A brand-new dining concept with a lively atmosphere and a pinch of subtle decadence was recently commissioned by Stockholm Krogbolag. The restaurant weaves together Scandinavian, Japanese and Korean influences under the enigmatic name TAKO that translates to dragon or octopus. With an uncompromising approach to quality, Tengbom has created a unique space, marrying architectural and graphic expressions into a far-flung flair.

Modern with a story

Wall-to-wall with its sister restaurant—Vassa Eggen, TAKO hides culinary treasures Stockholm hasn’t seen before. The space on Birger Jarlsgatan 29 has been known for its flourishing nightlife, where several clubs entertained flamboyant crowds once upon a time. A remanence of that era—varying floor levels and narrow passages have now been elevated to recreate the atmosphere of mystical backstreets of Tokyo that promise unforgettable adventures to those that find the way. An obscure, almost enigmatic entrance leads the guests down the glowing staircase that opens to an underground world steeped in deep jewel-like tones.

When you have the possibility to be in charge of the design process down to the very last detail, strong concepts arise.

Mystic elegance

Offering seating for 180 guests and comfortable space for up to 300, TAKO features a sushi bar, an open barbecue station and a large drink bar. The lit aisles navigate the customers through a myriad of rooms and let them discover cosy nooks hidden from the sight behind mesh screens. Dimmed lights and varying dining suites enhance the atmosphere of a backstreet milieu. Hand-chiselled natural materials such as stone, wood and concrete add the finishing touch. Copper elements combined with cushy upholstery and earth-toned leather bring a welcoming warmth to the space. In the middle of the room, a temple-inspired suite assumes centre stage, graced by a bespoke fish pond carpet.

Relationships that go way back

The project is a part of a long business relationship between Stockholm Krogbolag and Tengbom, TAKO being the fifth restaurant we have designed for the restaurateur.

”When you have the possibility to be in charge of the design process down to the very last detail, strong concepts arise. Our collaboration with Stockholm Krogbolag has just got stronger with years. The mutual trust between us allows us to take the interiors to new design heights”, says Filip Svensson, interior designer at Tengbom. Filip worked on the project together with Ninna Helena Söderström and Josef Zetterman.

“The restaurant has a quirky twist and an element of surprise, without compromising on the utmost attention to quality”

A twinkle in the eye

The graphic identity of the restaurant is created by Studio Oscar Liedgren, a longtime business partner. We share a successful history of collaborations and a strong creative foundation.

“When different teams work with the same client and receive the same brief, interesting things happen,” says Oscar Liedgren. “Our sensibilities start to reflect one another. It gets even better when they enhance each other. That’s when a special kind of creative spark ignites. This was exactly the case with the TAKO project. Everything fits together, like perfect pieces of a puzzle.”

By controlling the design process and maintaining a close dialogue with both the client and the carpenters from the very beginning, we ensured that every detail was carefully refined along the way. As a result, TAKO has developed into a sophisticated and standout addition to Stockholm’s restaurant scene. At the same time, it has become another masterpiece in Kristofer Sandström and Christian Olsson’s impressive business portfolio.

“TAKO is like an elegant friend with a twinkle in the eye. We want to create a social atmosphere filled with unique experiences and build our own dining culture together,” says Kristofer Sandström, founder of Stockholm Krogbolag. “The restaurant has a quirky twist and an element of surprise. At the same time, we never compromise on the utmost attention to quality.”

How do you create a restaurant that feels pioneeringly decadent, yet warm and welcoming at the same time? A visit at Hilma in Stockholm will give you the answer.

Here, Tengbom’s interior design studio displayed its most innovative side, while care for the client and the visitor can be seen in every little detail.

“It is a holistic experience. Our work has included using multiple layers, extensive detail and contrasting materials and artwork. This restaurant is one fantastic roller coaster ride. Here you’ll find beauty and grotesqueness, innovation and something quite different”, says Nadia Tolstoy, who is an interior designer and also took on the role of creative director for the assignment.

Cosy with an edge

The client, Generator Hostel, which has a portfolio full of design-driven hostels in trendy cities, has become known for not shying away from full-on interiors, and it was also from this that the “decadence and fetishism brief” emerged. But how do you design a “decadent interior”? And how do you combine that with the other clear desire, that Hilma should be a warm and cosy neighbourhood restaurant where everyone should feel welcome?

The solution was to zoom out a bit, and look at the world of art and fashion to see how they tackle subcultures. One clear inspiration was the artist Hilma Af Klint. The interior design circle around a contemporary Klint figure who creates tattoos with occult elements, shakes curative drinks and is a cruel figure in the DJ booth. To balance this out and create a sense of the artist’s superb treatment of colour, unexpected details are combined with warm, inviting fabrics, powdery colours and plenty of humour.

The balance is the be-all and end-all

The restaurant is divided into clear zones and a great deal of the interior design is specially aimed at being adapted to the brief and the premises.

“When the customer comes to us with a vision of an environment that really stands out, you cannot just use ready-made solutions”, says Sara Persson, the interior designer in charge, who has designed everything from beds for people who want to eat lying down, splash-painted couches with stirrups, provocative light fittings, a cage that also functions as a VIP room and Instagram-friendly rope art installations.

At Hilma there is also a functioning tattoo studio as an important part of the concept. And not forgetting enticing vintage pinball machines and multi-coloured flooring. But there is also a trustworthy bar in the traditional way and quieter seating areas for people who have come for the dining experience.

Hilma stands out for its unique mix of action and calm. The same contrast defines the district where the restaurant is located—a quiet corner of the capital. At least for now.

“This summer, people will be able to eat outdoors, which is completely new for this area,” says Katya Högberg, architect at Tengbom and project lead. “Torsgatan is transforming into a pedestrian and cycle precinct, and the area will change significantly.”

“Generator often tends to choose central locations that are a little bit “unexpected”. It will be exciting to see the energy emerges when a new, hip restaurant opens that was adamant about recreating a small part of Stockholm”, she continues.

“It will create a ripple effect throughout the district. And this time, we will be helping”, concludes Nadia Tolstoy.