Bardem Cocktail Bar in Helsinki by Fyra

In the heart of Helsinki, Fyra unveils their fitout for Bardem, a modern cocktail bar designed as a contemporary interpretation of the speakeasy concept. The local interior design agency playfully combines old and new elements, giving the moody, illicit atmosphere of the speakeasy a playful up-to-the-minute spin.

The interior was designed to equally accommodate the night owls, while also appealing to the after-work crowd who come to ring in the end of the working day. Fyra occupies the shell of a former two-storey sales area that’s been transformed into the dimly lit, deliciously decadent cocktail bar.

The room is centred around a large bar that becomes the beating heart of the interior. Panels of light, honey-coloured timber line the curing perimeter, acting as a counterbalance to the dark scheme. Rows of perfectly arranged bottles sit within a shelving cavity surrounded by navy blue curtains, their golden shapes suddenly transformed into accidental artworks hung on the wall. Dusty-blue, velvet-covered barstools mirror the rich colour of the curtain.

Newly-upholstered upcycled furniture and theatre-like curtains sit alongside modern insertions, creating a wonderfully layered interior. Dim lighting and dark colours deliver a sense of privacy as if all other guests had melted away, allowing all the guests to sink in and relax. A colour scheme of olive green, navy blue, and warm brown tones combines to create a cosy, welcoming environment.

A special character in the space is the ceramic tile wall installation created and designed by Fyra. Laura Järvinen, lead interior designer on the project explains – “The tiles play an important part in our interior concept, as they bring life to the dark, dimly lit room. The high-gloss surface perfectly harmonizes with the soft shapes and materials we used in this bar. We also arranged the tiles in several horizontal rows and used a colour gradient to create a perfect visual link between floor and ceiling.” The piece gives the wall a rhythmic three-dimensional structure and acts as a continually changing art installation.