Allowing your visitors to indulge beyond their palates on their next visit will allow you to provide a really immersive dining experience. Create an eye-catching display for your patrons while fostering brand awareness and steadfastness with contemporary restaurant interior design.
You can make a powerful first impression by establishing an atmosphere that’s an extension of your brand. In fact, color alone can influence up to 90% of a guest’s first impression.
Contemporary restaurant interior design are a hybrid of casual and fine dining establishments. They combine the upscale details of fine dining with the quick service of fast casual dining.
They are both memorable and expressive businesses. In particular, modern restaurant design creates a sleek, contemporary, and simple appearance.
You’ll find contemporary restaurant interior design ideas that will help you create an attractive restaurant layout. This is key to creating a pleasant atmosphere – people will come to eat, but they’ll linger because of the ambience.
If you are looking to open a new eatery or redesign your current one, here are a few contemporary restaurant interior design ideas to get you started.
In addition to making the best first impression, contemporary restaurant interior design ideas can boost your brand recognition and immerse your guests in your restaurant.
Guests will be captivated by the mesmerizing fireplaces, unique artwork, and floor-to-ceiling designs that go beyond the menu.
Contemporary restaurant interior design is a constantly evolving and innovative art. As we look ahead to 2024, there will be an abundance of creative ideas to infuse any space with a unique atmosphere and character.
The possibilities are endless, ranging from modern designs to top-of-the-line kitchen equipment. When selecting the perfect colours, furniture, and layout for a restaurant, it’s crucial to consider the desired atmosphere and how different design concepts can bring it to life.
This guide will showcase the latest trends in furniture, colours, and styles that are sure to create a welcoming atmosphere for all types of dining experiences – from family-friendly meals to upscale dining and even lively nightlife.
So prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the world of restaurant design with the most cutting-edge furniture, colour schemes, and design concepts for 2023.
Restaurant Interior Design Ideas
The most exceptional contemporary restaurant interior designs share similarities with those of hotels, homes, and various other spaces. They exude a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, with vibrant colors to stimulate the appetite and captivating decor to engage and delight.
One trend that has gained popularity in contemporary restaurant interiors is the use of grand fireplaces in lounge areas. Other design ideas include accent walls and incorporating local artwork as part of the restaurant’s decoration. Here are our top 28 recommendations for creating a stunning restaurant space.
Contemporary Restaurant Interior Design Ideas
Take a moment to consider the elements of interior design – color, form, light, line, pattern, texture, and space – and see how you can incorporate them into your contemporary restaurant interior design.
- Give Guests a Warm Welcome
Make a positive first impression by ensuring that the entrance of your restaurant is welcoming, visually appealing, and in line with your brand. Unique signage and seating can help establish a sense of arrival for guests waiting for tables.
The front entrance is crucial in impressing guests before they even step inside. Incorporating table-style seating into the design can also create a cozy atmosphere, with round tables symbolizing a communal area and rectangle tables indicating formal seating.
Careful consideration should be given to furniture choices as this will be the initial visual impact on guests. Be mindful of shape, size, and color to ensure it complements the overall theme.
The strategic use of colors can add warmth and invite guests in even more. Try incorporating a mix of colors for seats and tables to create a one-of-a-kind contemporary restaurant interior design.
2. Decide on a theme
When designing a contemporary restaurant interior design, it is important to choose a theme that will leave a positive and lasting impression. A cohesive theme creates an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming guests with conflicting styles.
Consistency in decor elements, such as furniture and color schemes, ensures a seamless and enjoyable environment that reflects the restaurant’s identity.
This thoughtful approach not only makes a lasting impression on diners but also encourages them to return.
By focusing on a clear and unified theme, you can create a memorable space that stands out and resonates with your customers.
3. Bring greenery into the space
Indoor plants are truly a delight. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also have the added bonus of improving our mood and eradicating stress. In fact, studies have shown that they can reduce air toxins by 87% in just 24 hours.
When it comes to decorating a contemporary restaurant interior design, the abundance of choices can be overwhelming and lead to indecision.
A useful approach is to begin with one key element and determine its placement before moving on to other aspects of the space.
Incorporating plants, grasses, and other greenery is an excellent starting point as they complement the natural greens found in your menu.
4. Create an Accent Wall
The beloved accent wall is a popular choice among contemporary restaurant interior design owners as it serves multiple purposes.
Not only does it draw the attention of guests to a focal point, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase the restaurant’s brand colors and personality while reinforcing the overall theme of the interior design.
This can easily be achieved by using a complementary paint color or decorative wallpaper for the accent wall. For a more unique touch, hand-painted murals are a great option that reflects and enhances the brand image.
Additionally, accent walls help to break up the design of the restaurant, providing customers with a new experience each time they sit at a different table. They also serve as a great backdrop for photos.
5. Nod to Your Location
One popular contemporary restaurant interior design approach is incorporating colors and styles that reflect your location, as this can effectively set the desired atmosphere. Occasionally, the decor may already be dictated by the surroundings.
For instance, a seafood eatery along the coast would naturally call for blues and whites, complemented by light wood and tasteful nautical elements.
In contrast, a BBQ spot in Texas would evoke a different set of expectations. It’s essential to observe your surroundings and consider what customers will anticipate upon entering your establishment.
6. Emphasize Communal Dining
Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened desire for connection among guests.
To cultivate a communal dining experience in your contemporary restaurant interior design, consider arranging long tables in the center of the room to accommodate larger groups.
This layout promotes a feeling of community and unity, enabling diners to connect and exchange experiences.
By prioritizing communal dining, you not only enhance the social ambiance but also cater to the increasing demand for meaningful interactions.
This deliberate design element can establish your restaurant as a top choice for those seeking connection and an unforgettable dining outing.
7. Hang Modern Light Fixtures
One essential component unites all contemporary restaurant interior design: striking lighting fixtures. Changing around the lighting in your space is a great way to create a certain atmosphere.
Every taste may be catered to, with options ranging from industrial to subtle to elaborate.
Achieving a balance between brilliant lighting that overpowers the decor and dark, subdued lighting that makes it challenging to see your plate is the aim of contemporary restaurant design.
Aesthetically pleasant hanging lamps over each table and dramatic wall lighting that draw attention to artwork and industrial elements are key components of finding the ideal combination.
A good lighting design may be created with the help of a number of computer tools, even if it can be difficult and expensive to do well.
8. It’s all about functionality
Employ a qualified designer to organize your space and optimize functionality. It’s not necessary for a tiny contemporary restaurant interior design to seem crammed or small.
9. Technology integration
Technology can enhance both the customer experience and restaurant efficiency by integrating into contemporary restaurant interior design. For instance, digital menus reduce paper waste and allow for easy updates and customization.
In addition to saving energy, smart lighting systems adjust brightness and color to create the desired ambiance.
10. Feature Local Art
Why settle for generic wall decor when you can display a unique, locally-made piece of art in your restaurant? Showcasing the talents of your community is one of the best ways to decorate and spark conversation among your staff and guests.
Your restaurant walls offer prime real estate for local artists to exhibit their work. Consider collaborating with artists who share your design aesthetic and are interested in having their art featured.
A simple tag next to the artwork is typically enough for artists seeking recognition, but you could go further by including a price tag and offering to sell their pieces to customers.
This is a beneficial arrangement for those struggling with decorating, as it allows for a constant rotation of new art in your space.
11. Extend The Restaurant With Space
Having a patio space is not available in all restaurants, but if you do, it is a fantastic way to extend your restaurant, increase seating, and make guests feel less confined.
12. Enhance the presentation of tables
The restaurant’s wall decor can range from minimalist to eclectic, but there is a limit to how much you should decorate the tabletop.
A simple tea light or single flower vase can enhance a cozy evening or a morning/afternoon meal.
However, excessive decor on the tables can hinder those who enjoy having multiple drinks and appetizers before their meals – these are not customers you want to discourage.
Moreover, using distinctive dishware can further elevate the dining experience for patrons.
13. Use color to convey your concept
A large percentage of customers’ purchasing decisions are influenced by color psychology, which uses colors to create an effect. Purple evokes a sophisticated aura, while white evokes a modern feeling. Before you start painting, do some research on the feel and aesthetic you want to achieve.
14. Include something unique
The uniqueness of your design will attract guests. Maybe you have an unusual art piece or a drink that lights up. Guests enjoy taking pictures of one-of-a-kind experiences and posting them online.
15. Furnish fabulously
It’s important to find furniture that echoes the aesthetic of your restaurant. For example, if your aesthetic is “modern minimalism,” you’ll probably want furniture with sharp, clean edges and metallic materials.
16. Ceiling Design
When considering contemporary restaurant interior design, take into account the original features of your space.
For instance, if you have traditional wood floors and an open timber ceiling, embrace them rather than hiding them. Many restaurants opt for generic ceramic tile floors and popcorn ceilings, so use the distinctive elements of your space to stand out.
If your space lacks unique features, broaden your wall design plans to incorporate a suitable floor and complementary ceiling style.
17. Classic Styles
By blending in the old with the new, you can pay homage to the retro design elements that made them so iconic without looking outdated. You don’t have to open a 1950’s diner to incorporate some of the classic looks that made them so iconic. Vintage looks are perfect for Italian bistros, Mexican taquerias, and elegant dining rooms you see in movies.
18. Set the Mood With a Fireplace
Simplifying decor and incorporating natural elements is key in contemporary restaurant interior design. Fire, the essential element used for cooking and preparing food, adds to the natural ambience of a restaurant.
A small tea candle can create a romantic atmosphere, but imagine the impact an open peninsula gas fireplace can have on the dining experience.
Whether designing for a large or intimate space, a fireplace is an ideal starting point for restaurant interior design ideas.
19. Eye Catching Signage
When people aren’t coming in off the street to check out your new restaurant, beautiful interior design means little.
It is important to convey the right message with your exterior signage, which is the first impression of most people when they arrive at your restaurant.
So that people who make their way inside don’t feel as if they’ve entered the wrong door, you want your signage to be unique, inviting, and an extension of your brand image.
20. Display Your Craft at the Bar
If you put your bartenders’ skills on display, you can have dinner and a show without paying actors or dancers.
Make the bar area stand out by providing vibrant, ambient lighting and an offset color choice. Highlight a wall of top-notch spirits and your most contemporary restaurant interior design ideas with dramatic lighting.
21. Simple is best
In recent times, there has been a trend towards minimalistic and uncomplicated contemporary restaurant interior design. Gone are the days of filling every wall with photos and mementos, almost as if attempting to hold onto the past.
Instead, decluttering the visual elements allows patrons to fully appreciate what truly matters: great food, drinks, and company.
While it may be seen as an effortless approach to decorating lounges and restaurants, achieving a minimalist aesthetic without appearing incomplete is quite challenging.
22. Reflect on Visual Space
It is possible for small or busy restaurants to feel cramped and uncomfortable at times, but there is a simple trick to make the space seem much larger. Placing a full-size mirror on an accent wall will make your restaurant appear larger and busier, making guests feel more confident about dining there.
23. Incorporate cultural or historical elements
Enhance the space with meaningful historical or cultural elements. Incorporating local heritage and references to significant events, from architectural features to decor pieces, establishes a distinct sense of location and identity.
Embracing artwork, artifacts, or traditional designs also celebrates diversity and encourages customers to discover and appreciate different cultures.
By seamlessly integrating these narratives into the design, restaurants can cultivate immersive environments that leave a lasting impression on guests and foster ties within the community.
24. Typography
Typography can be a great accent to your decor when done well. Fun methods to include specifics in your design concept are bold graphics, marquee text, graphs, and charts. Additionally, you can have a neon sign built specifically for your business that captures its current atmosphere.
25. Wall art and murals
In addition to a gallery wall, another great choice for highlighting local talent is commissioning an artist to design a mural or graffiti-style piece on your wall.
This eye-catching and social media-friendly backdrop not only brings a one-of-a-kind and creative element to your establishment, but also prompts guests to take photos and share them online, boosting your restaurant’s presence on social platforms.
By featuring artists from the community, you show support for the local scene and create an unforgettable dining ambiance.
This captivating decor decision has the potential to draw in more customers, elevate their experience, and create buzz around your venue, solidifying it as a popular and picturesque destination.
26. Practice health and safety
The contemporary restaurant interior design should take health and safety into account. Air purification systems improve air quality, which improves diners’ and staff’s safety.
Antimicrobial coatings or nonporous materials minimize the risk of germ transmission. Restaurants can create spaces that prioritize the well-being of all their guests by prioritizing both functionality and aesthetics.
27. Get creative with seating
From cozy booth designs to communal tables, creative seating can boost social interaction and accommodate different group sizes. You can even incorporate themed seating, such as swings or pods, to create memorable dining experiences that align with the brand of your restaurant.
28. Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining areas offer a welcome change from traditional indoor seating. Carefully curated design features, such as cozy chairs, awnings, and durable materials, guarantee a delightful visit regardless of the weather.
Adding touches of nature, like hanging gardens or potted flora, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
By utilizing outdoor areas to their full potential, eateries can attract patrons seeking open-air dining and take advantage of the increasing popularity of al fresco meals.
Restaurant Interior Design Considerations
Whether you use an interior design software or paper, it’s important to lay out each element of your contemporary restaurant interior design ideas beforehand. You can even use certain software to play with the lighting so you can see how your dream contemporary restaurant interior design will actually look.
It is imperative to ensure that the restaurant’s aesthetics align with the desired color scheme and general design.
Create a playlist to enhance the vibe and add additional contemporary restaurant interior design to round off your design. Note your main goals down here before you begin to come up with more elaborate contemporary restaurant interior design concepts.
- Before breaking ground, plan your design
- Make sure your color scheme matches the style of the restaurant
- Lighting and music can help create the right ambiance
- The lighting should be subtle and radiant at the same time
Contemporary Restaurant Interior Design Tips
Although your own interior design style is all your own (as long as you keep your restaurant’s brand in mind), there are some best practices that will help you. Here are a few to consider:
Plan your layout carefully
Prior to choosing furniture and paint colors, plan the front-of-house design and commercial kitchen layout. Ensure that your staff and guests have ample walk-around space from the front to back of the restaurant. A restaurant isn’t the place for a traffic jam! Also, consider where your kitchen and washrooms will be located.
Lighting is important
You want both natural and artificial light to create a soothing tone in your restaurant. Install lights that can be adjusted depending on the time of day.
Choose the right colors for your venue
It’s important to select the colors for your contemporary restaurant interior design carefully since they increase brand awareness by 80% and influence 85% of buying decisions. You don’t want your guests to see red in the literal sense, so be careful not to go overboard. Instead of dull colors, use vibrant hues to brighten up the space.
Sound should be considered
Your restaurant can have award-winning food and decor, but if your music hits the wrong note with guests, the entire customer experience could fall flat. When choosing restaurant music and volume, remember your audience. Sound should complement, not detract from, the ambiance in the restaurant.
Small Restaurant Design Layout
Designing an ideal layout for a small restaurant entails finding the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and style. It is important to provide enough space for customers to move around and be seated comfortably.
A mixture of round and rectangle tables allows for a versatile seating arrangement in a small restaurant. When it comes to furniture design, vibrant colors that capture the essence of the restaurant can be incorporated.
Additionally, using materials such as wood or metal adds a touch of modernity to the overall aesthetic.
Five key elements should be considered when designing a restaurant concept.
- Elegant lighting fixtures can create a cosy atmosphere, while ceiling lighting fixtures can create a more contemporary look.
- To create a unique atmosphere, furniture design concepts must be well thought out.
- A calm or cheerful aesthetic can be created by carefully selecting colours.
- It is possible to create a unique atmosphere with audio and video installations.
- Restaurant owners may add plants and accessories to their interior design in addition to these five essentials to make it elegant and welcoming.
With these contemporary restaurant interior design tips, your space will wow your guests as well as your food.
