Every detail reflects a thoughtful, handcrafted approach. Sofas take cues from Mediterranean beach clubs, while hand-painted tiles, stitched accents, and piped fabrics add a sense of authenticity to the design. Curving stucco walls—drawing influence from Luigi Moretti’s Villa La Saracena—manipulate light and shadow to evoke a coastal feel, while patterned drapery and insets of Breccia Sicilia stone add depth and texture throughout the space.
In this interview, by Editor-in-Chief Zarko Davinic, Ste Marie discusses the narrative-driven process behind Elio Volpe. This project reflects their commitment to creating spaces that feel both aspirational and grounded, channeling the joys of travel, connection, and shared experiences through design.
What was the inspiration behind Elio Volpe, and how did Luigi Moretti’s Villa La Saracena influence its design?
The inspiration behind Elio Volpe’s design stems from the hand-crafted spirit of Villa La Saracena — a holiday home on the Roman Coast, designed in 1955 by Luigi Moretti.
Incorporating the Villa’s iconic curvilinear walls and rough stucco into Elio Volpe evoke the essence of Southern Italy’s beachside forms. We used these walls to create visual interest, and grip light and shadow, to shape a warm atmosphere that harmonizes natural textures with intentional design.
The name “Elio” has roots in the Greek word for sun. How did this concept shape the warm and laid-back atmosphere of the space?
Inspired by the Greek word for “sun,” the name “Elio” anchors the space in a radiantly warm point of view. Custom lighting, created in collaboration with Shelter studio, fills the room with a laid-back yet vibrant golden glow.
Can you discuss how the Kodachrome beachside photographs of Luigi Ghirri influenced your choice of color palette and materials?
The Kodachrome beachside photographs of Luigi Ghirri inspired a color palette that, though vibrant, feels weathered and sun-bleached. These hues capture a lived-in aesthetic that mirrors the authenticity of well-loved environments. The materials, from the textured plaster walls to the upholstery, create a cohesive narrative that’s as nostalgic as it is modern.
Transforming a repurposed garage into a Mediterranean-inspired bar is quite unique. What challenges and opportunities did this present?
Transforming a repurposed garage offered an expansive, open layout with a natural flow from one room to the next, and the vaulted truss ceiling added a touch of industrial edge to an otherwise warm space. The space balances open, breezy spaces and warm, intimate corners for a relaxed feel.
The studio-crafted elements with their intentional imperfections—like the hand-painted tiles and distinctive stitching—play a significant role in Elio Volpe’s design. How do these handcrafted details enhance the authentic, lived-in atmosphere you aimed to create?
Handcrafted details in the custom-designed furniture, tiles, and lighting, are integral to the space’s authentic and lived-in atmosphere. Although precisely crafted, we endeavored for elements of each piece to feel assembled in a studio rather than a factory and boasts irregularity throughout — especially evident by the hand painted tiles inset in the tables, the seams of the lamps and the piped details of the sofas. These elements underscore the space’s Mediterranean roots with layers of artistry reflecting a human touch.
Collaboration with artists like Armin Tehrani adds a personal touch. How did the original travel photography and custom photo collages enhance the overall narrative?
Collaborating with artists like our friend Armin Tehrani introduced layers of personal narrative into the space. Original travel photography and handmade, Ste Marie photo collages capture a story of fleeting moments of sun, sea, and exploration. These artistic contributions deepen the connection to the themes of travel and nostalgia that define Elio Volpe and runs through every design choice.
Ste Marie is known for creating immersive, narrative-rich environments. How does Elio Volpe embody your approach to world-building and guest experience?
Elio Volpe embodies Ste Marie’s signature world-building approach, merging storytelling with immersive guest experiences. Ste Marie crafts environments that offer guests a sense of discovery and connection. Through thoughtful distillation of design, the space becomes more than a restaurant—it’s a portal to another place, rich with history and soul.
How did you balance the aesthetic aspirations of transporting guests to the Mediterranean with the practical needs of a functional bar and social space?
Balancing the Mediterranean aesthetic with the practical demands of a social restaurant space was driven by Ste Marie’s deep understanding of data and operational needs. Elio Volpe’s design maintains an intimate atmosphere of guest comfort and transportive escapism, blending aspiration with the essential practicalities of performance.
i absolutely love this restaurant! Amazing job by the interior designers!