Nette Al Barari: A Wellness-Focused Oasis in Dubai by H2R Design
H2R Design unveiled the creative vision behind Nette Al Barari, a lifestyle-driven café-restaurant that seamlessly combines wellness, design, and a sense of escape. More than just a dining destination, Nette Al Barari is conceived as a crafted social hub, offering a serene retreat within the fast-paced rhythm of Dubai, while fostering connection and relaxation for its surrounding community.
Building on the identity of the original NETTE at MATCHA Club, this iteration extends the brand’s ethos of mindful hospitality. Every design decision prioritises a sense of calm; from ambient lighting to a richly layered material palette, where subtle spatial divisions, warm tactile finishes, and sculpted ceilings converge to create an environment that encourages guests to pause, unwind, and connect.
Contemporary Minimalism Meets Organic Warmth
The interiors of Nette Al Barari are inspired by contemporary minimalism while evoking an organic warmth that balances sophistication with approachability. Clean architectural lines are complemented by tactile natural textures, and muted earth tones are offset by curated pops of colour drawn from NETTE’s signature palette.
A defining aspect of the design is its intentional indoor-outdoor flow, which strengthens the connection to the surrounding greenery. Large communal tables encourage social interaction, while cosy sofa areas provide intimate spaces for quiet moments. A long coffee counter serves as both a visual and functional focal point, inviting guests to savour each moment and reinforcing the space’s rhythm of mindfulness.
Materiality and Attention to Detail
H2R Design has approached material selection with a refined and purposeful hand. Warm woods, textured finishes, and natural stone dominate the interiors, providing both visual interest and tactile engagement. Curated furnishings, sourced internationally, reflect the café’s French-Japanese culinary identity while remaining rooted in the local context.
Spatial planning plays a critical role in defining the guest experience. Varying flooring materials subtly delineate different functional zones, while sculpted, layered ceilings provide visual continuity. Strategic colour accents—shades of green and terracotta balanced with touches of blue and black—enhance depth and definition, grounded by a warm off-white backdrop that fosters cohesion and freshness throughout the space.
Biophilic Design at the Core
Biophilic design principles underpin the architecture of Nette Al Barari, ensuring that nature is integrated at every scale. Surrounded by lush trees, colourful blooms, and gently flowing streams, the café provides a calm, restorative escape from the city. Indoors, greenery is seamlessly incorporated into the design, flowing into the garden and establishing a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.
Natural light plays a central role, highlighting textures, tones, and material details while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Finishes such as brushed metal, wood, and neutral upholstery reflect the surrounding landscape, complemented by curated décor in NETTE’s signature tones. Outdoor seating continues the design narrative, with shaded lounges, playful poofs, and custom carousels fostering both relaxation and engagement.
Community and Connection
A key feature of Nette Al Barari is its community-focused design. Communal tables encourage shared experiences, while intimate sofa arrangements allow for quieter, more personal interactions. Every area is thoughtfully composed to support different modes of engagement, maintaining a cohesive sense of balance and flow throughout the restaurant.
The design also weaves cultural storytelling into its spatial and material choices, reflecting the restaurant’s French-Japanese culinary identity and reinforcing its connection to the local environment. The result is a space that feels expressive, grounded, and inherently connected to its community.
The Art of Relaxation
The interiors of Nette Al Barari demonstrate how thoughtful design can foster calm and mindfulness. Sculpted ceilings, layered textures, and soft ambient lighting work together to create a restorative environment, while subtle design details, such as the careful placement of colour accents and choice of materials, enhance the sense of balance and wellness.
This approach highlights the impact of interior design on emotional and social well-being, where spatial planning, materiality, and lighting are used not only to create visual interest but also to influence the guest experience in meaningful ways.
Culinary and Design Synergy
The café’s design is intrinsically linked to the culinary journey it hosts. The interiors complement the French-Japanese menu, offering a backdrop that elevates the dining experience while remaining approachable and welcoming. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect, and engage fully with both food and environment, making each visit a holistic experience of taste, design, and atmosphere.
All photography: Natelee Cocks
A Thoughtful, Nature-Inspired Retreat
Nette Al Barari embodies a vision of wellness-focused hospitality, blending design, nature, and community. Its interiors, defined by organic textures, layered materials, and a refined colour palette, create a space that is both stylish and restorative. The café’s seamless indoor-outdoor integration, family-friendly design, and careful attention to detail position it as a sanctuary for the senses within Dubai’s urban landscape.
The project illustrates how design can serve as an instrument of wellness, offering a space where guests can reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. From sculpted ceilings to tactile finishes, from communal tables to intimate seating corners, every element has been designed to foster a thoughtful, restorative environment.
In a city often defined by bold, extravagant design, Nette Al Barari stands out for its subtle elegance and focus on experience. It demonstrates how interior design and architecture can elevate the act of gathering, dining, and socialising, creating a space that is both functional and deeply restorative.
