Restaurant Elm

Restaurant Elm

A restaurant that feels like it has always been there

Overview

We designed the interior for the new restaurant Elm in Helsinki. Elm was founded by the winners of Restaurant of the Year 2022, Nolla. Restaurant Elm is located in the Puistokatu 4 -building for ecological science and hope (which by the way we also designed - check out the pictures). The building is an old 19th century villa, located in central Helsinki's historic Kaivopuisto park. The restaurant has quickly become a popular spot, thanks to its friendly service, great food and uncomplicated atmosphere.

Specs

Clients

Restaurant Elm & Puistokatu 4

Where

Kaivopuisto, Helsinki, Finland

Part of

Puistokatu 4

Signature dishes

BBQ octopus & french toast

Furniture

Mostly salvaged vintage

Rest of the villa

mintmore.fi/puistokatu4

Creating a sense of timelessness

The concept of the restaurant was designed to feel like it's always been here. We designed the interior together with the restaurateurs, who wanted a timeless yet relaxed atmosphere with a Southern European vibe. Luka (seen above behind the bar) and his team are talented at creating a friendly and welcoming feeling, and the interior had to reflect that. The space had to suit refined cocktails by the park just as well as a french toast binge on a saturday afternoon.

Restaurant Elm Puistokatu dining room ceiling painting

Restaurant Elm Puistokatu cabinet corner

Restaurant Elm Puistokatu vintage chairs

Sustainable and architecturally fitting design

The interior concept draws its inspiration from the incredible old restored wall panels and ceiling frescoes. The colour palette was thoughtfully put together to compelement the existing elements. Sustainability plays a key role in the design. As the majority of the furniture is salvaged and repaired vintage, it was an engaging challenge to hunt down the right items and plan their restoration. The other major elements like the bar area and the sofas were custom designed by us and built by local carpenters with environmentally friendly materials like domestic timber.

Restaurant Elm Puistokatu bar counter custom

Restaurant Elm Puistokatu dining room corner curtains

A living part of the Puistokatu 4 building

The interior has to not only fit the restaurant's concept, but also the building's architecture, whose massive restoration was planned by SARC Architects. The old villa was in disrepair, and the renovation was extensive. On one hand, the old architecture complicated and limited the layout by splitting the restaurant spaces into multiple rooms. On the other hand, it adds an atmosphere that is totally unique. We love these type of restoration projects, as we believe with love and care, spaces can be remade to suit the future while paying homage to the past. Of course, it just requires a lot more attention to detail.