2023 Interior Design Trends: Restaurant Edition
January 2023
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: JULIE MILLER | RESOURCE LIBRARIAN (EIS NORTH AMERICA)
Though vast, varied, and ever-changing, it’s our job at Elkay Interior Systems to predict interior design trends in the restaurant industry for the coming year. In 2023, we’ll see new colors, a divide of two major design themes, but more interestingly, we’ll see a shift in moods. Some consumers are beginning to crave a fresh, new outlook on life, and wanting to feel happy and calm is why we’re seeing trends play out this way. To forecast design trends for 2023, we completed research and studied the current habits of consumers and found what they desire when dining out - here’s what we found.
A cozy, happy experience
What so many customers are looking for is an experience when dining out. We’ve spent the last two years eating on the run, in our homes, and away from our closest friends, but now that consumers are back in dining rooms and restaurants, they’re expecting more than just a full belly. They’re looking for unique, comfortable, and entertaining experiences, sometimes called “Eatertainment,” that give them a reason to go out rather than ordering in. Interior design is critical now more than ever before in getting people back to the table and giving a memorable experience.
Minimalism or maximalism?
Both ends of this spectrum have their pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses. The minimalist idea takes pride in neutral colors, simplicity, and having as few items as possible, whereas the maximalism philosophy is lively colors and abundant décor. But which is best for a particular space?
If a brand is seeking a relaxing, calm feel in their space, they might lean towards minimalistic design with only the essentials in a space and eliminating any excess items. But a brand looking for the “let’s-add-everything-we-can" design will do just that and have a maximal feel in their space. In 2023, we’ll see brands pick a side and take it to the extreme. We’ll also see different types of finishes fall into one of these categories, with either natural or statement colors being chosen.
Outdoor seating
With cities actively working with government officials to keep outdoor seating an option for consumers looking for flexibility in their dining experience, exterior spaces have become a huge trend, and rightfully so. Not only did outdoor dining provide restaurants a way to stay open during COVID-19 restrictions, but it gave consumers a way to continue connecting with friends and families in open environments. Today, some consumers feel more comfortable dining outside in open areas, and restaurants with this option give them power over how they dine. Most outdoor dining areas offer flexible seating, including sustainably made couches, chairs, and round tables, giving consumers the chance to choose their dining experience.
Shapes
Shapes are what will give us a shift in mood next year. While curved furniture is nothing new, it is coming to the forefront in 2023. Curves and bubble shapes were already present, but COVID-19 accelerated their popularity due to the illusion of comfort and ease these softer shapes offer. Furniture that feels good is just as important as looking good, and curves are playful and fun. They reflect our desire for a soft, cozy, and happier environment – a stark contrast from the past two years.
Brands are choosing pieces like curved sofas to furnish their outdoor seating spaces and are replacing their squared, boxlike chairs inside with softer ones. We’ll also see owners incorporate curves in other ways, like mirrors, round tables, pickup counters, booths, and other statement furniture pieces.
Sustainable design
Consumers are becoming aware of environmentally friendly options, and sustainability will have much of the spotlight in 2023. Many people will turn to antique or investment pieces instead of cheap or low-priced furniture that might end up in a landfill in a few years. Consumers will start to look towards brands that use pieces for longevity and items that stand the test of time rather than those who use furniture that’s only for the moment.
Fast casual and quick-serve restaurants have been on the sustainability train for years due to consumer demand. And sustainability isn’t something achieved overnight, so when a brand commits to that promise, it’s a serious matter. They’re in it for the long haul, and rightly so.
We’ve seen Starbucks nearly eliminate the use of plastic straws, and their promise to create stores using sustainable manufacturing, delivery, and operations is underway. And McDonald’s Singapore has five buildings in compliance with the Building Construction Authority, BCA, meaning the buildings were constructed with energy and water-saving features included in the design.
As restaurant trends evolve, new challenges and opportunities emerge. Recent industry developments suggest companies are ready to create a new dining experience for customers. Restauranteurs and investors know they must prioritize technology and sustainability while keeping consumer behaviors in mind to excel.
Want more on design trends for 2023? Check out our FREE eBook.
About Elkay Interior Systems
Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.