Located at Atlantis, The Palm, the restaurant brings together celebrated chef Björn Frantzén and a richly layered interior by Bishop Design that pays homage to the Nordic reverence for light. Studio N’s lighting scheme is a defining part of the design story and uses thoughtfully integrated details and space-stealing decorative elements to elevate both the ambience and visual aesthetic.

Light-driven storytelling is an essential feature of the main dining area, where a centrepiece chandelier animates the space above the dining tables. The piece alludes to the Scandinavian tradition for candlelight during winter months and comprises delicate, candle-inspired fittings that appear to float above the tables. Minimalist black spotlights were concealed in a feature ceiling above the chandelier, creating a gentle layer of ambient light around the piece. Soft cove lighting and diffuse lines of light were then integrated in the walls and wood panelling to wrap the space in warmth and intimacy.

In the dining booth adjacent to the restaurant, the lighting design is pared back to give the decorative design elements space to sing. A single downlight embedded in the ceiling above the table produces a subtle beam of light on the table, keeping the focus firmly on the all-red drapery and seating.

The less-is-more philosophy is repeated in the private dining room, where indirect lines of light and minimalist downlights in the decorative ceiling form a soft, intimate quality of light. As fittings were all concealed in the architecture, the lighting blends into the background when the retractable wall is pulled back and the room merges with the main restaurant.

The atmosphere ramps up in the open kitchen, where the lighting is bright and impactful to heighten the visual drama of the culinary experience. A rhythmic arrangement of downlights directs task illumination to the chef station, while an illuminated ceiling panel turns the circulation route along the kitchen into a decorative focal point.

The bar area is equally magnetic and glows with stage-like intensity due to carefully placed layers of light. Cove lighting and narrow-beam downlights emphasise the materiality of the red ceiling, a backlit glass surface adds depth to the bar counter and integrated joinery lighting bounces light onto the bottle displays to bring the whole setting to life.

Photography Credit: Natalee Cocks