Sofitel Lobby & The Oven Restaurant

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is a 5-star hotel located near Taksim Square, at the heart of Istanbul's vibrant shopping and nightlife district on the European side. The hotel’s historic façade, originally designed in 1914 by Italian architect Giulio Mongeri, was the first building in Istanbul to serve as a cinema, known as the Maksim Casino. The architect who completed the renovation meticulously preserved the building’s architectural heritage while maintaining its historical significance.

The hotel’s interior was reimagined by our design team, with the goal of aligning the interiors with the luxurious standards of the global Sofitel brand at this historical setting. The design concept blends modern luxury with the timeless elegance of French style, incorporating high-quality materials and clean lines to create an inviting, contemporary atmosphere. A key feature of the redesign is the transition from darker to lighter seating as guests move through the entrance corridor towards the reception, which creates a sense of spaciousness and continuity between the floor and the seating. The existing glass chandelier above the contrasting circular marble floor is complemented by display cases showcasing special brands, which also influence the design language of the planters placed near the sofa seating. This breaks the monotony and introduces a dynamic rhythm along the axis leading to the reception. As a result, this area becomes more than just a passageway, offering hotel guests a welcoming space to linger and relax.

To redefine the flow towards the restaurant, the display case counter was repositioned near the seating area of CakeBox Patisserie, where guests can enjoy classic French desserts. The patisserie is designed as a transitional space, allowing guests to comfortably work on their laptops or enjoy an afternoon tea by their tables. The circularity of the space is emphasized through hidden lighting and a change in floor materials. To improve circulation, the curving banquette and seats were removed, further enhancing the flow of the area. Instead, elegant chairs in burgundy were introduced, offering a striking contrast to the soft tones of the surroundings. Paired with minimalist marble tables, they contribute to a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, seamlessly complementing the sophisticated backdrop of the Oven Restaurant.

The restaurant’s name was made more prominent, visible from a distance, to draw in potential visitors. The interior was redesigned to celebrate the fusion of French and Turkish cuisines, with key features highlighted to reinforce the concept. Key elements, such as the entry desk and the open kitchen featuring a distinctive oven, were accentuated with turquoise and copper details. The bar area incorporates backlit open shelves, creating a harmonious rhythm that connects seamlessly with the sweeping exterior view. Outside, the terrace offers a unique vantage point, where the theme of circularity is echoed in both the shading elements and the continuation of round tables.