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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
