, they all form a perfect balance. A perfect eclecticism that inspires a sense of freedom, which is what makes this such a wonderful place to be in.
As you walk up the stairs, you are transported into an even more whimsical space where every nook and corner is full with adventure and has a story to tell. It looks depicted from a fairy tale: the children’s rooms and the open space stocked with wooden toys, oversized wooden mashrooms and rusted keys, a perfect blend of new and old, of modern pieces and products with an antique patina, a bridge between reality and dream. It certainly feels like you step into a different time and space.
I left inspired, with the certainty that if everyone made their own contribution to the beauty of the little corner of the world they live in the way Anda Roman does, we would all live in a more beautiful world. This is the philosophy the atelier is rooted in and that’s what makes it so special.
A special thank you to the lovely team who walked me through the world of Anda Roman Atelier and to Anda herself for her wonderful contribution to this article.
Address: 42 Grigore Alexandrescu, Bucharest
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 11.00-19.00 / Saturday: 11.00-16.00
photos by me
What a journey this place is! I would love to visit it some day! Such a beautiful inspiration your post is:)
Ada, thank you for the introduction to this beautiful shop! Did you pick anything for your home? I would find it very difficult to leave it empty-handed – so many charming objects to look and admire! And I absolutely love the house itself, too. x
I’m glad you like it, Natalia. Well, it took me a while to take the photos, which didn’t leave me with much time to pick something for my home. I know it would take me a little to decide, so I’m planning a visit back these days.
Gorgeous white painted walls and floral curtains. My favourite is the top space with those adorable wooden mushrooms, must be like living in Alice in WOnderland – fabulous!
I love the fact that it’s located in an old house… I guess you’d be tempted to buy a few things having seen it displayed so beautifully!
x.o.x.o
i kept having to re-read that this is a boutique because it does look like someones home. a home of course filled with an amazing collection and curated beautifully. what a fabulous design. and that venue, oh my, all of that hand-carving in the wall panels is just gorgeous. thanks for sharing.
What a gorgeous place Ada! I love the upstairs area with that fabulous sloping ceiling and the skylights. I see soo many little bits n pieces that would work in my home – where to start! (The little table and stools in the second last photo for outside). Thanks for sharing another corner of Bucharest with us. Helenxx (PS: yes a break from blogging is always required to keep the juices flowing and fresh!… and if you ever want to visit, you’ve got plenty of tips and inside information of where to go from me:))..
How on earth did this post escape me?!! Stupid blog break, hahaha
This is just fabulous! Love the stripes and that glass cabinet in the fourth photo. I would really like to visit one day.
Uf! absolutely gorgeous even if it is very romantic for me…but the dining room is soooo cozy. lovely the idea of sheets on the wall.
Purely and simply: in love.
xx
It’s a very romantic place Ada and I love the mushrooms in the last picture.
Have a great weekend!
I love decor as much as I love fashion and it looks like Anda Roman Atelier is a place full of beautiful, original objects and inspiration! Ada, thanks for sharing these special addresses of your city!
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