More Than Just Real Estate - Mahala bookstore
Mahala is more than a bookstore - it's a place for inspiration, conversation, and discovering new ideas. Here, visitors can browse rare editions and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee. The bookstore is structured around three key categories: books for reading, books for visual exploration, and contemporary periodicals.
Your projects have a strong character. How would you describe Mahala’s personality?
Savina: I strive to infuse the spaces I design with a touch of theatrical magic, while ensuring they remain connected to their surroundings. My vision for this corner was a sun-drenched place ideal for daydreaming.
What’s your favorite book in the store?
Yordan: I’d be hard-pressed to point at one in particular. The Coex – a made-up encyclopedia in a made-up language with made-up illustrations – is an abomination I enjoy tremendously. But so, so many more are worth their time, so I can’t cheat on them by pointing at just one.
Tell us about some standout design elements (for example, the chandeliers – are they paper or fabric? How did you find them?)
Savina: As with every project, I immediately begin searching for the perfect lighting elements when entering the space, because it is one of the hardest tasks.
For Mahala, selecting the central lights was particularly challenging—they had to be a design centerpiece without overshadowing the bookshelves or breaking the budget. We ultimately chose the Nelson Saucer Bubble lamps by HAY. They are designed by George Nelson, who was in search of a cheaper alternative for a Belgian silk lamp and originally produced by Herman Miller in the 1950s. They are still made in the original factory established in 1952.
I also adore the custom Arda Audio speakers created specifically for the space—they add a vibrant pop of color against the deep blue background of the second floor, and collaborating with Stan on them was truly enjoyable.
We heard that you found a functional use for the basement. How did that come about, and how are you utilizing the additional square meters?
Yordan: There were dead rats under the bookstore. Now there are rows and rows of projects we began but never finished. Like our jigsaw puzzles based on Bulgarian photographers’ work. There are also additional chairs for the events we do. And a mini-mini wine cellar. One thing that we don’t store there are dead rats.
How did the neighbors react to Mahala’s opening? Did you preserve the historic windowpanes?
Savina: People are always a bit skeptical when it comes to change, and I completely understand their perspective. After some initial hesitations, the reactions have mostly been positive.
The old windowpanes live a happy second life as a greenhouse and served as a great original for the new ones.
How is the selection of contemporary periodicals curated? Who is responsible for this? And how are books selected for the store? Each of you has your own area of expertise – how do you discover new things?
Yordan: Maria and Sevi are Mahala’s beating heart. Sevi’s specialty is digging up weird and often mesmerizing periodicals. Maria leans on her illustrious translator career to pick titles for the “smart” section of the bookstore. I try to help with the coffee-book and design and quirkiness titles. It’s all fun and games—we all lost our eyes.
Tell us about your Mahala-branded merchandise – what inspired the МА ХА ЛА sweatshirts?
Yordan: It’s simple, really. Mahala means “neighbourhood.” And neighbourhoods are made of many people, not individuals. Our wish was to create merch for the bookstore that would only come through if many people wore it—hence three sweaters, each bearing a syllable.
Because language works in syllables, apart from “MaHaLa”, various other words can be formed like “MaMa”, “HaHaHa”, “HaMaLa”, etc.
Project by @firstestatesagency
Photography&edits @tattio @tatianalebed.ph
Creative direction @annagreenwich