Do you know that in many countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, over 60% of diners, even before checking the menu, choose a restaurant based on how it looks? That’s how powerful restaurant interior design can be.
A dull or outdated space can cut customer visits by up to 40%, which directly hits your profit. On the other hand, restaurants with strong design see up to 70% higher spending per visit.
So, how do you choose the right theme? It starts with knowing your brand and your customers. In this article, we’ll explore the top design trends and how to make them work for your space.
5 Hottest Trends in Restaurant Interior Design 2025
Here are the top 5 trends redefining restaurants’ interior design in 2025. The list includes:
#1. Flexible, Modular Spaces
The cool thing about a modular design is that you can change your space to fit whatever you need. You can use walls or tables that you can move. This lets you create more room for big groups of people.
This kind of flexibility helps you attract more customers and make better use of your seating arrangement.
When you can adapt like this, you can increase your earnings. Studies indicate that restaurants with such adaptability can keep up to 25% more customers coming back regularly.
#2. Minimalist Design for Simplicity
Have you heard about minimalism? It’s about making your space calm and simple. The main idea is to keep fewer belongings, which makes your surroundings peaceful and clear.
This approach uses basic shapes, neutral colours, and plenty of open areas. It’s particularly popular among younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who are attracted to simplicity and attractive designs.
Some studies show that around 40% of the time, people decide where to eat based on the appearance and vibe of the place.
If a restaurant has a simple and clean design, it is likely to attract more customers. This type of design can also make customers feel comfortable and want to stay longer.
#3. Mirrors to Open Up Spaces
Adding mirrors to your restaurant can make the place look bigger, brighter, and more open. This trick is especially useful if the restaurant is small.
Mirrors reflect light, which helps the space appear larger and gives it a more attractive appearance.
According to an article by Glazonoid, restaurants using mirrors in smart ways can see up to a 20% increase in their social media presence. This can lead to more visitors and more buzz about your place online.
Young people, especially those from Gen Z and Millennials, are attracted to places that feel spacious and are perfect for taking pictures. These photos often end up on social media, generating more buzz and attracting more people to your restaurant.
One simple idea to achieve this feat is to choose a wall in your restaurant and hang a large mirror on it. This trick can make the space feel roomier and allow more natural light in. You could also think about adding mirrored decorations to give more depth to your design.
#4. Tech Integration in Restaurant Design
If you’ve visited Burger King, then you may have seen QR codes on the seats or a self-ordering kiosk where you just have to select what you want to order, and cha-ching! Your order is placed without standing in a long queue.
Around 30-40% of restaurants are beginning to use new technology such as self-order kiosks, touchless menus, and even AI for personalised dining experiences as part of their setup.
Many millennials and Gen Z customers, when visiting these restaurants, prefer tech-enabled services. And you know a big shocking part? This can lead to a 60% increase in sales profit and also lead to happier customers who enjoy their visit more.
#5. Classic Styles with a Modern Twist
You’ve probably noticed that many music composers are remixing or recreating old classics like “Gali Gali” or “Raat Baaki.” But why are we talking about this? Because old is gold.
When you’re planning your restaurant interior design, choosing classic styles is a smart and safe decision. By adding classic elements like vintage furniture and retro decor, your place looks timeless and iconic.
These elements blend well with modern touches, creating an attractive space for diverse customers. Many restaurants see a notable rise in customer interest, sometimes as much as 30%.
Young people, particularly those from Gen Z and Millennials, might find it appealing as well. They appreciate a blend of traditional looks with modern styles. Such combinations are great for taking and sharing photos on Instagram, giving them a trendy yet classic feel.