Restaurant The Millèn

Trova Interiors Inc was commissioned to design the interior of Restaurant The Millèn, a high-end, Michelin-starred dining destination in the heart of Rotterdam. The goal was to create a refined, modern and atmospheric space that complements the culinary excellence of the restaurant — delivering a sophisticated dining experience where architecture, light, material and ambience harmonize seamlessly.

Background & Context

Location: First floor of the iconic Millennium Tower / Rotterdam Marriott Hotel — Weena 686, opposite Rotterdam Central Station.


Client: Wim Severein (Chef & Owner) — flagship restaurant.

Opening: The Millèn opened in July 2018; within months, it was awarded a prestigious Michelin Star (on 17 December 2018).


Brief: To create an interior that matches the fine-dining ambition — minimal yet warm, elegant yet inviting — and enhances both intimate dinners and high-end gastronomy experiences.

Scope of Work

Full interior design concept for main dining area, private dining space (up to 16 guests) and common circulation spaces.


Material selection: rich yet subtle finishes that complement seasonal menus — include natural textures, soft lighting, sculptural elements.

Integration of large floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Rotterdam central station, to harness natural light and urban panorama.


Creation of an atmosphere that balances exclusivity and comfort: modern layout, muted tones, cozy seating, warm ambience, ensuring guests feel at ease yet in a refined environment.

Coordination with restaurant’s operational needs (kitchen flow, guest movement, lighting for fine dining, acoustics) — blending aesthetics with function.

Goals & Intentions

To deliver a design that reflects The Millèn’s culinary excellence — the design should feel as curated and thoughtful as the menu.

To create a timeless dining environment: not trendy-fast, but classic modern, able to age gracefully with the restaurant.

To provide a flexible space: capable of hosting private dinners, intimate meals, and fine-dining experiences for singles, couples, or groups.

To evoke mood, emotion, and comfort — the space should feel warm, inviting, and luxurious, without sacrificing restraint and refined taste.

Outcome & Significance

The Millèn achieved critical acclaim: within months of opening, the restaurant earned a Michelin Star — a strong validation of the combined culinary and spatial design vision.


Guests praise the restaurant’s ambiance: the open kitchen, panoramic city views, elegant interiors and calm, warm lighting contribute to a memorable dining experience.


The design stands out for its successful balance of architectural sophistication and hospitality comfort — a project where interior design elevates the dining experience and reflects the high-end brand identity of the restaurant.

What Made This Project Special

Architectural Context: Placing a Michelin-starred restaurant inside a landmark skyscraper (Millennium Tower) — working with vertical proportions, large windows and urban surroundings to make a dining room that feels intimate yet connected to the city.

Design + Gastronomy Harmony: Aligning spatial design with culinary philosophy — using materials, lighting, and layout to mirror the seasonal, refined, cosmopolitan cuisine served.

Experience-Driven Design: Prioritizing guest experience: from first elevator ride up to the dining room, to the view, to seating comfort, to ambience lighting — so every moment feels curated.

Timeless Elegance: A restrained, calm palette and thoughtful design choices that ensure the space feels sophisticated without being ostentatious — emphasizing subtle luxury.