You know you’re a design lover when you visit a new restaurant and spend more time staring at the decor than the menu! And why shouldn’t you?! Interior design can be absolutely grand in culinary spaces. The surroundings may be larger-scale, providing a showroom of possibilities for combining eye-catching elements. Even smaller spaces can provide inspiration for decorating a compact home.
So take a look around. In addition to the benefit of a delicious meal, restaurants can provide a feast for the eyes! Today we feature three spaces that illustrate the beauty of restaurant design, and we share ways to bring each look home. Bon appetit and happy decorating!
Amara at Paraiso in Miami
Amara at Paraiso is so very Miami! From the food to the decor, this restaurant located on Biscayne Bay features cuisine with a Latin American influence and an exquisite interior by Meyer Davis Studio. Ocean-hued concrete tile, light wood, earthy pendant lights and plenty of indoor greenery create a dining space as alluring as the sea. And let’s not forget the tropical wallpaper that rivals some of the most iconic banana leaf prints… [photos by Nick Garcia via Eater Miami]
To get Amara at Paraiso’s tropical look at home, consider adding a few beachy touches. For starters, it never hurts to create a wallpapered accent wall that brings the beauty of tropical greenery to your interior. Below we see Catalina Palms from Etsy shop Wallpaperie:
Next, add some earthy pendant lights. Woven pendants are a top trend, so you can find them at a variety of retailers. Serena and Lily’s Headlands Bell Pendant is undeniably modern, yet the textured look created from woven rattan creates a breezy feel:
Modern dining chairs in light wood are so versatile. They work beautifully in Amara at Paraiso’s clean-lined space, as do the potted trees that grace the stunning interior. But for a smaller touch that can instantly channel a summer vibe, try incorporating a set of green highball glasses into your drinkware. These Iris Sage glasses from Artland Inc. are available through Hayneedle:
Café No Sé in Austin
Light, airy, and filled with beautifully curated decor, Austin’s Café No Sé is the more casual (but no less delicious) eatery in the South Congress Hotel. Located in the heart of Austin, TX, this dining space designed by Studio MAI features white-washed wooden panels, eye-catching tile, abstract art, gold-toned light fixtures, and plenty of open shelving. Other highlights include wicker chairs and reclaimed wood tables, which contribute to the space’s warm feel. [photo from Eater Austin]
There are so many ways to create this laid-back, well lived-in look, including an abundance of potted plants. Look for planters that feel like they have a bit of history, such as vintage pieces or pots with a worn look. [photo below by Anna Mazurek]
Terrain has some beautiful selections, such as these Earth Fired Clay Low Sill Pots and Saucers:
Wicker chairs are another way to create a textured, modern look. This isn’t your grandma’s wicker from the ’80s! Streamlined forms achieve a contemporary feel, but with plenty of earthy style. CB2’s Chord Woven Back Dining Chairs are a lovely possibility:
The gorgeous abstract paintings featured at Café No Sé are from talented artist Diana Presley Greenberg. Learn more about her work here. [photo below from Briana Balduci via StarChefs]
Those on a tight budget can bring abstract art home with the help of sites such as Society6 and Etsy. For example, the Etsy shop of artist Christen Ilacqua features some beautiful modern selections, such as Seaglass, shown below:
Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley
Warm tones abound at the picturesque Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley. The look and feel of this beloved resort blends contemporary style with the romance of the south of France. The restaurant and resort overlook the sprawling valley, providing the perfect backdrop for reveling in beautiful design. Whether you’re dining at the Restaurant or at the Bistro and Bar, it’s the wine country views that takes center stage. [photo via OpenTable]
While enjoying a glass of wine and gourmet cuisine, it’s impossible not to notice the beautifully appointed poolside retreat below, filled with classic nods to outdoor living. Getting the look requires canopied seating, plenty of stripes, and beautiful potted plants. Expansive views are a bonus! [photo from USA Today/10Best]
Start with comfy, canopied seating. This Belham Living Brighton Outdoor Daybed and Ottoman includes the bolsters and back pillows, but you’ll need to add your own canopy and throw pillows…
…which is easy to do when you have throw pillow options as eye-catching as this Caitlin Wilson Balo Stripe Pillow from Anthropologie. The tassels are the perfect touch:
Since natural beauty is the star feature at Auberge du Soleil, use an abundance of potted plants to channel the lush look and feel. Once again, Terrain provides the perfect selections, complete with scalloped charm:
We hope today’s post has inspired you to bring delicious restaurant design home. Cheers!
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