Header: Natalia Gorbunova
Located on the ground floor of the Riviera residential complex in Yekaterinburg, FOREST is a restaurant that knows exactly what it wants to be. It is a space for modern gastronomy where the food is the protagonist, and the design plays a supportive, yet vital, role.
Designed by Studio 40, with Vladislav Soroka leading the interior design and Natalya Nesterova acting as architect, the project takes the “casual dining” format and adapts it specifically for the local context. The result is an interior that feels grounded and calm, proving that a space does not need to be loud to make an impression.
Bringing the outside in
The restaurant enjoys a prime position overlooking the pedestrian embankment of the Iset River and the arboretum opposite. The design team wanted to maintain a strong visual link with these surroundings. Instead of blocking the view with traditional heavy fabric curtains, they opted for lightweight wooden shutters. This choice allows light to filter in while keeping the connection to the trees outside open.
The layout itself presented a few challenges. The entrance lobby is triangular with a limited footprint, which made planning tricky. To solve this, the designers introduced rounded walls, columns, and dividers. These curves help soften the space and guide guests through the restaurant. At the entrance, a specifically placed mirror visually doubles the size of the lobby, allowing guests to spot the hostess stand immediately upon arrival.
A palette of local stone and elm
True to its name, the material palette relies heavily on natural elements. The colour scheme is a quiet mix of beige and grey shades with subtle green accents. Wood is the dominant material here. You can see it in the suspended ceiling islands made of veneer and the veneered MDF panels lining the walls. The furniture also leans into the theme, with tabletops crafted from elm slabs. The table bases are particularly interesting; made from solid wood, they feature a unique star shape designed to resemble trees standing in a forest.
Underfoot, the design team chose a cement-polymer floor created using a natural terrazzo technique. This was a labour-intensive part of the build, taking nearly two months to process. They used local stones from the Ural region, rooting the project firmly in its geography.
The botanical centerpiece
While the general philosophy was to ensure nothing distracts from the cuisine, there is one major artistic feature that anchors the room. A massive seven-metre botanical bas-relief spans the main wall. Created by Ural sculptor Elsa Bashirova, this piece is the main decorative accent. To get the texture just right, Bashirova used live plants ordered from Holland during the production process. The result creates a natural atmosphere and adds depth to the walls without breaking the calm vibe of the room.
This dedication to a balanced, natural aesthetic was also recognised when the project picked up a win at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards in the Architectural Design Restaurant – Casual category.
FOREST is a strong example of how interior design can support a culinary concept without overpowering it. It is a stylish backdrop for modern cuisine, effectively bringing the tranquility of the forest into the city centre.
Project info
Company/Firm: Studio 40
Lead Designer: Vladislav Soroka
Other Designer(s): Julia Golunova, Natalya Nesterova, Maria Cheglakova, Igor Perevoshchikov, Natalya Petukhova
Architect: Natalya Nesterova
Interior Designer: Vladislav Soroka
Hospitality: Resta Management
Photo Credit: Natalia Gorbunova
Location: Yekaterinburg
Project Date: 2022
