OEO Studio gives a warm makeover to Kadeau restaurant in Copenhagen

Danish design practice OEO Studio has revealed their redesign for Kadeau, a two Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark which first opened in 2015 on the island of Bornholm. The revamp of the interiors is informed by a cosy colour and material pallette paired with dark accents, guided by a collaboration between OEO Studio and head chef Nicolai Nørregaard, “to translate his gastronomic philosophy into a physical environment and holistic experience, a universe where guests felt like they were dining at Nørregaard’s home alongside dear friends".

The new interior design adds tactile materials, warm tones, art and bespoke furniture to the existing design language, finely recomposing it for guests to feel cocooned and comfortable. “The name Kadeau comes from the French cadeau, which means ‘gift’. Precisely, the space refers to a gift from nature, from the on-site farm on the Baltic island of Bornholm – where the first outpost of Kadeau was located,” shares OEO Studio.  

Kadeau lies behind a pale, brick red, wooden door, and guests must ring a bell to enter the restaurant. Anne-Marie Buemann, Co-Founder, OEO Studio says that they sought to maintain the warm and inviting atmosphere that Kadeau is noted for. “Drawing on inspiration from Bornholm and the natural landscape of Denmark, OEO Studio worked on a new and expressive paint colour palette developed in collaboration with Italian brand, Mutina, and the new restaurant design features rich and earthy tones in matte finishes from deep burnt red and clay tones to dense black hues,” she says.

The restaurant design follows OEO Studio’s philosophy of ‘compelling minimalism’, planned as a refined, intimate space that celebrates the smallest of details. The lounge has been extended and furnished again, with the inclusion of custom-lounge seating and furniture from Fredericia along with Astep wall-lighting. Sandy Celosia bricks by Mutina have also been placed here, in rich contrast with the Kolumba brick flooring in the hallway and lounge, and a backdrop of terracotta detailing.

A spacious wine room has been built with bespoke iron doors and windows within the main dining room. All surfaces here, from the floors, walls and ceiling are wrapped in hot rolled steel – “These refined details add a subtle elegance to the space,” Buemann remarks.

OEO Studio has also created the new waiter stations with oak and fitted with vintage brass knobs, topped in Paradise granite from the Bornholm island. An entirely new space has been added here, a dining room with a capacity of 14 people. This space features a bespoke open service kitchen as well as a long dining table using extra wide planks from Dinesen, complimented by a refined metal frame, surrounded by Coco Armchairs in Dedar Karakorum upholstery for Gubi, all designed by OEO Studio. The private room also comprise a decorative, custom wine cabinet that display glass jars of preserved foraged fruits, herbs and other found objects, “to invoke curiosity”.

Kadeau’s lighting is a combo of mood and technical lighting from Catellani & Smith, Frama, Astep, Flos and Anour, blending together to support the dining experience. Colourful and impressive artworks by Teheran-born, Copenhagen-based artist Farshad Farzankia feature throughout the space as well. A greenhouse will be completed and included here in early 2021, becoming an alfresco seating with a view to the private courtyard garden.

Thomas Lykke, Co-Founder and Creative Director of OEO Studio, says, “Kadeau and the people behind this project have a special place in our hearts and we are extremely proud of the space. The original design was exactly what we had envisaged, yet as a designer there are always things you want to do slightly differently, or even re-design, given the chance. When head chef Nicolai Nørregaard called, I thought now is the time to improve and create an even more extraordinary experience for the guests of Kadeau and create an even more charismatic and welcoming design.”