Esiot Store in Exarcheia, Athens is inspired by the leather’s nature. Nancy Katri designs a space in warm, earthy tones divided into two zones, following the duality of the brand: a final product and its creation process. 

Located in the vibrant Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens, the Esiot Store blends craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Created by interior architect Nancy Katri, the space reflects the essence of leather, the core material behind the brand’s locally handmade sandals and shoes.

Leather’s dual nature—its soft and hard qualities, along with the contrasting textures of its smooth front and rough back—inspired the concept. This duality mirrors the brand itself: a refined product and the artisanal creation behind the scenes.

The space is divided into two zones: the front stage and the backstage.


In the front stage, smooth, satin finishes in warm earthy tones like terracotta, deep brown, burnt orange and ivories, inspired by the brand’s identity, create an inviting and elegant atmosphere.

The central spotlights focus on the products arranged in the main space, whereas globe wall fixtures illuminate the corner vitrine, drawing in passersby. While polished, the space retains a rugged touch, featuring a poured concrete floor and contrasting textured elements.

Custom Styrofoam sculpted, freestanding units, shaped out of the actual design patterns of the footwear, serve as flexible seating and podiums, offering a dynamic, evolving retail environment and embracing the handmade process of the brand. Bespoke stainless-steel furniture, including the cash desk and mirrors paired with ceramic accents made by local artists, reflects the hand-crafted concept.

Behind a dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtain, the backstage area reveals the raw, authentic side of Esiot.

Rough textures and sanded metal combined with the diy aesthetic of the led tubes recreate the atmosphere of a working workshop.

From the main space, the backstage storage is visible, creating a seamless connection to the additional floors, where the basement houses the main storage and the mezzanine serves as office space.

The Esiot Store presents the brand’s craftmanship and practicality. It creates a connection between customers and the making process, seamlessly blending the various contrasting textures that reflect the journey from the workshop to the final exhibition.

Facts & Credits
Title Esiot Store Athens
Typology Interior, Retail
Location Exarcheia, Athens, Greece
Status Completed, 2024
Interior & Lighting design Nancy Katri
Contributors Sofia Perpinia, Giannis Viglis & Natalia Nikolopoulou
Photography Martha Vosdou
Text by the author


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