From a good glass of wine to a complete experience

Home > Kaja Blog > From a good glass of wine to a complete experience: this is the interior of Xalu Wine And Foodbar Deventer

A hospitality venue is no longer simply about what is served on the plate or in the glass. The atmosphere, interior and the way guests feel are just as important in shaping the overall experience. At Xalu Wine & Foodbar in Deventer, everything came together: owner Michelle’s passion for taste, quality and connection, along with the ambition to create an interior that is just as unique and welcoming as the concept itself.

From the initial ideas and material choices to the final interior design, the project called for a well-considered overall concept in which comfort, functionality and character come together. We are taking you behind the scenes of Xalu’s interior design and showing you how the right choices can help you create a hospitality interior that is not only beautiful, but also truly reflects your concept.

(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Kaja Rijssen Xalu Deventer Wine & Food Bar Hr 4 Kopie

(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Kaja Rijssen Xalu Deventer Wine & Food Bar Hr 6700 Kopie

(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Kaja Rijssen Xalu Deventer Wine & Food Bar Hr 5 Kopie

(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Kaja Rijssen Xalu Deventer Wine & Food Bar Hr 2 Kopie

XALU – Cheers to life!

The vision behind Xalu: more than a standard wine & food bar

With years of experience in the food industry, Michelle knew exactly what she wanted: a place where guests feel welcome and where the best conversations take place. Xalu was born from a passion for taste, experience and connection. It is a destination for those who enjoy the good things in life, entrepreneurs and food lovers who value quality and authenticity.

That vision also had to be reflected in the interior. Not just a standard interior, but an environment that expresses the philosophy behind Xalu. A warm atmosphere to enjoy a good glass of wine, where guests can truly be present in the moment. This calls for an interior that is inviting and full of character, while also being comfortable and suitable for intensive use.

Born from a passion for taste, experience and connection

How did the interior design concept come about?

Every successful hospitality interior starts with a good conversation. In the case of Xalu, the design process began with an in-depth introduction between Michelle and the design team. What was her vision? What atmosphere did she want to create? And how should guests feel as soon as they walk through the door?

Michelle was clear: she wanted an interior where not everything looked the same. There could be a sense of dynamism across the different areas, from the bar to the seating areas. The choice of materials could be bold, without making the interior feel overwhelming. This balance between character and calm became the starting point for the entire design.

Based on this vision, we developed a concept that brings together different materials, colours and shapes. Not everything had to come from the same collection or follow the same style. It is precisely this mix that gives the interior its personal and unique character. At the same time, it was important that all the elements complemented one another and came together to form a harmonious whole.

(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Kaja Rijssen Xalu Deventer Wine & Food Bar Hr 6499 Kopie

A destination for those who enjoy the good things in life, entrepreneurs and food lovers

The versatile world of Xalu: creating dynamism through the interior

What makes Xalu so special is the dynamism of its interior. Michelle deliberately chose a mix of styles and atmospheres. This can be seen in the different seating areas, the bar and even in details such as the lighting and decoration.

The bar, for example, features elegant bar stools with copper-coloured bases. This area radiates energy and a sense of conviviality. On the other side of the venue, you will find more relaxed seating areas with soft chairs and warm colours. This mix gives every corner of Xalu its own character, while still making the entire space feel cohesive.

Would you like to create a versatile space like this yourself? Then it is important to work with a broad range of products. For the Xalu project, we chose different styles and materials without making the interior feel chaotic. The key is to have a connecting element, such as a colour palette or a particular type of material that is repeated throughout the space.

How is such a unique hospitality interior brought to life?

Creating a unique hospitality interior requires expertise, experience and an eye for detail. At Xalu, we worked closely with Michelle to bring her vision to life. It started with listening and asking the right questions: what is important to you? What should the interior convey? And how should it function in practice?

We then created a comprehensive plan in which all the elements were carefully coordinated. From the layout of the space to the selection of each individual piece of furniture. By working with high-quality furniture and a choice of more than 1,500 products, we were able to find exactly what was needed.

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Charly Terrace Chair - Beige/Sand

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Ava Armchair

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Ann Bar Base - Black

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Ann Table Base - Black

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Bowen Table Base - Black

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Fleur Barstool

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Solid Oak Table Top - 40mm - Black Rejuvenated

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Nilly Barstool

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Nilly Chair

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From concept to final result: how a unique hospitality interior is brought to life

Designing an interior for a hospitality venue is a bespoke process. It is not simply about choosing beautiful furniture, but about creating an overall concept in which functionality and atmosphere go hand in hand. At Xalu, we worked through the process in several stages.

Stage 1: Concept development

Everything started by establishing the requirements. What atmosphere should the interior convey? How many seats were needed? And what practical considerations needed to be taken into account, such as walkways and access to the bar? We also considered the target audience: people who enjoy the good things in life and food lovers who value quality.

Based on this input, we developed mood boards and sketches. These explored different materials, colours and shapes. Michelle wanted an interior with character, so we opted for a mix of warm wood types, sleek metal accents and soft fabrics. This combination creates a balance between a robust feel and an inviting atmosphere.

Stage 2: Material selection and furniture selection

For a bespoke hospitality venue, choosing the right furniture is crucial. You want the interior not only to look beautiful, but also to withstand intensive daily use. That is why, at Xalu, we selected furniture that meets all the requirements of the hospitality industry.

Consider aspects such as:

Durability: the furniture must withstand wear, scratches and stains
Ease of maintenance: materials that are easy to clean save time and costs
Comfort: guests should be able to sit for long periods without discomfort
Style: the furniture should complement the desired atmosphere and appearance

For hospitality furniture, it is important that it meets your requirements and fits within a particular atmosphere. From comfortable chairs for dining tables to stylish hospitality barstools. Every element was carefully selected to complement the overall concept and its style.

Stage 3: Implementation and completion

Once the concept phase and material selection had been completed, the design was put into practice. All furniture was delivered and installed according to the agreed specifications. Throughout the implementation, we remained in close contact with Michelle to ensure everything went according to plan.

The result? An interior where the different elements seamlessly complement one another. The bar has its own distinctive character with unique fabrics, while the seating areas are designed with a calmer, warmer feel. This dynamic makes the interior versatile: perfect for an intimate dinner, drinks with colleagues or an evening with friends.

Ready to transform your hospitality venue?

The interior of Wine & Foodbar Xalu shows what is possible when you combine vision, craftsmanship and quality. From concept to completion, every detail was carefully considered to create a space that inspires guests and makes them feel welcome. Whether you run a wine bar, restaurant, hotel or café, a well-designed interior makes the difference between a visit and a memorable experience.

Would you also like to take your hospitality venue to the next level? Feel free to get in touch with us. Together, we can discuss your requirements and explore how we can bring your vision to life with high-quality hospitality furniture and a bespoke overall concept. We are happy to think along with you and help create a venue that guests will want to return to time and time again.

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