Venner

From Hjem to Venner.

Venner, meaning "friends," is the new incarnation of Sheung Wan's beloved Nordic-inspired cafe, Hjem. This transformation reflects the owners' vision to create a dedicated community hub, responding to evolving consumer habits. While honoring its Nordic roots with house-baked pastries and natural wines, Venner is a welcoming space designed for connection—day or night—for locals, the Nordic community, and visitors alike.

House of Forme worked with the client on the brand environment and interior design.

The Timeless Nordic Summer.

Venner's design transports you to a Nordic cottage by a summer lake. Picture slow mornings with hearty breakfasts and warming coffee, or evenings where friends and family gather around the fireplace, making lasting memories. We aim to create a sense of Nordic simplicity through the harmonious blend of materials. This is not a rebrand of Hjem, but an evolution into something timeless.

The facade has been a significant feature of Hjem, and is now reimagined for Venner. Light-hearted yellow tiles juxtapose with an awning in Venner’s signature blue, creating an eye-catching and inviting entrance. An outdoor dining area, furnished with Hay pieces, adds to the relaxed Scandinavian ambiance. Enlarged windows allow natural light to pour into the space, enticing passersby to step inside. An effortless window decal signage completes the inviting facade.

A Curated Gathering Space.

Venner’s design maintains a warm, inviting atmosphere from Hjem by retaining materials like timber and veneer, while micro-cement flooring provides a deliberate, cool contrast. The interior is further decorated with hand-glazed tiles, adding layers of tactility. While bespoke lighting, from the facade sconce with a pop of colour to the dimmable, baguette-like fixture, creates a cozy ambiance perfect for evening drinks among friends.

Along the bustling Hollywood Street, the window bar seats are the perfect seats for solo visitors and those working on a laptop. By the window seats is a dedicated display shelf. Crafted from warm walnut wood, the shelf showcases a selection of wines and glassware. To encourage social interaction, a standing island table surrounded by high bar seats allows diners to gather and share a glass of wine.

The hand-glazed tiles extend all the way to the front, leading to a bespoke display case in the open kitchen filled with house-made Nordic pastries. The original kitchen was also fully reconfigured into a kitchen room, a change that optimises workflow and accommodates Venner’s operational needs.

The Community’s Gathering Hub.

To welcome more guests without compromising comfort, a collection of custom loose furniture, including tables and chairs in varied sizes and designs was introduced. The brand’s signature colours are then incorporated into these pieces, bringing a vibrant contrast against the natural wood and stainless steel. Across the space is a built-in banquet in a distinctive green, providing an intimate and comforting gathering spot that forms the perfect stage for social gatherings.

Flanking the built-in banquet is a series of display shelves, where small plants, artwork from local artists, and objects from everyday life are carefully curated. Together with the causal placement of menus and branded totes, these personal touches contribute to the space’s casual and cozy atmosphere, making Venner the ideal gathering place for the community.