IDST’s textured Wave restaurant in Dubai
Wave, an all-day dining destination in Dubai, UAE, embraces the Memphis style to boldly reinterpret Mediterranean sensibilities. Located in the heart of Mirdif, a neighborhood, known for its grounded atmosphere and local appeal IDST designed the restaurant as a warm, textural landscape that unfolds gradually for its guests. Its interiors shift from the sun-drenched softness of its natural light to the sculptural rhythm articulated by its custom furnishings and material finishes. The result is a meticulous study in sensory curation, creating in a multisensory experience for serene daytime gatherings as well as vibrant evening settings.
Wave, designed by IDST, is located in Dubai’s Mirdif neighborhood
all images courtesy of Natelee Cocks
playful contrast between mediterranean and memphis
The architectural and design vision for Wave was brought to life by IDST. Renowned for its thoughtful design, the studio emphasizes materiality, character, and intention in every space it creates. Completed in 2025, their work for Wave, from the full design and supervision to sourcing and styling, introduces layers of refinement and creativity. At its core, the concept fuses Mediterranean ease with the expressive geometry of Memphis design. This unexpected play unfolds through deliberate contrasts — soft versus bold, curved versus linear, and earthy versus graphic — culminating in a striking new identity for all-day dining.
the restaurant’s aesthetic mixes the Mediterranean and the expressive geometry of Memphis design
materiality and pattern layer IDST’s design
Diving deeper into the aesthetic, visual rhythm plays a central role in the architecture of Wave. The space is underscored by repeating patterns — from striped upholstery to checkerboard textiles and sculptural lamps — that create a subtle yet pervasive sense of movement. Materiality is both grounding and uplifting, with textural layers like polished marble, raw ceramics, natural wood, and layered upholstery interacting to create a sense of richness without visual noise. The core palette of terracotta and sand tones speaks directly to sun-baked coastal towns of the Mediterranean, while strategic accents of deep navy and cobalt offer moments of sharp contrast and depth. These characteristics are also translated through bespoke furniture, crafted in collaboration with Custom No.9.
textural layers like printed wallpapers, hand-painted ceramic tiles, and polished marble add a sense of richness without visual noise
Wave is a feast for considered details. A standout element is the bold and varied use of tiles: handcrafted Moroccan zellige and hand-painted ceramic tiles mingle with custom-designed floor patterns that subtly guide circulation and define zones. This tactile and graphic approach to surface design reinforces the project’s rhythmic language and adds a vibrant sense of craftsmanship to every corner. The lighting, sourced from designers including Incommonwith, Henry Holland, Italamp, and &Tradition, was selected specifically to accentuate architectural features, creating the shifting moods that evolve from day to night. Furthermore, IDST meticulously curated a collection of art and decorative objects, like handcrafted vases, to imbue the restaurant with a soulful, textured identity.
the lighting was selected specifically to accentuate architectural features
terracotta and sand tones relate to the Mediterranean’s sun-baked coastal towns, while accents of deep navy offer moments of sharp contrast and depth
custom-designed floor patterns subtly guide circulation and define zones
bespoke furniture, crafted together with Custom No.9, translates the interior’s characteristics into form
Memphis style’s sculptural rhythm is articulated through custom furnishings and material finishes
layered upholstery continues the theme of sun-drenched softness
the project’s rhythmic language, tactile, and graphic approach adds a sense of craftsmanship to every corner
the design’s deliberate contrasts pairs soft versus bold, curved versus linear, and earthy versus graphic
project info:
project name: Wave
designer: IDST
location: Mirdif, Dubai, UAE
photographer: Natelee Cocks
date: 2025
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