Choosing an aesthetic for your business can be overwhelming – there are a lot of restaurant design and decor ideas out there! To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of twelve design ideas for restaurants along with tips to help you decide on which look is right for your menu, location, and target customers.
Check Out These 12 Restaurant Design and Decor Ideas
- Typography
When done right, typography as decor is always a hit. Bold graphics, marquee letters, diagrams, and charts are all fun (and informative) ways to add type to your design scheme. Old-school neon signs are a big hit right now, too – try getting one custom made with a quote or phrase that reflects the vibe of your restaurant.
- Support Local Artists
If you have a lot of open wall space that you want to design on a budget, reach out to local talent for help. By featuring a new artist or group of artists either monthly or quarterly, you get a rotating collection of unique decor and local artists get their work seen and potentially sold.
- Murals and Wall Art
If you want to showcase a local artist but aren’t into the gallery-inspired idea above, hire an artist whose work you admire to create a mural. Guests won’t be able to resist a selfie with this Instagram-worthy piece of art, giving you added publicity in the form of user-generated content. No room inside for mural-sized art? Put a mural on your building’s exterior instead!
- Go Green
Indoor plants are having a moment right now, so decorate your space with lots of greenery. Not only are plants beautiful and relaxing, but many help purify the air. They also make a visual connection for guests about the freshness of your ingredients.
- Open Up the Space
Make the kitchen itself part of the decor, especially if you have a unique focal point, like a wood-burning oven for pizza. If opening up the kitchen isn’t a possibility, consider an exposed wine “cellar,” whiskey tunnel, or something else to give guests a glimpse of the BOH. Inviting people to get close to your products gets them talking and the more they learn, the more they tend to spend.
- Pick a Theme
Themed restaurants have a reputation for being a bit overboard, but they don’t have to be. Try to pick a theme that isn’t too trendy – it will look dated in just a few years. Instead, pick something that reflects your menu or brand and incorporate your theme in a modern way.
- Modern Minimalism
If you’re looking for a less-is-more vibe, go with a minimalist look; think clean lines, natural materials, and a simple color scheme. Remember that going simple can sometimes be more difficult because every little detail matters and will be noticed.
- Embrace the Classics
Certain looks are classics for a reason, as long as it works with your restaurant’s menu. French bistros, ‘50s-style diners, or a classic pizzeria look with the checkered tablecloths can all lend a sense of nostalgia while still having a modern twist.
- Community-centered Design
Food is the great equalizer and restaurants can bring a community together. To create a community-centered experience in your restaurant try adding a communal table, removing TVs, or offering board games for guests to play while they wait.
- Location-based Design
Sometimes your decor will decide itself. A seafood restaurant on the water is going to call for blues and whites, light wood, and tasteful nautical touches while a BBQ joint in Texas is going to set an entirely different set of expectations. Take a look around you and think about what customers will expect when walking into your restaurant.
- Be Mindful of Lighting
Good lighting creates ambiance for your guests. Think about what type of environment you want to create and how you want your guests to feel in your restaurant. Besides the feel of the restaurant, other things to consider when choosing your lighting is energy efficiency, staff safety, and whether you want customers to be able to get a good shot of their plate for the ‘gram.
- Functionality is Key
Function can be far less fun to implement than design, but a well-functioning restaurant can make a huge impact on your bottom line. Hire our professional designer to plan your layout and maximize function. A small space doesn’t necessarily need to feel crowded or cramped!