Waffle-Inspired Restaurant Designed by Masquespacio Opens in Riyadh
Spanish design studio Masquespacio has created a playful and immersive interior for Novu Waffle, a new restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, drawing inspiration from the appearance of waffles with gridded patterns used throughout the space.
Fun Concept with a Scalable Approach
Following the success of its first takeaway-only location, Novu Waffle enlisted Masquespacio to design a dine-in space that feels as joyful and dynamic as the brand. Led by Ana Milena Hernández Palacios and Christophe Penasse, the studio focused on delivering an identity-driven experience on a limited budget.
“The client’s aim was to create a design that would transmit the fun approach of the brand, while at the same time respecting a reduced budget, with solutions that are easy to implement in other locations,” said Penasse.
Waffle Grids from Facade to Furniture
Situated in Al Olaya, the restaurant’s façade features gridded window frames, resembling waffle patterns and immediately connecting visitors with the brand’s identity. Inside, the waffle motif continues on ceilings, walls, tables, and stools, with square grids in varying sizes.
All furniture was custom-designed to maintain consistency, and the low seating area is enclosed by a rectangular brick wall that doubles as a bench base with faux leather cushions.
“As the brand sells waffles, we thought it could be a fun, playful and dynamic way to use the form of the waffle as a pattern,” added Penasse.
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Cohesive Branding and Functional Layout
From the entrance, guests are guided around the seating area toward the ordering counter, where menus are framed in rounded rectangles that also reflect waffle aesthetics. These frames, made from wood and metal, were produced using CNC cutting machines.
A feature wall displays waffle-related graphics, reinforcing the brand’s identity, and the interior is painted in a soft blue, contrasted with a translucent yellow structure hanging above the seating.
Masquespacio stated that they aimed to create “a destination to enjoy a moment of joy in a stimulating and energetic environment.”
About Masquespacio
Based in Valencia, Masquespacio was founded in 2010 and is known for its bold, colorful interiors often referencing movements like Memphis, Art Deco, and futurism — also visible in their own home and office spaces.
