Dévo, a restaurant and wine bar nestled in Marseille's Préfecture neighborhood, represents a thoughtful fusion of local character and retro allure, meticulously crafted by the design partnership of Axel and Mélissa Chay. Their vision was to imbue the space with an inviting warmth, a touch of playfulness, and an unmistakable sense of its Mediterranean locale, all while drawing inspiration from the bold aesthetics of 1970s Italian bar culture. The resulting interior, characterized by its glossy finishes, smoky glass elements, and custom furnishings, aims to embody the city's rich culinary traditions and its open-hearted approach to dining, moving beyond superficial design trends to foster authentic social interactions.

Axel Chay, a furniture designer, alongside art director Mélissa Chay, embarked on this project with a clear objective: to capture the essence of Marseille's vibrant food scene. Axel highlighted the city's culinary landscape as intuitive, generous, and deeply communal, embracing diverse influences. This philosophy was central to their design strategy for Dévo. Mélissa further elaborated on their inspiration, noting that the 1970s Italian bar served as a perfect reference point due to its unique balance of elegance, conviviality, and a strong sense of ritual. These establishments, they observed, were designed for the rhythm of daily life – places for genuine conversations over coffee or aperitifs, rather than for ostentatious display. This guiding principle allowed them to incorporate details that subtly echoed that era without becoming overtly nostalgic.

The interior of Dévo features a singular dining area encased by rugged stone walls, creating an intimate, cave-like ambiance. Central to this space are clusters of Axel Chay's custom tubular chairs, upholstered in deep green, which provide both comfort and a distinctive aesthetic. The bar, a key element, is fashioned from zinc and timber, positioned strategically before shelves made of round-edged smoked glass, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail. The flooring, crafted from a rich burgundy resin, mirrors the gleaming lacquered ceiling, amplifying the sense of sophisticated glamour. Lighting is provided by chunky red sconces, casting a warm glow throughout the restaurant.

Further enhancing the local connection, artist Aurélien Ciller contributed bespoke mirrors for the walls, which are adorned with vintage photographs of Marseille's surrounding mountainous terrain. A whimsical sculpture of a seagull in flight greets guests at the entrance, a direct homage to the Mediterranean Sea and the city's coastal identity. Axel Chay emphasized that these elements – the seagull and a miniature model of an antique ship – are more than mere decorations; they evoke the port, the expansive horizon, and the everyday poetic beauty of a city by the sea, capturing a charm and humor that is quintessentially Marseillaise.

Behind floor-to-ceiling satin curtains, accessible via a set of steps, lies the kitchen, distinguished by its black-and-white tiled surfaces. This design choice not only adds an element of intrigue but also serves a practical purpose, allowing the culinary operations to remain discreetly separate from the dining experience. Marseille, a city renowned for its gastronomic prowess, boasts over 3,000 dining establishments. Dévo stands as a testament to this rich culinary heritage, offering a space where patrons can enjoy exceptional food in an environment that is both stylish and steeped in local culture.

The design journey for Dévo was an exploration of how an interior can reflect not just a dining concept but also the soul of a city. By carefully balancing the architectural elements with bespoke furnishings and evocative art, the Chays have created a restaurant that feels both sophisticated and rooted. It’s a space where the warmth of southern France meets the elegant flair of Italian design, inviting diners to partake in an experience that is deeply sensory and culturally resonant, perfectly encapsulating the unpretentious yet vibrant spirit of Marseille's dining scene.