Located in Helsinki’s newly renovated Old Market hall, Story is a cafe-restaurant that combines classic Scandinavian minimalism with a farmer’s market atmosphere. Its interior is a masterpiece of contemporary designer Joanna Laajisto.
Story is tucked near the center of Old Market hall, a building long-known for its fresh food market and trendy cuisine. The hall’s architecture graces the space with tall ceilings, historic architectural details and a flood of natural light. Neutral paint colors and blonde wood tones make the most of the natural lighting while a dark slate tile grounds the airy space. Pops of fresh blues and greens come from benches, chairs and live plants.
Despite the austere furniture choices, Story’s interior design is filled with texture and interest. Light fixtures made from crayfish cages hang from the stately ceilings. Tiles the color of fresh milk cover the front counter in a chevron pattern. Fresh herbs and other interesting plants dapple the tables and shelves, and a radiant, coppery ice bucket sits on the front counter offering dark glass drink bottles to customers.
Story makes a point of showcasing its alluring cuisine. The simple pastry case does nothing to distract from the beautiful goods within. Behind the front counter, an enormous but uncomplicated shelving unit is piled with bread, glasses, bottles of wine and paper bags, the contents of which are a tantalizing mystery.
Story’s down-to-earth restaurant design creates a comfortable, friendly atmosphere that begs customers to sit down and savor the taste of their locally-sourced food. It proves that old traditions can be revitalized for younger generations, nourishing local culture, mind, body and soul.
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