Füm, a newly unveiled restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, redefines the dining experience through its exceptional interior design. Conceived by a collaborative team including Arcturis Square Feet Studio, Hand Studio, and Grassfed Culture Hospitality, the establishment introduces guests to a captivating world where sculptural plaster forms, reminiscent of organic bone and tissue structures, gracefully arch over the dining areas. This unique aesthetic is meticulously integrated with functional design, creating a seamless blend of art and utility. The restaurant's design not only provides a visually stimulating environment but also strategically conceals practical elements, enhancing the overall flow and ambiance. Füm’s concept is deeply rooted in the idea of a vibrant Italian marketplace, brought to life through dedicated stations for pasta making, dry-aging, and a lively cocktail bar, fostering an immersive culinary journey for every visitor.
Füm Restaurant Unveils Bone-Inspired Design in Atlanta's Star Metals District
In the vibrant Star Metals commercial district of Atlanta, Georgia, a groundbreaking culinary establishment named Füm has opened its doors, captivating patrons with an interior design that masterfully fuses art and functionality. Named after the Italo-Gaelic word for "smoke," the restaurant is a collaborative triumph by Arcturis Square Feet Studio, Hand Studio, and Grassfed Culture Hospitality. It occupies a prime location on the ground floor of the Stella at Star Metals residential building, strategically positioned northwest of the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The core of Füm's design philosophy is evident in its extraordinary use of smoothed plaster shapes that pay homage to the intricate "bones, curves, and internal voids of the human body." These sculptural elements extend across the entire interior, forming a dramatic curved soffit that elegantly overhangs the open kitchen and gracefully envelops structural columns. Grant Blakeslee, architect and founder of Hand Studio, shared insights into the creative process, explaining that these forms are the culmination of extensive experience, parametric design, conceptual development, and deep collaboration. He emphasized that while the design is conceptually rooted in biological forms, it also serves highly practical purposes.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these flowing plaster structures are ingeniously integrated into the existing floor plan, effectively concealing mechanical services and guiding guests through the dining space with a sense of fluidity. The restaurant boasts a variety of specialized culinary zones, including a dedicated pasta-making room, a dry-aging chamber, an extensive wine area, a vibrant DJ booth, and a sophisticated cocktail bar crafted by Oslo-based Behind Bars. Each of these areas is meticulously designed to evoke the lively atmosphere of an Italian piazza.
Pili Restrepo Hackler, co-founder and creative director of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, articulated the restaurant's foundational vision: to translate the concept of a living Italian marketplace into a contemporary spatial experience, where the craft of cooking is not hidden but becomes an integral part of the guest's journey. This approach allows diners to witness and appreciate the artistry behind the food, from the creation of fresh pasta to the presence of an open wood-fired hearth and the intricate dry-aging process.
The restaurant's design incorporates diverse atmospheric zones. A double-height area along the perimeter features expansive windows that flood the banquettes below with natural light, creating an airy and open feel. In contrast, sections under a lowered ceiling offer a more intimate setting, enhanced by paprika-toned ceiling insets that emit a warm glow from hidden cove lighting. This rich paprika hue is consistently applied to the back kitchen wall and the upholstery of banquettes and bar stools, while cozier dining areas feature pistachio-toned fabrics, adding layers of color and texture.
Materiality plays a crucial role in Füm's sophisticated ambiance. Highly textured Ceppo Rosso marble adorns the curved central bar and the host stand, adding a touch of luxurious refinement. Abstract artworks by Mateo Cohen Monroy infuse the space with dynamic gesture and movement. Emily Mastropiero, principal and lead architect at Arcturis Square Feet Studio, highlighted the deliberately restrained material palette, which combines warm whites, paprika reds, and pistachio greens with rich walnut wood used for tables and millwork, and sleek stainless steel in the open kitchen. The sculptural, bone-like walls, soffits, and exterior surfaces are finished with a limewash in Benjamin Moore's Spring in Aspen, providing a soft, tactile texture.
Füm's conception as an homage to craft is evident in every detail, from custom lighting and framed openings by metalwork studio Mill & Forge, to the hand-finished limewash by Harper House, and bespoke furniture by Mobello. This thoughtful combination of osseous forms with references to Northern Italian architecture and interiors results in a space that feels both cutting-edge and subtly nostalgic. Blakeslee summarized the outcome, stating that the forms and materials create a harmonious blend of softness, warmth, and contrast. The natural finishes contribute to a calm, tactile, and grounded atmosphere, while the sculptural elements simplify the architecture and minimize visual distractions. The ultimate result is an intentionally understated yet cohesive backdrop, allowing the wine, kitchen, food, and furniture to truly shine.
This innovative design positions Füm as a significant addition to Atlanta's culinary landscape, offering an experience that transcends mere dining to become a journey through architectural and culinary artistry. It stands alongside other notable Atlanta restaurants, each with its unique design narrative, further cementing the city's reputation as a hub for exceptional dining and design innovation.
The creation of Füm serves as a compelling example of how innovative design can transform a dining space into an immersive sensory experience. The collaboration between architects, designers, and hospitality experts underscores the power of interdisciplinary approaches in achieving a cohesive and impactful vision. The restaurant's ability to blend sculptural art with practical functionality, while evoking a sense of cultural heritage, offers a valuable lesson in crafting environments that are both beautiful and deeply engaging. This project inspires us to consider how spaces can tell stories, connect with human experience on a deeper level, and ultimately enhance our daily interactions within them.