When London’s Olivo restaurant decided it was time for a complete refresh, they turned once again to architect and interior designer Pierluigi Piu. Twenty-five years after first creating the space, he returned to give it new life, while keeping the spirit of Sardinia alive at its core.
From the street, Olivo maintains its London Victorian shopfront, but with a twist. Painted in a soft duck-egg blue, the facade feels both traditional and surprisingly fresh, setting the tone for what awaits inside.
The entrance leads into a small lobby defined by a full-height glazed wall. Once a solid divider, this glass feature now opens up the view, creating a sense of spaciousness that was previously missing. At the far end, doors clad in dark oak form a tall panel that naturally directs visitors toward the dining room.
Inside the main dining area, the eye is immediately caught by an extraordinary wall tapestry. But this is no ordinary textile. Made entirely of finely chiseled natural stone, it draws inspiration from traditional Sardinian fabrics. The patterns include the lapwing bird, a recurring motif on the island, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. The bas-relief technique, known as pibiònes, mimics the raised texture of Sardinia’s handwoven textiles, a subtle yet powerful tribute to heritage.
Throughout the restaurant, resin-and-cement walls in dove grey and burnt coffee tones add depth and texture. Their matte wax finish creates a soft diffusion of light, enhancing the sepia-toned stone reliefs and making the duck-egg linen tablecloths pop against the darker backdrop. Even the flooring ties in, finished with a durable coating that complements the natural materials elsewhere.
As guests move into the second dining area, the design narrative continues. A second stone tapestry fills the entire back wall, this time with a new lapwing-inspired pattern. Its symmetry and sheer scale transform the surface into a striking focal point, commanding attention without overpowering the warm, intimate atmosphere.
On one side of the dining room sits the bar and reception counter, crafted from Corian in a rich coffee-bean brown. Its clean lines and built-in wine display make it as practical as it is stylish.
Olivo’s redesign is a reminder of how architecture can tell stories. In this case, it’s a narrative of heritage and renewal, told through material, craft, and cultural symbolism.
Photography © Pierluigi Piu
Source: Contemporist
