XO Atelier have been shortlisted for Restaurant – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
XO Atelier’s design brief was to create a moment of pause in the heart of a vibrant city. A retreat for the city’s playful socialites, the restaurant should be luxurious without being overstated, elegant but infused with personality, accented with rich detailing and a soft colour palette. A place where guests can relax, interact, and focus on the flavours of the food.
The challenge was to establish an atmosphere quite distinct from the busy thoroughfares and generic outlets. In the case of Toplum, the guests attest to this – leaving behind the hustle and bustle and entering a serene space inspired by the colours, textures, and light of the Mediterranean.
Promoting a Mediterranean approach to dining, the atmosphere would be one of calmness and relaxation; encouraging guests to linger a little longer in the environment. The colours, materials and lighting would inform a design language that whispers fond memories of trips to Italy or Greece. Perfectly aligned with the XO Atelier signature approach, the restaurant speaks with simplicity and a touch of elegance; functional, uncluttered and sleek, with sustainable materials and a timeless approach – the very definition of a new standard of luxury.
The lighting design was a standout feature, with various aspects from architectural to decorative combining to create a soothing environment. XO Atelier worked with Preciosa Lighting to execute the design of the sunset-inspired light feature, and with Sklo to produce the custom BALANCE Pendant – a sweeping, symmetrical version of the brand’s standard BALANCE light. This customised approach, lends a graceful and very distinctive atmosphere, the arches of the light being repeated throughout.
The market for upscale restaurants in Dubai is highly competitive. For XO Atelier, this meant creating an interior that spoke a new language, subverting old notions of luxury and bringing to bear an elegance, simplicity and geometry that would allow guests to enjoy the cuisine in complete serenity. Crucial to the interior design solution had to be an authentic connection to the cuisine and a strong synergy to the concept idea.
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