Blog Edition | Creating a New Old-World Style

Jun 15

Redeveloping a Vision for Niko’s Taverna

From the June/July 2024 issue of 517 Magazine, I present you an overview of Niko’s Taverna in Williamston, Michigan:

With the first anniversary of Niko’s Taverna upon us, it’s exciting to see current interior design trends favoring what I put into place early 2023 at this location. In celebration of this milestone, I thought I would share the story of how this makeover unfolded.

Before meeting with owner Nick Gavrilides at his downtown-Williamston restaurant, I reviewed online photos to develop early concepts for the space. Formerly The Bistro, it was very chic with its marble horseshoe bar and black tables, but that didn’t fit the vibe of a sports bar that serves traditional Greek cuisine alongside casual game-day meals and some Soup Spoon crossover. I knew a significant overhaul was going to be necessary to match the space’s aesthetic to its function. I wanted to lean into the history of the building and its timeless architectural elements to showcase the longevity of the space and celebrate the spirit of its sports-loving community. Of course, as Nick emphasized, it had to include that rich “Greek blue.”

We agreed white marble was too elegant for a sports bar and I thought back to the coziness of the wood bar in the TV show “Cheers.” I wanted to create a space for regulars to feel just as at-home so I researched old styles until I found one that fit. I consulted my two favorite local woodworkers to come up with plans to makeover that enormous focal point.

Over the next several months, I had my most trusted fellow contractors in and out of the space to build, stain, paint, repair, wallpaper, and install. I had created renderings of what I saw in my head to get Nick’s approval, but even I wasn’t prepared for just how perfectly it all came together. From the list below, it’s hard to imagine it being cohesive, but if you’ve been to Niko’s, you know the space just WORKS. I attribute that to the beauty of the following:

Pinstriped walls inspired by early baseball uniforms, but of course, in Greek Blue
Weathered antique sports gear and trophies I collected from all around the community
A 1930s player’s bench from Williamston High School purchased at an antique store in Williamston
A collection of memorabilia, including uniforms and photos of local professional athletes
A gallery of historic Williamston team photos provided by Williamston Museum at the Depot, who let me sift through their yearbooks dating back to the early 1900s so they could provide me with the perfect historic photos of local sports teams
Vintage-inspired wallpaper that accentuates vintage-tiled areas
Hints of Greek sports and culture throughout
Photos of the building and neighborhood from the late 1800s

With the brick walls and tin ceilings, all of this created an inviting space that spans decades and unites cultures.

Here is a list of items inspired by this collection that can be purchased online. Please enjoy more photos below.