søtt og salt
Søtt & Salt (sweet and salty) is a concept developed as a hybrid café by day and bar by night, located in the vibrant district of Grünerløkka in Oslo. The project draws inspiration from Copenhagen’s café culture, where playful use of colors, tiles, and textiles form the foundation for a modern and inclusive meeting place.
The design is built around contrasts – between sweet and salty, light and dark, day and night – expressed through material and color choices. Yellow and blue ceramic tiles create visual rhythm, while terrazzo, wood, wool, and recycled textiles add warmth and tactility. The interior strikes a balance between a contemporary aesthetic and retro-inspired details, with a clear Nordic connection.
Service area
Tiles are a central design feature in the bar area, providing both rhythm and an urban character. The granite ceramic floor is durable and easy to maintain, ideal for high-traffic spaces. The color palette of yellow and blue brings energy and dynamism, while dark red pendant lamps add warmth and visual contrast. To balance the intensity of the red, white and off-white pendants are placed above the bar, creating a calmer atmosphere. Light wood and soft colors make the space feel airy and inviting, while dark wood chairs introduce depth and contrast. Behind the bar, a tiled shelf houses a beer tap and storage for spirits, complemented by a wall-mounted glass rack that keeps the area practical and organized. Through the careful combination of materials, colors, and textures, the bar area is both functional and visually engaging, offering a cohesive and inviting experience for guests.
The program includes a bar, two lounge areas, and an event space. Transitions between the different zones are fluid yet emphasized through deliberate shifts in colors and materials. Lighting is designed to adapt the atmosphere to both daytime and evening use, shifting from bright and energetic during the day to intimate and subdued at night.
Søtt & Salt is envisioned as a social hub for young adults and creative individuals. Developed with a focus on flexibility, atmosphere, and quality, the project creates a holistic environment that accommodates quick daytime visits as well as longer evening gatherings.
First lounge
In the first lounge, the entrance’s color palette continues, creating a cohesive transition between zones. Custom oak shelving units with integrated benches anchor the space, with wool cushions from Gudbrandsdalen adding comfort and a sustainable touch. Brass-backed cushions provide a Scandinavian twist, combining functionality with elegance.
Red pendant lamps from &Tradition hang above each table, adding color contrast, warmth, and good lighting. A collection of vintage photographs on the wall adds character and a relaxed, urban feel. Together, these materials and design elements create a cozy, sophisticated, and inviting lounge.
Second lounge
The second lounge continues the materials and furnishing principles of the bar, creating a cohesive design. A round terrazzo table adds playful pattern and connects visually with the chairs. A custom corner seating area for five repeats the bar tiles, with rounded edges and wool cushions for comfort and sustainability.
An oak bench seating six reinforces warmth and continuity, matching tables and other custom furniture throughout the bar and café. A mirror on the left wall adds depth and extends into the adjacent event room, subtly linking the spaces. Curtains can be drawn to conceal the event room when needed.
Materials used
Technical drawing
Layout with furniture
Lighting plan
