The restaurant industry is continually evolving, with interior design trends shifting to meet new consumer preferences and technological advancements. While some concepts, like the classic ambiance of traditional steakhouses, remain timeless, many modern eateries, especially in the quick-service and fast-casual sectors, are embracing innovative designs.

Does Design Really Matter?

Investing in thoughtful restaurant interior design is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Studies have shown that interior design significantly influences customer satisfaction and loyalty. For instance, research indicates that interior design is a key factor in customer satisfaction and retention in the restaurant industry.

Moreover, the ambiance created by strategic furniture and decor choices can enhance the dining experience, leading to increased customer spending. A well-designed space not only draws patrons in but also encourages them to stay longer and return, directly impacting a restaurant's profitability.

In today's competitive market, where diners seek memorable experiences, a restaurant's interior design serves as a powerful tool to differentiate your brand and foster customer loyalty.

Our Unpredictable Predictions for 2025

As we look ahead, several key trends are poised to redefine restaurant interiors in 2025. From open-concept kitchens to sustainable materials that echo environmental consciousness, these developments aim to enhance the dining experience and reflect contemporary values. To find out what trends are sure to shape the restaurant landscape in the following months, we tapped into one of DisplayIt’s lead designers, Rochelle Lozano.

1. Geographically Specific Designs: Adapting to Regional Aesthetics

Restaurant design is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach—brands are now tailoring their interiors to reflect the unique cultural and stylistic preferences of different regions. While maintaining brand identity is crucial, restaurants are finding that design elements that resonate in one market may not have the same impact in another.

"We recently worked with a client who had an established location on the East Coast but was expanding to the West Coast," said Lozano. "Initially, we planned to replicate their original restaurant design with a few small adjustments. However, they felt their West Coast location needed a darker, moodier aesthetic to better align with the local dining scene. I really think we’re going to see more variations in restaurant design based on geography."

This trend is all about balancing brand consistency with local influence. Whether it's incorporating natural elements in coastal cities, industrial touches in urban areas, or rustic charm in mountain towns, restaurant interiors are increasingly reflecting the character and culture of their surroundings. As regional preferences continue to evolve, expect to see more geographically tailored designs that create a deeper connection between the space and its guests.

2. Mood Boards: Setting the Foundation for Design

A great restaurant design starts with a clear vision, and mood boards are the key to capturing that vision. At DisplayIt, our designers use them to ensure every project aligns with the client’s brand identity, pulling inspiration from textures, colors, and imagery to establish the right atmosphere.

"We worked with a tea company that aspired to be like Starbucks," said Lozano. "But tea has a different energy than coffee—calm, soothing, and reflective. That’s what we tapped into for our mood board: serene water, bamboo, teak woods. You’ll never get the displays and fixtures right if you don’t set the right mood first. Customers really respond to that."

Lately, mood boards have become more detailed, helping to fine-tune design elements before fabrication begins. By setting the right tone from the start, designers ensure that every fixture, material, and detail enhances the restaurant’s overall experience.

3. Custom Casework: Bringing Unique Visions to Life

Off-the-shelf designs won’t cut it for brands that want to stand out. More and more, restaurant owners are looking for custom casework—pieces that are not mass-produced but crafted specifically for their space. That’s exactly why they come to DisplayIt.

"To some people, casework doesn’t mean much. But I’ve seen it evoke emotion and spark creativity to reenergize a brand," said Lozano. "We recently worked with a European client opening a New York location. Their past designs were boxy and geometric, but they wanted something bold and unexpected. So we created a concept filled with curves—something entirely unique to their space. I’ve never seen anything like it before."

Custom casework allows brands to break free from repetition, creating a signature look that resonates with customers and reinforces their identity.

4. Using Design to Drive Sales

A well-designed restaurant does more than just create an aesthetically pleasing space—it serves as a strategic tool to boost revenue. By curating an inviting atmosphere that aligns with your brand identity and appeals to your target audience, thoughtful design can attract more customers, extend their visits, and increase spending. Key elements like layout, lighting, and décor not only enhance the dining experience but also subtly influence purchasing behavior.

"We recently partnered with Sambazon Açaí Bowls to redesign their airport storefronts," said Lozano. "The structured, formalized booths we created immediately captured customer attention, and they saw a noticeable increase in sales almost right away."

“Beyond aesthetics, our design was both customer- and employee-efficient, utilizing great-looking, durable materials. The thoughtful spacing allowed employees to access products quickly and prepare orders on time, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

From eye-catching curb appeal to seamless interior flow, strategic design choices can transform first-time visitors into loyal patrons driving both customer satisfaction and profitability.

5. Farmhouse Is Out, Mid-Century Modern Is In

Design trends in the restaurant industry are constantly evolving, often influenced by social media and pop culture. While styles like farmhouse—with its rustic, beige interiors—once dominated, they’re now quickly fading from favor. At DisplayIt, we stay ahead of these shifts to ensure our fixtures and designs remain timeless and relevant for years to come.

"Farmhouse is moving out, and Mid-Century Modern (MCM) is in," said Lozano. "MCM is a classic look that’s making a strong comeback because it blends clean lines with timeless elegance. Design always repeats itself, and pulling from classic styles is a smart move."

When clients lean toward outdated trends, DisplayIt designers guide them toward fresh, lasting alternatives. "We’ll present their original idea, but we also offer a ‘Style B’—and they almost always choose the updated design. That’s what makes our job so much fun," Lozano added.