Swedish interior design firm JOYN Studio made its official entry into the U.S. market with the unveiling of its first project: the interior design of Chez Fifi, an elevated bistro on New York City’s Upper East Side.
With its signature attention to detail, JOYN Studio has transformed a charming Manhattan townhouse into an intimate dining experience that blends classic Parisian elegance with relaxed ease. The design transports diners to the sophisticated ambiance of 1930s Paris, showcasing JOYN’s ability to create immersive, mood-setting environments.
European Style Meets NYC Chic
The interior of Chez Fifi transports guests to the charm and elegance of early 20th-century Europe, capturing the magic and sophistication of a bygone era with its timeless design and rich details. The main dining room showcases exquisite mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, and plush banquette seating, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. For more intimate gatherings, a cozy private dining room provides an exclusive, personal setting.
“Chez Fifi is incredibly close to our hearts; it’s a tribute to our heritage and our family,” said co-owner David Foulquier. “JOYN Studio understood our vision and our concept and brought it to life with such authenticity.”
“Working with JOYN Studio allowed us to create something deeply meaningful and unique,” added co-owner Joshua Foulquier. “They didn’t just design a space; they created an experience. Chez Fifi captures the warmth of a Parisian bistro, enriched by JOYN’s attention to detail and Scandinavian aesthetic.”
Upstairs, the second-floor salon is enchanted with high ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and an eclectic blend of decor inspired by the warmth of a Parisian living room. A glowing fireplace and carefully curated details throughout enhance the inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bar area seamlessly blends old-world sophistication with contemporary comfort.
“We’re thrilled to introduce JOYN Studio’s vision to the U.S. market with Chez Fifi,” said Helena Eliason, co-founder of JOYN Studio. “This project perfectly encapsulates our philosophy of creating spaces that put people in the right mood through a deep understanding of culture, behavior, and sensory elements.”
Chez Fifi is a collaboration between Joshua and David Foulquier, the partners behind the renowned Sushi Noz. The Foulquier brothers, who grew up in the neighborhood, bring a unique perspective to the project. Their French heritage plays a vital role in the restaurant’s concept; the project is named in honor of their mother, Fifi, reflecting the family’s deep-rooted love for French culture. Their passion for food led them to Stockholm’s acclaimed Restaurant Frantzén, another JOYN Studio project.
This Swedish connection was instrumental in bringing JOYN Studio to New York. The Foulquier brothers’ admiration for Scandinavian design, combined with their experience of JOYN’s work at Frantzén, sparked the collaboration.
Chez Fifi, located at 140 E. 74th Street, opened in December 2024.
About JOYN Studio
JOYN Studio is an interior architectural studio with one great ambition: to put people in the right mood. Through a deep understanding of the specific culture of the location, the guests and staff, and their patterns of behavior, we reach an understanding. And by observing what makes people listen carefully, to sit close, to keep a distance, to get up and start dancing or to fall in love, we know how to put people in the right mood with the right combination of lighting, sound, and material.
JOYN Studio is an award-winning interior design studio based in Stockholm with projects all over the world. The studio’s holistic approach includes all aspects of an interior from the architecture to the smallest detail to ensure the quality and integrity of the design meets the client’s desire. The broad offer covers commercial, hospitality, and residential projects with a bespoke unique solution. The firm has earned international acclaim for their work on high-profile projects such as the 3-Michelin-starred restaurants Frantzén in Stockholm, Zén in Singapore, and the recently awarded Studio Frantzén at Harrods in London.
The company was founded in 2016 by three women—Lisa Grape, Helena Eliason, and Ida Wanler, all creative leaders and interior architects at JOYN.
The name JOYN stands for Joy+Join = having fun together and the elevated success of great collaborations.
*Announcement has been lightly edited for clarity.