A detailed shot capturing the material interplay at the Va counter area. A vibrant deep forest green wall frames a large, evocative photograph featuring a figure and a mesh bag of oranges against a bright Mediterranean seascape. Below a warm wooden bar-top, a white subway tile wainscoting adds a mid-century modern touch. The wall is punctuated by two small, glowing amber glass sconces, emphasizing the cozy, low-level atmosphere.

A Day in Three Acts: Ste Marie’s Multi-Concept Hospitality Project in Edmonton

Words by Yatzer

Edmonton, Canada

For Vancouver-based design studio Ste Marie, hospitality is less about the sum of its parts and more about the story it tells. Across restaurants, bars, and cafés that slip between eras and moods, the practice has perfected the art of narrative architecture crafting spaces conceived not simply to be seen, but to be inhabited like a film. The studio’s latest project in Edmonton, continues this cinematic lineage with a triptych of venues with a café (Va), an Italian restaurant (Olia) and a cocktail lounge (Mimi), each tuned to a distinct tempo, yet unfolding as one continuous composition.

A close-up of an intimate seating nook, showcasing the eclectic material and color contrast. A circular table with a veined grey marble top and a polished steel pedestal anchors the space. It is flanked by a lush olive-green velvet banquette and a high wall clad in crisp white subway tiles, segmented by a band of deep green. A framed image above, featuring a dynamic black-and-white sports action scene, injects a layer of playful vintage-retro energy.

Va Italian forno & caffé. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A detailed shot capturing the material interplay at the Va counter area. A vibrant deep forest green wall frames a large, evocative photograph featuring a figure and a mesh bag of oranges against a bright Mediterranean seascape. Below a warm wooden bar-top, a white subway tile wainscoting adds a mid-century modern touch. The wall is punctuated by two small, glowing amber glass sconces, emphasizing the cozy, low-level atmosphere.

Va Italian forno & caffé. Photography by Conrad Brown.

Commissioned by Corso 32 Group, the multi-concept venue occupies the base of Citizen on Jasper, a new residential tower on Jasper Avenue in the city centre wherefrom it takes its name. Drawing from the Group’s founder, chef Daniel Costa’s Italian heritage and personal archives, from the photographs on Va’s walls all the way through to the records spinning in Mimi, the design translates his sensibility into three interlinked environments that mirror the rhythm of the day: the energy of the morning, evening intimacy, and nocturnal allure. Underpinned by Ste Marie’s signature aesthetic of contemporary nostalgia, the three venues form what the studio’s creative director Craig Stanghetta describes as “a rhythm of experiences that move with the day”, forming a layered meditation on ritual, pleasure, and the fine art of pacing.

Bright and convivial, Va, Italian for “go”, channels the spirited efficiency of a Roman forno while doubling as a neighbourhood café and retail counter. Green wall panelling, glossy white tiling, and walnut furnishings strike a balance between utility and nostalgia, while soft spherical sconces and long banquettes lend the space a relaxed, communal feel. On the walls, custom collages made from Costa’s travel photography animate the space with their vibrant colours, as does the retail corner, stacked with a curated selection of Italian pantry staples, tableware, books, and vinyl records. Open from 8 a.m. through to the afternoon, this is a place to grab an espresso in the morning, savour a panino on the go, or share a pizza slice before heading back to work.

A high-angle detail of the counter area, focusing on the graphic menu board and retail display. A brightly illuminated, large menu is housed in a sleek dark green frame, contrasting sharply with the white square tile backdrop. Below, a small, captivating painting of fish and sunbathers evokes a Mediterranean coastal mood. A single, large opal globe pendant light overhead reinforces the venue's simple, warm, and inviting daytime atmosphere.

Va Italian forno & caffé. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A view down the length of the Va café dining room, defined by its sophisticated vintage-retro aesthetic. A row of large, circular opal pendant lights illuminates the space, casting a soft, warm glow. Dark forest green banquettes and chairs, combined with wood-slat wall panels and light timber tabletops, create a rich, earth-toned palette. Rectangular and circular wall lights and a vertical wood panel featuring Italian-inspired artwork add cinematic energy.

Va Italian forno & caffé. Photography by Conrad Brown.

An interior perspective of the retail and counter section of Va, blending Italian cafe energy with precise modular design. Dark green recessed shelving displays curated products, books, and art prints, contrasting with a wall of gloss white square tiles. The warm light from large opal globe pendants highlights the polished concrete floor and rich walnut millwork of the counter base, creating a balanced, authentic, and functional aesthetic.

Va Italian forno & caffé. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A serene, focused detail of a Olia banquette setting, framed by floor-to-ceiling cream-colored sheer curtains, diffusing daylight into a soft, inviting backdrop. The light wooden table is paired with muted ochre-toned chairs, and the scene is accented by a vibrant red glass vase holding fresh oranges, providing a quintessential Mediterranean flash of color and contrast.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A complex composition at the end of the Olia bar, showcasing a rich mix of materials and vibrant color. Tall, illuminated golden columns frame a detailed glass cabinet. In the foreground, a sculptural block of richly veined, multi-toned stone supports a display of oranges and a deep blue vase holding tropical bird-of-paradise flowers, emphasizing an eclectic, maximalist-tinged luxury.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A meticulous detail of the Olia bar shelving, emphasizing a sense of curated symmetry and diffused light. The display uses tall, cylindrical columns and horizontally-lit shelves to frame bottles and glassware, creating a minimalist, glowing grid. Decorative items, including a deep red glass bowl and a small white vase, introduce bursts of color against the warm, golden backdrop.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

If Va embodies movement, Olia invites pause. Defined by a monochromatic palette of ecru and cream hues, its mood is serene yet sophisticated, anchored by walnut tables, supple leather banquettes, and oversized lantern-like pendant lamps that cast a buttery ambient glow. Polished marble and high-gloss lacquered cabinetry add an element of quiet drama, artworks and decorative objects handpicked by Stanghetta and Costa add playful accents, while luminous glass shelving punctuated by fluted verticals turns the otherwise minimalist bar counter into a focal point. The atmosphere extends naturally to Costa’s menu, which traces Italy’s regional flavours with unfussy confidence, in dishes such as tuna crudo with Puglian artichokes to cavatelli with pork-sausage ragù and saltimbocca with prosciutto and cauliflower.

A panoramic view of the Olia bar, defined by a stunning rhythm of vertical oak fins and recessed, warm backlighting, creating a glowing, Zen-like display. Bottles and glassware are presented on illuminated shelves, interspersed with curated decorative objects, casting dramatic shadows. The low, textured bar chairs and simple bar-top are softly lit by small, individual desk lamps, reinforcing the intimate, golden-hour atmosphere.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

An expansive view of the Olia dining room, characterized by a soft, monochromatic palette of buff, cream, and beige. A central, living olive tree in a floor vase introduces a biophilic element, grounding the space. The tiered seating plan uses large, rectangular fabric pendant lamps to define zones, while a tall, dark pendant introduces a contrasting vertical line, emphasizing the serene, low-lit, and elegant atmosphere.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • An intimate dining perspective, featuring large, rectangular silk lantern fixtures that bathe the space in a warm, ethereal light, nodding to Japandi aesthetics. Distinctive, horizontally-slatted terracotta-colored wall sconces add a sharp, rhythmic accent. Creamy leather banquettes and marble tabletops create a tactile, luxurious contrast, with a bowl of oranges introducing a playful pop of Mediterranean color.

    Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A close-up of the Olia bar surface, highlighting the textural richness and Mediterranean accents. A sleek, polished bronze mushroom lamp casts an intimate glow over the bar-top, which is composed of fine, light wood mosaic tiles. Spilled dried orange slices and translucent worry stones complete a vignette that feels both artfully styled and perfectly authentic.

    Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A minimalist, softly lit reception area features a bold, curved desk clad in beautiful, subtly veined burl wood veneer. The mid-century modern form is accented by a vibrant orange-yellow desk lamp and artwork depicting a muted, sun-drenched scene. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, underscored by the deep indigo area rug and the soft glow, setting a serene tone for the dining experience.

    Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A dramatically lit image of Olia's split-level dining area, where a staircase railing curves into a smooth banister, clad in light, carved wood. The narrow upper bar table is set with a row of striking, dome-shaped brass table lamps, which reflect a warm glow onto a bold, high-contrast red graphic poster, blending mid-century modern elegance with Art Deco verticality.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A corner of the dining room where different seating styles converge under the diffuse glow of a large, rectangular light fixture. A unique, rough-textured console table of marble and wood serves as a central focal point, contrasting with the smooth, cream upholstery and light chairs. Styled with planters and dark ceramic decor, the space blends soft minimalist structure with a touch of organic, curated drama.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A close-up detail of the Olia reception desk, emphasizing the elegant material choice and curated elements. The smooth, rounded edge of the burl wood desk is highlighted by the warm, directional light, showcasing its rich texture. A sleek, modern orange desk lamp sits beside a polished tray holding the venue's subtly branded business cards, reflecting a focus on tactile luxury and understated design.

Olia Italian restaurant. Photography by Conrad Brown.

The evening reaches a crescendo in Mimi, a cocktail lounge steeped in cinematic glamour. Here, Ste Marie’s affection for mid-century modernism is filtered through a decadent lens: deep browns, glossy reds, and amber tones glow against Rosso Rubino marble and chrome detailing. Burnt-orange velvet banquettes and burled-walnut panels recall sunken lounges from the 1960s’, while the soft repetition of capsule pendants creates a hypnotic canopy of light. The space feels equal parts film set and listening bar, complete with a state-of-the-art sound system and a curated soundtrack of vintage soul, jazz, and Italo disco, occasionally spun by Costa himself.

Distinct in atmosphere yet seamlessly interconnected, the trio of venues offer a variation on Ste Marie’s enduring theme: hospitality as choreography, where light, material, and mood unfold in time. Citizen on Jasper may sit at the heart of Edmonton’s urban grid, but its true setting lies somewhere between memory and imagination, inviting patrons to partake in the rituals of daily life accompanied by a sense of quiet elegance and cinematic ease.

  • An elegant detail shot of a side console clad in dramatic, dark red and white veined marble. The surface holds a glossy, metallic dome-shaped table lamp and a slice of dark cake on a gold plate. Slender dried flower stems in a ruby glass vase create a vertical contrast to the opulent marble, completing a vignette that epitomizes Mimi's dramatic luxurious and moody design philosophy.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A plush, dimly lit cocktail lounge showcasing a dramatic Art Deco-inspired atmosphere. A velvet, rust-colored banquette is centered around a round marble table, softly illuminated by flanking table lamps with red posts. The backdrop is a breathtaking array of mirrored, globe bulb vanity lighting, reflecting the sophisticated glamour and dark, seductive mood of the space. A fur coat casually drapes over a chair.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A dramatic, sweeping long view of the Mimi cocktail bar and lounge, showcasing the powerful symmetry of the space. Large, trough-shaped light fixtures recess into a geometrically patterned ceiling, guiding the eye down the room. A long, mirrored bar, flanked by rows of lounge chairs and small marble-topped tables, immerses the space in a rich, warm, vintage-retro glow.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A close-up of a luxurious marble tabletop in Mimi, featuring rich, reddish-brown veining, reflecting the low, warm ambient light. The styled vignette includes a coupe glass, a crystal ashtray, and a pair of dark leather gloves resting in an open book. The composition evokes a sense of intimate drama and timeless vintage-retro style, underscoring the cocktail bar's air of curated, high-end decadence.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A styled close-up of a Mimi lounge area, focusing on the interplay of texture and warm light. A large table lamp with a soft linen shade anchors the scene, contrasting with a smaller, bright red desk lamp on a tiered side table. Upholstery features textured red and tan fabrics, contributing to the rich mid-century modern ambiance against the dark, glossy wood paneling.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A detail of the Mimi seating, highlighting the use of bold color and contrasting fabrics. A polished, rounded end table in a striking patent red sits between two upholstered banquettes: one in a textured, reddish tweed, the other in a fine black-and-tan geometric pattern. A classic table lamp with a tall red column post reinforces the strong vintage-retro color story and material focus.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • An elegant, high-angle close-up of Mimi's bar seating, focusing on the rich material palette. The bar is topped with luxurious reddish-brown veined marble and fronted with glossy, dark burl wood veneer. The bronze-based stools have deep, rusty red fabric seats and curved wooden backs, perfectly encapsulating the bar's moody, high-end sophistication.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A wider perspective of the Mimi bar and lounge, showcasing the seamless transition between seating areas. The bar is a focal point with its intricate backlighting and repeating patterns, while the foreground features comfortable, low-slung lounge seating, including a marble-topped coffee table set with a bottle of champagne. The entire space is drenched in a warm, low light, achieving an unmistakable cinematic, Art Deco feel.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A captivating close-up of the Art Deco-inspired vanity lighting at Mimi. Rows of paired, polished chrome globe sconces are reflected in a mirror, contrasting with a subtle geometric-patterned wall texture. The warm glow creates depth and highlights the sensual, seductive atmosphere of the bar, adding a classic, theatrical element to the maximalist design.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A symmetrical view of the Mimi bar, defined by a stunning rhythm of bronze-finished bar stools and a curved, suede-like, oxblood-red bar front. Backlit shelving and mirrored vertical strips of light create a sharp, vertical focus, contrasting with the large, round globe vanity lights on the side wall. The design is maximalist and theatrical, emphasizing texture and a rich, dark color palette.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A detailed shot of Mimi's music station, showcasing a built-in dark wood bookcase filled with vinyl records, emphasizing the bar's Art Deco lounge style. A traditional turntable is set into a custom-designed, curved console clad in textured burl wood veneer, accented by a deep red vertical light stripe and a striking, dark dome-shaped desk lamp.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A captivating view of Mimi's DJ booth area, defined by a vertical cluster of warm, linear strip lights recessed into a richly textured, wood-paneled base. The area features a dedicated vinyl collection shelving unit and a prominent speaker grille pattern. The surrounding dark red and brown palette, combined with the golden ambient light, creates an intimate, exclusive, speakeasy-inspired mood.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A wide shot capturing the lounge atmosphere of Mimi, emphasizing layered luxury and mood lighting. Large, comfortable leather armchairs and a marble coffee table occupy the foreground, set against a backdrop of glowing bar elements, including a mirrored screen displaying a framed image. The dominant rich reds, warm wood veneer, and recessed lighting create a cinematic, maximalist bar environment.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A textural detail shot focusing on the pairing of rich materials: a dark, highly figured burl wood veneer panel and four sets of paired globe light fixtures in polished metal. The warm, diffused light reflects off the wood's deep luster, contrasted by the subtle perforated pattern of the ceiling cove, enhancing the bar's luxurious and moody mid-century aesthetic.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A detail of a Mimi dining booth, highlighted by two large, rectangular pendant light fixtures featuring a subtle woven texture. The warm-toned velvet booth seating and modular armchairs are arranged against floor-to-ceiling russet curtains, establishing a theatrical, monochromatic palette that is both cozy and dramatically glamorous.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

A beautifully composed corner of Mimi, where soft lighting and rich textures converge. A wall installation featuring graphic shapes in black, white, and red contrasts with a large photo grid artwork. Plush velvet banquettes and a luxurious fur throw draped over a chair complete the scene, which is framed by sheer curtains and a textured light box, creating an atmosphere of layered luxury and intimacy.

Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • An intimate seating area in Mimi featuring deep terracotta velvet banquettes and marble-topped tables set for cocktails. The seating arrangement is backed by a large, framed photographic collage, injecting a modern, eclectic art element. The soft, ambient light and the low, boxy profile of the armchairs contribute to the relaxed yet sophisticated lounge atmosphere.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A high-angle view capturing the ceiling treatment above the Mimi bar, featuring a graphic, geometric red-and-tan pattern that extends around the light cove. The bar stools and lounge chairs, in textured earth tones, contribute to the sophisticated, moody eclectic interior, where every detail, from the mirrored back-bar to the brass fixtures, contributes to the overall theatrical experience.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.

  • A unique, detailed shot of an illuminated globe light fixture suspended from a dark, red-toned ceiling, bearing the hand-written name "Olia". This visual detail suggests the subtle spatial connection or transition between the Olia and Mimi venues, utilizing a simple, glowing orb against a luxurious marble pillar to create a moment of intimate, unexpected artistry.

    Mimi cocktail bar. Photography by Conrad Brown.