It can be difficult to choose an aesthetic for your business because there are so many restaurant design and decor concepts available. You have a lot of decisions to make as you open your new restaurant, from the restaurant POS to the napkins, so to help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of twelve restaurant design ideas with tips to help you decide which look is right for your menu, location, and target customers.
Take a look at these 12 restaurant design and decor inspirations
1. Typefaces
Typography as décor is usually a hit when done well. Bold visuals, marquee lettering, infographics, and charts are all effective (and entertaining) ways to incorporate type into your design. Old-school neon signs are also popular right now; have one custom-made with a statement or slogan that matches your restaurant’s vibe.
2. Encourage and support local artists
If you have a lot of blank wall space and want to create it on a budget, look for advice from local artists. You get a rotating array of unique decor and local artists get their work seen and perhaps sold by highlighting a new artist or group of artists either monthly or quarterly.
3. Wall murals and art
Hire a muralist whose work you appreciate to build a mural if you want to exhibit a local artist but don’t like the gallery-inspired idea above. Guests will be unable to resist taking a selfie with this Instagram-worthy piece of art, providing you with additional attention through user-generated material.
4. Make an effort to become green
Indoor plants are having a trend right now, so add some greenery to your room. Plants are not only lovely and peaceful, but they also help to filter the air. They also provide your guests a visual representation of how fresh your food is.
5. Make the Area More Open
Make the kitchen a main centre, especially if it has a distinctive focal point, such as a wood-burning pizza oven. Consider an uncovered wine “cellar,” whiskey tunnel, or something similar to give guests a look of the BOH if opening up the kitchen isn’t an option. Allowing consumers to get up up and personal with your items encourages them to chat, and the more they learn, the more likely they are to spend.
6. Decide on a theme
Themed restaurants have a bad notoriety for going overboard, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Choose a theme that isn’t too trendy; it will become outdated in a matter of years. Instead, choose something that reflects your menu or brand and modernise your theme, such as Ladybird’s 1970s-style summer camp concept.
7. Modern Minimalism
A minimalist aesthetic is perfect for a less-is-more vibe; imagine clean lines, natural materials, and a simple colour scheme. Keep in mind that keeping things simple can be more challenging at times because every little detail matters and will be noticed.
8. Don’t Be Afraid of the Classics
Certain styles are timeless for a reason, as long as they complement the cuisine of your restaurant. French bistros, 1950s-style diners, or a classic pizzeria appearance with checkered tablecloths can all evoke nostalgia while being contemporary.
9. Design with the community in mind
Restaurants can bring a community together because food is a wonderful equaliser. Add a communal table, remove TVs, and provide board games for visitors to enjoy while they wait to create a community-centered experience in your restaurant.
10. Designing for a Specific Location
It’s not uncommon for your decor to choose itself. Blues and whites, light wood, and delicate nautical elements are appropriate for a seafood restaurant on the water, but a BBQ joint in Texas will set a whole other standard. Take a look around and consider what your guests would expect when they go into your restaurant.
11. Pay Attention to Lighting
Your guests will enjoy the mood created by good lighting. Take into account the environment you want to create and how you want your clients to feel when they walk into your restaurant. Other factors to consider when choosing lighting for your restaurant include energy economy, worker safety, and whether you want guests to be able to grab a good image of their dish for the ‘gramme.
12. The importance of functionality
Although function is less fun to implement than design, a well-functioning restaurant can have a significant financial impact. Hire a professional designer to help you plan your layout and make it as functional as possible. A small room does not have to feel claustrophobic or packed!
