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Decor is an important part of a restaurant's success and longevity in the food trade. With good food and excellent service, the decor can be what brings customers back. There are many options for restaurant decor, and they can be used to give the place a distinctive, inviting atmosphere.
A restaurant can be designed in a style of its own that reflects its identity, with colours and patterns chosen to suit the cuisine and the mood you want. Lighting, furniture and interior arrangements then reinforce an intimate, comfortable setting.
This article offers useful tips and ideas for designing a distinctive, attractive restaurant, drawing on modern, inventive design that sets a restaurant apart, helps attract customers, keeps them satisfied and supports lasting success.
Why does restaurant decor matter?
Restaurant decor plays a decisive part in shaping the customer experience, creating the right setting for dining and for enjoying the time spent there. The aim is not only to serve food or to improve the experience, but above all to give guests a reason to spend as long as possible in your space. Decor can therefore influence several factors that in turn affect sales and profit:
- The right atmosphere: decor creates a setting in which guests feel comfortable and relaxed, so they enjoy the meal and come back.
- Defining identity: decor helps define the restaurant's identity and the position it wants to take with its customers.
- Function: decor can improve how the restaurant works, for example by improving customer flow and experience and by accommodating more guests.
- Visual appeal: decor makes the restaurant more attractive to look at, drawing in more customers and widening its impact.
- Better profit: by making the restaurant more appealing and improving the experience, decor encourages guests to order more food and drink.
- Relaxation: decor helps guests unwind, so they feel at ease and enjoy their meal.
Key tips for choosing a modern restaurant interior
If you want a modern, attractive restaurant, or are looking for ideas for small restaurants, keep these tips in mind:
- Colour: choose attractive colours that suit the restaurant, such as light and neutral tones, with brighter colours kept for accents and decoration.
- Lighting: choose lighting that creates the right mood for guests. Use natural light as far as possible and artificial light where it is not.
- Design: choose modern, contemporary designs; simple, clean schemes reflect a contemporary feel.
- Furniture: choose contemporary, durable furniture and arrange it to suit the size of the restaurant. Furniture made from natural or reclaimed wood is an option.
- Decoration: use fitting decorative touches such as modern artworks, mirrors, flowers and natural plants.
- Comfort: guests should feel comfortable, through comfortable furniture, refined design and suitable lighting.
- Cleanliness: the restaurant should be clean and tidy, with regular cleaning and decor and furniture renewed when needed.
See also: Retail store design
Types of restaurant decor
Restaurant decor takes many forms, depending on the character of the interior, the design to be applied and the menu the restaurant offers. Among them:
Classic decor
Marked by fine wooden furniture, rich ornament and warm lighting, it conveys luxury and refinement and suits traditional and upscale restaurants.
Read also about: The Classic style in design
Bohemian decor
Marked by bright colours, bold patterns, vintage furniture and natural plants, it suits restaurants that want a relaxed, comfortable and inviting mood.
Read also about: The Bohemian style
Rustic decor
Marked by warm colours, aged wooden furniture and soft lighting, it suits restaurants in rural areas and those that want a calm, comfortable atmosphere.
The latest restaurant and café decor
Design trends do not stand still; they keep changing with the spirit of the times, the prevailing style and wider culture. Even so, several current trends can be applied to a restaurant or café:
- Bright colours: bold, vivid colours such as yellow, orange, red and pink add a playful, lively feel.
- Flowers and plants: they add life, beauty and freshness.
- Warm lighting: warm, soft lighting creates comfort and relaxation.
- Contemporary furniture: glass tables and modern chairs, for a modern and attractive look.
- Geometric design: curved ceilings, glass walls and geometric shelving, for a modern and engaging feel.
- Furniture from recycled materials: to protect the environment and add a sense of sustainability.
- Industrial decor: exposed brick, metal, prominent wood tones and industrial lighting, for a bold industrial feel.
See also: Hospital decor
How colour affects restaurant decor
Colour plays an important role in restaurant design. It can set a particular mood, strengthen the brand and attract customers. But first ask yourself what shapes the restaurant's overall impression, or rather, what draws guests to your brand over others.
The exterior façade matters a great deal here, but colour can fairly be called the first and main factor that draws guests to your restaurant. Some colours attract strongly, while others work against it. Some examples of how colour affects restaurant decor:
Red
Red is strong and bold. In restaurant decor it adds enthusiasm, energy and excitement, and it suits restaurants serving spicy and grilled food.
Blue
Blue is calm and soothing. It adds a feeling of comfort, relaxation and quiet, and suits restaurants serving seafood.
Yellow
Yellow is bright and stimulating. It adds a playful, lively and energetic feel, and suits restaurants serving international and modern cuisine.
Green
Green is restful and refreshing. It evokes nature, freshness and comfort, and suits restaurants serving healthy and vegetarian food.
Brown
Brown is warm and refined. It adds elegance, luxury and warmth, and suits restaurants serving traditional and upscale food.
See also: The colour wheel
How to use colour for a successful, distinctive restaurant
A successful, distinctive restaurant depends on many factors, including effective use of colour. Some tips:
Define the goal
Decide what colour is for in the restaurant: setting a particular mood, strengthening the brand or attracting customers.
The main colour
Choose the main colour that will dominate the decor. Warm colours such as red, orange and yellow give warmth and energy; cool colours such as blue and green give calm and freshness.
Complementary colours and harmony
Complementary colours, such as red with green or blue with orange, add contrast and variety. Make sure the colours used work together; several shades of one colour, or different shades of harmonious colours, are preferable.
Light and dark colours
Light colours such as pale yellow and light blue add a lively, energetic feel, while dark colours such as black and dark brown add luxury and elegance.
Using colour wisely
Use colour thoughtfully to meet your aims: bright, bold colours can signal offers and discounts, while soft, quiet colours create comfort and calm.
How to use the restaurant's interior space
Using the space well is important to a restaurant's success: enough room for guests and staff, and the most efficient use of the space available. Some tips:
- Set your aims: decide the main goals, such as enough space for guests and staff and enough room for equipment, tools and storage.
- Plan the space: plan it carefully and define the different zones, such as seating, kitchen, service and other areas.
- Choose suitable furniture: folding tables, stackable chairs and built-in furniture make efficient use of space.
- Use colour effectively: light colours for a lively, energetic feel and dark colours for a fresh, comfortable one.
- Use vertical space: walls and ceilings, with shelving and wall-mounted furniture for extra storage and display.
- Use lighting effectively: natural light and smart artificial lighting help the space work well.
- Plan for the future: allow for more customers and staff, with enough space for the restaurant's future needs.