Restaurant interior inspired by nature

Taking inspiration from a locally-sourced farm-to-table ethos, this Helsinki restaurant fitout features predominantly earthy tones and textures with colour accents that reflect the organic environment.

Designed by Finnish designer Laura Seppänen, Maannos kitchen and bar offers diners a seasonal menu of largely vegetable-based dishes, using produce that has been almost exclusively grown in Finland.

GALLERY  

When translated from Finnish, the restaurant’s name refers to the first and supposedly most fertile layer of soil. This was interior designer Laura Seppänen’s starting point for establishing an aesthetic for the restaurant, which she decided to complete in colours akin to materials like soil, mud, clay, sand, and other elements of nature.

“As a designer I wanted to combine three things: the old industrial building, the owner’s food philosophy, and modern Scandinavian design,” said Seppänen.

The designer decided to keep the restaurant’s existing concrete floors and an exposed brick rear wall.

Remaining surfaces have been washed with plaster made from travertine, a type of limestone deposited by mineral springs, which leaves a chalky, pale grey finish. Bare pipes on the ceiling have also been freshened up with white paint.

A fluted wood bar counter centres the room, complemented by tables that are crafted from timber felled in restaurant owner Jouni Rahikainen’s own forest.

Emerald green and deep blue Beetle chairs by Danish brand Gubi have been dotted throughout the space to reflect Finland’s verdant landscape and abundance of lakes.

“The jute carpet and ochre coloured sofa remind me of a cornfield,” the designer added.

Metallic touches are provided by the circular brass wall lamps and a chunky, mirrored coffee table that sits near the restaurant’s entrance.

Images by Pauliina Salonen

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