JOYN Studio Makes US Debut with Chez Fifi, a Parisian-Inspired Bistro on NYC’s Upper East Side
Swedish interior design powerhouse JOYN Studio has officially entered the US market with its first project: the stunning transformation of Chez Fifi, an elevated French bistro nestled in a historic Upper East Side townhouse. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach, JOYN Studio has reimagined the space into a timeless ode to 1930s Paris, blending classic elegance with modern comfort.The design transports diners to the charm and sophistication of early 20th-century europe. the main dining room features exquisite mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, and plush banquette seating, creating an ambiance of refined luxury. for those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy private dining room offers an exclusive setting, perfect for personal gatherings.
“Chez Fifi is incredibly close to our hearts; it’s a tribute to our heritage and our family,” said David foulquier, one of the brothers behind the project. “JOYN Studio understood our vision and brought it to life with such authenticity.”
The collaboration between JOYN Studio and the Foulquier brothers,who also own the acclaimed Sushi Noz,is deeply personal. Named in honor of their mother, Fifi, the restaurant reflects the family’s love for French culture and their passion for creating meaningful dining experiences.
Upstairs, the second-floor salon enchants with high ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and an eclectic mix of decor inspired by the warmth of a Parisian living room. A glowing fireplace and carefully curated details enhance the inviting atmosphere, while the bar area seamlessly blends old-world sophistication with contemporary comfort.
“Working with JOYN Studio allowed us to create something deeply meaningful and unique,” added joshua Foulquier. “They didn’t just design a space; they created an experience.Chez Fifi captures the warmth of a Parisian bistro, enriched by JOYN’s attention to detail and Scandinavian aesthetic.”
Helena Eliason, co-founder of JOYN Studio, expressed her excitement about the project: “We’re thrilled to introduce JOYN Studio’s vision to the US market with Chez Fifi. This project perfectly encapsulates our ideology of creating spaces that put people in the right mood through a deep understanding of culture, behavior, and sensory elements.”
The Foulquier brothers’ admiration for scandinavian design, combined with their experience of JOYN’s work at Stockholm’s acclaimed Restaurant Frantzén, played a pivotal role in bringing this collaboration to life. Their shared vision has resulted in a space that not only honors their heritage but also sets a new standard for immersive dining experiences in New York City.
| Key Highlights of chez Fifi |
|———————————|
| Location: Upper East Side, NYC |
| Design Firm: JOYN Studio |
| Inspiration: 1930s Parisian elegance |
| Features: Mahogany paneling, vintage chandeliers, private dining room |
| Collaborators: Joshua and David Foulquier (Sushi Noz) |
Chez Fifi is more than just a restaurant; it’s a festivity of family, culture, and the art of design. Whether you’re savoring a meal in the main dining room or enjoying a drink by the fireplace upstairs, the experience is sure to transport you to another time and place.
For those eager to explore this Parisian-inspired haven, reservations can be made through OpenTable. Don’t miss the chance to experience JOYN Studio’s US debut and the Foulquier brothers’ heartfelt tribute to their heritage.
JOYN Studio Makes US Debut with Chez Fifi: A Parisian-Inspired Masterpiece on NYC’s Upper east Side
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Swedish design powerhouse JOYN Studio has brought its signature elegance to the heart of New York city with its first US project, Chez Fifi. Nestled in a historic Upper East Side townhouse, this Parisian-inspired bistro is a collaboration between JOYN Studio and the Foulquier brothers, Joshua and David, known for their acclaimed Sushi Noz. World-Today-News Senior Editor Emily Carter sat down with renowned design expert clara Laurent to discuss the intricacies of this stunning project,its cultural meaning,and what it means for JOYN Studio’s expansion into the US market.
The Vision Behind Chez Fifi
emily Carter: Clara, could you start by telling us about the inspiration behind Chez Fifi? How did JOYN Studio and the Foulquier brothers come together to create this unique space?
Clara Laurent: Absolutely, Emily. The Foulquier brothers wanted to pay homage to their French heritage,particularly their mother,Fifi,who inspired the restaurant’s name.they sought a design firm that could translate their family’s story into a tangible experience. JOYN Studio, known for their meticulous attention to detail and ability to blend cultural narratives with modern aesthetics, was the perfect match. Their shared vision was to create a space that felt like stepping into 1930s Paris, combining vintage elegance with contemporary comfort.
Design Elements and Cultural Significance
Emily Carter: What are some standout design elements that make Chez Fifi such an immersive experience?
Clara Laurent: The design is a masterclass in storytelling. The main dining room features luxurious mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, and plush banquette seating, evoking the refined luxury of Parisian bistros from the 1930s. Upstairs, the second-floor salon is equally captivating, with high ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and a glowing fireplace that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. One of my favorite details is the private dining room, which offers an intimate setting for personal gatherings. Every element, from the vintage decor to the carefully curated sensory elements, transports diners to another time and place.
JOYN Studio’s Approach and US Debut
Emily Carter: This is JOYN Studio’s first project in the US. How does Chez Fifi reflect their design philosophy, and what does this debut mean for their presence in the American market?
Clara Laurent: JOYN Studio is known for creating spaces that are not just visually stunning but also deeply resonant on an emotional level. At Chez Fifi, they’ve done exactly that by blending Scandinavian minimalism with Parisian opulence. This project is a testament to their ability to adapt their design language to different cultural contexts while maintaining their core values. Their US debut is meaningful as it introduces American audiences to a new standard of immersive dining experiences. It’s a bold statement that JOYN Studio is here to elevate the design landscape.
The Foulquier Brothers’ Personal Touch
Emily Carter: How did the Foulquier brothers’ personal connection to the project influence its outcome?
Clara Laurent: Joshua and David’s passion for their heritage is the heartbeat of Chez Fifi.Their admiration for Scandinavian design, combined with their experience of JOYN Studio’s work at Restaurant Frantzén, played a pivotal role in this collaboration. They were deeply involved in every aspect of the project, ensuring that the final result felt authentic to their family’s story. This personal touch is what makes Chez Fifi more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of family, culture, and design.
The Future of Immersive Dining
Emily Carter: What does Chez Fifi signify for the future of immersive dining experiences in New York City?
Clara Laurent: Chez Fifi sets a new benchmark for what dining can be. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the entire experience—the ambiance, the design, the storytelling. In a city like New York, where dining is a cultural institution, Chez Fifi stands out by offering a deeply personal and transportive experience. I believe it will inspire other restaurateurs and designers to think more holistically about how they create their spaces.
How to Experience Chez Fifi
Emily Carter: For our readers who are eager to visit, how can they make reservations?
Clara Laurent: Reservations can be made through OpenTable. I highly recommend experiencing both the main dining room and the upstairs salon to fully appreciate the magic of this space. Whether you’re enjoying a meal or sipping a drink by the fireplace,it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Conclusion
Chez Fifi is a triumph of design, culture, and storytelling. JOYN Studio’s US debut has not only elevated the Upper East Side’s dining scene but also set a new standard for immersive experiences. Through their collaboration with the Foulquier brothers, they’ve created a space that’s as meaningful as it is indeed stunning. For anyone looking to be transported to 1930s paris,Chez Fifi is a must-visit destination.
