The dining area of Arcane 17 restaurant design features timber detailing with Catalan elements, showcasing modern decor.

Bétyle Studio’s Timber Marvel: Revamping a Parisian Eatery with Catalan Flair

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-07

Celebrating Catalan Heritage in Le Marais

In the heart of Paris‘s historic Le Marais neighborhood, the newly designed Arcane 17 restaurant stands out with its unique blend of Basque and Catalan influences. The establishment’s remarkable design is truly something to behold in this chic eatery, residing within a centuries-old building, reinvented by the emerging Marseille-based Bétyle Studio.

Dining tables set in the Arcane 17 restaurant with Basque and Catalan culinary themes.
Arcane 17 is a Basque and Catalan restaurant

Innovative Design

Bétyle Studio founders Carla Romano and Nicolas Cazenave de la Roche sought to celebrate the Catalan roots of the restaurant’s owners with a fresh approach. “We aimed to reinterpret the Iberian tavern with a modern, refined language,” the duo explained. Their vision manifests in the extensive use of wood throughout the interior, beautifully embracing both Basque and Catalan style.

Explore how Nicole Alexander transforms vibrant spaces with her unique approach to coffee shops and nostalgic eateries.

Interior of the restaurant designed by Bétyle Studio, showcasing elegant furnishings.
Bétyle Studio designed the interiors for the space

Materials and Motifs

The dining area captivates guests with its ebonised panelling and a tubular stainless steel bar, adorned with intricate marquetry featuring whimsical designs like shooting stars and a playful lobster. Romano and Cazenave de la Roche drew inspiration from rural church energy, dark woods, and the fluidity of traditional fans. Such features elevate the design to a new level of sophistication.

Classic bentwood chairs arranged neatly within the restaurant's dining area.
Classic bentwood chairs make up the dining space

Custom Craftsmanship and Collaborations

A Marseille carpenter, a frequent Bétyle Studio collaborator, crafted all the joinery bespoke for the space, employing a variety of woods and innovative staining techniques. “Our goal was to add depth to the surfaces, creating elements that feel timeless,” the founders noted in their approach.

Local studio Côme Clérino enhanced the interior with specially designed plaster sconces, resembling elongated seashells, adding a unique lighting element to the ambiance.

Intricate marquetry designs crafted for the restaurant's unique interior project.
Playful marquetry was created specifically for the project

Transforming Spaces with Bétyle Studio

Bétyle Studio continues to make its mark in interior architecture and furniture design. Previously, the studio transformed an old farm in Marseille into a stylish wood-themed residence. Parallel innovations in Paris include architect Cyrus Ardalan’s nautical-inspired apartment renovation.

For more inspiration on transforming historical spaces, EBBA Architects’ transformation of a London café offers a beautiful take on combining stone and clay mastery.

The captivating photography capturing these transformations is by Axel Aurejac.

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What design style does Arcane 17 restaurant feature?

Arcane 17 restaurant features a blend of Basque and Catalan influences, reinterpreted in a modern, refined language using extensive woodwork throughout the interior.

Who redesigned the Arcane 17 restaurant in Paris?

The Arcane 17 restaurant in Paris was redesigned by Bétyle Studio, an emerging design firm based in Marseille, led by Carla Romano and Nicolas Cazenave de la Roche.

What materials are used in the Arcane 17 restaurant design?

The restaurant’s design uses ebonised panelling and a tubular stainless steel bar, adorned with intricate marquetry featuring whimsical designs. A variety of woods and innovative staining techniques were used for custom joinery.