Dubai’s newest cafe-lounge has been an instant success, with a winning formula built into the very fabric of its design. From the moment The Grey opened its doors, it has struck a chord with the city’s tastemakers, eager to patronise a stylish new neighbourhood venue with a distinctive visual identity. The design concept is the brainchild of one of the UAE’s most promising new studios, XO Atelier, under the guidance of Creative Director Vera Dieckmann. The latest venue by MAD Hospitality, it ushers in a more refined, exclusive atmosphere for local clients seeking both culinary expertise and an elite social setting.
“It was a privilege to be asked to design this space,” Vera explains. “It was a highly specific brief that we responded to with a lightness of touch, cultural sensitivity and an understanding of placemaking to give it real roots in the city.”
The Grey serves contemporary cafe cuisine and is housed on the ground floor of the ARM Holding Headquarters, a leading regional investment company, that was created to serve not just their executives and guests but an exclusive local clientele. As such, the cafe and lounge had to reflect not just the context of the building but lend itself to informal social exchange.
XO Atelier was chosen for the project after a series of successful collaborations with the operators and for their award-winning approach to design. Modern, clean and geometric, the monochromatic palette was expressed across a range of contrasting materials, bespoke lighting and sculptural artwork, playing with textures and tones to create an interplay of light and shadow. The contrasting palette was chosen to express the transition from day to night, between the sun and the moon.
The sleek parallel grey terrazzo bars are complimented by a soft grey oak floor by KAHRS and upholstery by KVADRAT that emphasise a masculine mood. It was important for the client and XO Atelier that the space was refined and engaging, to maximise social interaction and extend the duration of guest visits.
Within the confines of the space, the creative spirit is continually referenced: An art installation that functions as seating, sculptural and modular furniture pieces, as well as handcrafted pieces commissioned from artisanal workshops in the UAE and Asia. Punctuating a vast main wall and contextualised by a subtle monochrome gradation is a powerful art piece, a rippling metal orb designed by XO Atelier and entitled ‘Dune’. This same reflective metal is used on the ceiling of the corridor, reflecting the light in metal waves evoking the sun’s refractions off the Arabian Sea. Reflection is a key motif throughout the scheme, referencing The Grey’s locality and serving to throw light back into the interior.
As always with XO’s concepts, lighting elevates the experience of the space. Vera and her team worked in close cooperation with global lighting brand NEMO, utilising their production and design expertise in every area, from architectural to decorative, contributing to the flow of the space with their linear pendant lamps anchoring the bar, and their tube 3 illuminating the restaurant. The ‘cherry on the cake’ are the delicate wall lights designed by the iconic Charlotte Perriand.
The clean, seamless experience throughout The Grey allows guests to focus on the cuisine and on each other, with every detail meticulously considered and coordinated for a harmonious atmosphere.
“I’ve been thrilled to see the response to The Grey since it’s opening,” Vera reveals. “While I have certainly received many compliments, so many more people have just told me how much they enjoy relaxing in the space. For me, that’s the ultimate test of how successful the design is. People don’t have to ‘see’ or ‘notice’ it, they just feel comfortable, stimulated and completely at home.”
• The Grey is the 3rd collaboration between XO Atelier and MAD Hospitality
Investment
• Grey oak wooden floor was provided by Kahrs.
• Selected fabrics are by Kvadrat Textiles
• Lighting was designed by Nemo with additional pieces by Charlotte Perriand
• Furniture is a mix of bespoke designs by XO Atelier has been executed by RIVA1920
• Additional furniture highlights are by Cappellini, Billiani Italy and Pedrali
• NIDO Armchair is by Imperfetto LAB
• City Palace was the local partner for bespoke furniture pieces
• Fit out has been executed by Pinnacle Interiors LLC
• XO Atelier is an award-winning creative agency based in Dubai and Hong Kong
• Original artwork DUNE was created as a series of three by Vera Dieckmann
