The Grey Cafe

The Grey is a restaurant, café, and lounge conceived as an exploration of contrast, light, and atmosphere. Designed around a restrained monochromatic palette, the space creates a subtle dialogue between day and night, shadow and reflection, warmth and minimalism. The interior embraces a contemporary design language where materiality and light become the primary architectural elements.

Anchoring the space is Dune, a bespoke sculptural artwork designed by XO Atelier founder Vera Dieckmann. Inspired by the shifting forms of the Arabian desert, the rippling metallic installation introduces texture, movement, and a warm golden glow against the otherwise muted interior. This interplay continues throughout the project, where reflective surfaces and carefully curated materials capture and diffuse natural light, creating changing visual experiences throughout the day.

A sleek grey terrazzo bar, soft oak flooring, and custom upholstery establish a calm and refined atmosphere, while clean lines and generous proportions reinforce the project's understated elegance. The design balances hospitality with sophistication, offering guests a place to pause, connect, and unwind.

The Grey embodies XO Atelier’s philosophy of creating memorable spaces through simplicity, material authenticity, and a strong emotional connection to place, resulting in a timeless environment that remains as relevant today as when it first opened.