A Culinary Space Where Cultural Diversity Converges

Atelier Zébulon Perron, a design firm renowned for its distinct interior designs for commercial spaces, has unveiled Hav & Mar, a multicultural culinary destination located in the Starrett-Lehigh building in New York City’s Chelsea arts district. This restaurant marks the second collaboration between Atelier Zébulon Perron and the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, who has honed his skills in New York’s diverse culinary scene.

Hav & Mar
Photo credit: Alex Lesage

With African, Scandinavian, and American roots, Samuelsson envisioned a restaurant that beautifully harmonizes these cultural influences. The name "Hav" means "sea" in Swedish, and "Mar" means "honey" in Amharic, Ethiopia's native language. Since opening its doors in late 2022, Hav & Mar has continued to deliver festive and flavorful dishes from around the world. Zébulon Perron, founder and lead designer of Atelier Zébulon Perron, explains, "Hav & Mar is a celebration of cultural diversity and encounters, a theme reflected not only in the mermaid motif by artist Derek Adams but also in the leadership of women of color at the helm."

Reimagining Design: A Fusion of Warmth and Comfort

Hav & Mar was designed as the culmination of Samuelsson’s life work, aiming to create a space that fosters social interactions beyond the typical dining experience. Perron and his firm, known for their unique approaches to unconventional floor plans, once again demonstrated their creative thinking in Hav & Mar. To bring warmth to the space, Perron’s team used plywood as the foundation material, applying it to the walls, light fixtures, and booth enclosures. Hav & Mar features custom-made furniture designed by Perron, vintage elements, and decorative lighting crafted in collaboration with Lambert & Fils. The interior balances earthy brown and honey tones against teal-colored marble, creating a space that reflects a global and multicultural lifestyle.

Functional Flow and Design Harmony

Hav & Mar's design embraces an open kitchen concept that highlights interaction between the culinary process and its visitors. The main bar, positioned directly in front of the kitchen, serves as a focal point, drawing guests' attention. Perron’s team optimized the restaurant's overall layout by turning what could have been less desirable areas near the bar and kitchen into coveted seating spots. Above the main bar, a large light fixture resembling a sea creature adds to the distinct ambiance, grounding the area while integrating with the vertical movement throughout the space. Various elements rise from the ceiling, floor, and walls, and are creatively illuminated with custom-designed light fixtures that function both as sculptural pieces and as backlights for an eclectic mix of glowing spaces.

About Atelier Zébulon Perron

Since its inception in 2008, Atelier Zébulon Perron has completed hundreds of interior design projects across North America, ranging from boutique hotels and restaurants to bars, luxury retail spaces, and museum exhibitions. The studio, led by Zébulon Perron, is known for its meticulous attention to detail and a highly customized approach that includes creating bespoke objects, lighting, and furniture. Prioritizing a balance between conceptual vision and commercial goals, the firm consistently delivers accomplished, high-quality results.