ROT at NK builds event kitchen

The event kitchen at NK – a living space for food and meetings

When Butiken ROT took the step into NK Saluhall in autumn 2023, it was about more than opening an organic and sustainable food store. The vision was bigger than that – to create a place where people meet around food. A room for inspiration, knowledge, and experiences.

In the middle of that vision was the idea of an event kitchen. A living space for cooking classes, corporate events, and tastings – where both guests and producers get to take part.

A first meeting – and a tight timeframe

We were contacted by Pär Erklin, founder and owner of ROT, who invited us to NK to show the current store space that was to be converted into an event kitchen. It was a Monday morning, in the middle of ongoing construction chaos, when we together with the designer Oscar Liedgren went through sketches, ideas, and the feeling they wanted to create.

The challenge?
The kitchen was to be ready before December – and it was already October 18. Despite the tight schedule, we had, just three days later, developed a complete proposal with drawings and solutions. The response was immediately positive. Above all, they were drawn to our door in oak, Flat Oak – an expression that felt both timeless and lively. The very next day we got the green light. IKEA Metod frames were ordered immediately, and the production of fronts and customizations started the same week.

Sketch by Oscar Liedgren who presented the concept with feeling and atmosphere.

A kitchen for many – clear zones and social function

The core of the project was to create a kitchen that works for many at the same time – without losing the sense of cohesion.

Three distinct stations were formed: one for appetizers, one for main courses, and one station for desserts. Up to twelve people should be able to work simultaneously here, divided into smaller groups. Each station was equipped with a stove, oven, and generous work surfaces. Storage became an important part of the whole. Glassware, porcelain, cutlery, and utensils needed to be easily accessible – but also contribute to the room's atmosphere. We therefore chose a combination of open storage and display cabinets, where the contents become part of the expression.

 

Here you can see the interplay between Flat Oak - oak doors combined with Color+ green-painted ash fronts for the narrow open wall cabinet and details in brass. The wall-mounted faucet becomes both a functional and visual element in the dessert kitchen.

Together, the appetizer, main course, and dessert kitchens form a thoughtful whole – where each station has its function, but where materials, colors, and details unify the experience.

In the sketch phase, we set the structure for the hot dish kitchen – where every detail has a function. The large stove with double ovens from SMEG takes center stage, surrounded by work surfaces with a sink and storage that allow several chefs to work side by side.

The three kitchens have designated spots where the existing surface condition is preserved, gray tiles at the lower edge and white above. The end of the wall for the hot dish kitchen will be partially covered as the back of the store fixtures is currently visible.

A custom-designed oak shelf is placed in the open area facing the store, a decorative element.

The choice of materials was based on enhancing what was already present in the space.

Flat Oak combined with brass handles, as well as wall cabinets where the light oak is framed by green-painted ash. Brass lighting - all framed by white classic tiles and the beautiful floor in Ekeberg marble. 

The green color, chosen by Oscar, is inspired by the color Breakfast Green from Farrow & Ball. Our interpretation received the color code NCS S 3020 G30Y. The dividing wall between the event kitchen and the dining area/wine bar was painted in the same green shade, as was the glazing bars on the glass.

 

Delivery of all fronts, sorted for each kitchen and unit.

The two wall cabinets in Color+ painted in the selected green color were installed on site. With cover panels in custom sizes, the shelf was screwed together.

Function meets decoration

A decorative detail with function in the kitchen is the wall strip in oak, with brass knobs. It makes it easy to hang recipes and utensils during cooking – but also works as a nice feature when the kitchen is not in use. An example of how function and aesthetics can interact in small ways.

Collaborations that elevate the whole

The appliances were delivered by SMEG, with a mix of freestanding and integrated solutions: stoves, hobs with built-in fans, dishwashers, and their iconic FAB refrigerators.

Together they help give each kitchen station its own expression – while the whole feels cohesive, lively, and inspiring.

When all appliances are in place, Malin Lundin from SMEG inspects the new event kitchen.

A kitchen to gather around

The event kitchen at NK is more than a functional area.
It is a place where people meet, learn, and experience – where ingredients, knowledge, and creativity get space.

A kitchen to work in, but above all a kitchen to gather around.

The finished result, ready to use!

The starter kitchen with the black freestanding stove and matching hood from SMEG

Efficient workspace, here with dishwashers on either side of the wall cabinet.

Many wonderful events have taken place since the event kitchen and NK Rot store & kitchen arrived at NK Saluhall. Feel free to book a cooking evening with your company or friends!