IDST pairs memphis playfulness with mediterranean ease in wave restaurant, dubai

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.

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.

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.

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.

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project info:

project name: Wave
designer: IDST
location: Mirdif, Dubai, UAE
photographer: Natelee Cocks
date: 2025