Researched and reported by industry veteran Robert Ancill, CEO of TNI Group, a design and architecture agency.

By 2025, the world of restaurant design will evolve to reflect a seamless blend of sustainability, innovative technology, health considerations, and immersive experiences. Restaurants will shift beyond just serving food, they will craft environments that leave lasting impressions, delivering on aesthetics, functionality, and forward-thinking values. Owners and designers who capitalize on these trends will deliver spaces that resonate with a global shift toward meaningful, memorable dining experiences.

Here’s a look at the most prominent trends shaping restaurant interiors come 2025.

Flexible and Adaptable Spaces

The rise of diverse dining preferences and unpredictable market demands will drive restaurants to prioritize flexible design. Spaces equipped to transition effortlessly from casual daytime dining to sophisticated evening events will dominate. For instance, a single restaurant may feature a versatile layout that can accommodate:

1. Casual brunch gatherings
2. Formal dinner parties
3. Outdoor dining under the stars

Transformable seating arrangements, retractable walls, and clever furniture designs will help restaurants remain adaptable to evolving consumer habits.

Flexibility ensures that businesses stay relevant and maximize their potential revenue streams.

Sustainability Integrated Into Design

The push for eco-consciousness continues to influence restaurant design, with sustainability taking center stage in 2025. Diners value transparency, and their experiences will extend beyond the menu to the design of the space they’re dining in.

Expect to see:

Sustainable Materials: Restaurants are swapping out traditional materials for eco-friendly options like reclaimed wood, hemp based materials, recycled metals, and natural stone.

TNI Grouphas begun to explore various other sustainable materials such as:

• Bamboo
  A fast-growing, renewable grass that’s strong, flexible, and versatile. It can be used for flooring, walling, window treatments, and more.
• Cross-laminated timber (CLT)
  A wood panel product made by gluing layers of solid-sawn lumber together. It’s a lightweight, strong, and sustainable alternative to traditional concrete and steel.
• Mycelium
  A fast-growing, fully organic material made from mushroom roots that can be transformed into building bricks.
• Insulating concrete forms (ICFs)
  Blocks or panels made from foam insulation and filled with concrete. They provide excellent insulation, helping to keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Pineapple fiber
  Also known as Piñatex, this material is made from pineapple leaves, which are often considered agricultural by-products or waste. It’s a sustainable alternative to traditional leather.
• Sea stone
  A concrete-like material made from natural binder and waste seashells.
• Bioplastic
  Made from marine algae, an abundant and renewable natural resource.

In addition to new construction materials, restaurants are installing en-mass…

Energy-efficient Systems: LED lighting, smart heating/cooling systems, and energy-saving appliances are now integral to modern restaurant designs.

Local Artto Reduce Carbon Footprints: Incorporating locally sourced decorations and furniture further reinforces sustainability.

Sustainable design also focuses on minimizing waste, avoiding harm during manufacturing and transportation, and investing in “forever” pieces

A standout feature will be visual cues that educate customers on these sustainability efforts, like a menu pairing with a wall design showcasing where materials were sourced.

Embedded Technology for Dining with Ease

Tech-savvy consumers are driving the adoption of integrated technology throughout restaurant spaces. This trend doesn’t stop at ordering kiosks. The design will incorporate embedded systems such as:

1. Interactive, table-side ordering tablets offering personalized meal suggestions.
2. Charging ports integrated into dining tables.
3. Smart lighting systems that adjust ambiance depending on the time of day.
4. QR-code menus with dynamic features; paired with AR experience about the menu’s sourcing background.

2025. Robotics in the kitchen and dining room is forecasted to expand rapidly in 2025.

Streamlined tech fosters a sense of efficiency, builds convenience for diners, and integrates a modern vibe into any interior design format.

A Focus on Creating Ambiance

Atmosphere is becoming just as important as the food itself. Restaurants that craft a mood are the ones diners return to, and recommend. Key ambiance elements trending in 2025 include:

• Lighting that adapts to create a cozy, inviting environment or ignites an energetic buzz.
• Layouts with Purpose, featuring cozy nooks for intimate meals and communal seating areas that encourage socialization.
• Curated Music that synchronizes with visuals for a complete sensory experience.

Whether it’s lighting, acoustics, or decor, future designs will encourage patrons to linger, fostering social moments every bit as meaningful as the meal they’re enjoying.

Immersive and Experiential Decor

Consumers are looking for dining experiences that capture their imagination, designed spaces that are not only memorable but fully immersive. Instagram-worthy restrooms, whimsical wall art, or bold thematic rooms inspired by travel, books, or movies are all on the rise. Coffee shops like Harry Potter-style tea parlors or tropical tiki restaurants are sure to drive customer retention.

Immersive highlights include:

• Bold wallpaper and dynamic murals.
• Neon-lit accents that encourage photos.
• Character-filled dining themes spanning ancient Greece to futuristic space lounges.
• Creating shareable moments on Instagram, or otherwise, empowers restaurants to increase brand visibility organically through viral user-generated content.

Cultural Resonance and Culinary Stories

With the global influence of diverse cuisines, restaurant design will reflect the story behind the menu. Diners will be transported to a culture’s origins through the space they’re dining in.

Incorporating elemental details unique to a cuisine’s culture builds credibility and authenticity.

Think of terracotta pots for Mediterranean cuisines or intricate bamboo panels for pan-Asian eateries.

Designing with cultural respect in mind elevates customer immersion and pays homage to the richness of culinary traditions.

Biophilic Designfor Natural Serenity

Designs inspired by nature, known as biophilic elements, will continue to grow. From greenery-filled walls to natural-toned furniture, these designs bring calming, organic vibes into dining spaces. Look out for:

• Living plant installations on walls or overhead fixtures.
• Natural textures like stone, bamboo, or rattan for seating and accent pieces.
• Open-air dining concepts with large, retractable glass windows.

Biophilic design connects diners to nature, reducing stress and enhancing their experience far beyond the meal.

Trending Colors of 2025

In 2025, restaurant colors are forecasted to be deep, natural, and warm, focusing on creating calming environments:

Earthy tones: Colors like beige, sand, brown, and terracotta will be popular, creating a sense of warmth and closeness.

Botanical prints and colors: Colors and prints found in nature will be popular for table settings and wall colors.

Melodious green tones: Nature inspired, these tones will evoke freshness and calm.

Desaturated greens, understated ochers, and dusty blues: These colors speak to the idea of soft power.

Mocha Mousse: Pantone’s color of the year for 2025, a soothing medium brown shade, sets the tone for earthy, enriched restaurant interiors

Raku: Inspired by ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, Raku is a rich mahogany shade from C2 Paint.

Elderton: A neutral brown from Graham & Brown, reminiscent of the deep brown leaves of the elder tree.

Grounded: A versatile brown from Sherwin-Williams that exudes a calming nature

Pair the above with suggested 2025 hues like jewel-toned purples (Purple Basil), creamy terra-cottas (Caramelized), or a deep sea-inspired blue (Encore). Combined, these rich tones evoke comfort and subtle luxury, promising to serve as standout paint options for both walls and accent furniture.

Specific design elements to watch out for in 2025

The Rise of Warm Minimalism

Perhaps the most dominant trend in 2025, warm minimalism encapsulates a pared-down aesthetic that’s both inviting and sophisticated. Unlike the cold, stark minimalism of years past, this design approach incorporates organic forms, earthy tones, and tactile materials to create a cozy yet contemporary vibe.

Key Elements of Warm Minimalism

Material Choices: designers will integrate the sustainable materials mentioned earlier into everything from furniture to accent walls. This approach is not just eco-friendly but contributes to a tactile, grounded atmosphere.

Neutral Hues with a Cozy Twist: watch as the “Mocha Mousse” (Pantone) and “Cinnamon Slate” (Benjamin Moore) colors dominate, offering rich brown and plum hues that exude warmth.

Streamlined Furniture with Comfort in Mind: Seating plays a significant role in making minimalism truly welcoming. Think plush upholstery paired with clean lines designed for lingering, not rushing.

This trend underscores the idea that minimalism no longer needs to be hard-edged or sterile, it can be warm, human-centric, and filled with character.

Rustic-industrial style: A resurgence of this style is a trend for restaurant design in 2025.

Rustic-Industrial Design Is Back: 2025’s Hottest Trend for Restaurants

If you’re a restaurant owner, interior designer, architect, or trend enthusiast, you’re likely on the lookout for the next big thing in design. Well, the future has a familiar look; the rustic-industrial style is making a major comeback in 2025. Marrying the timeless charm of raw materials with contemporary functionality, this versatile aesthetic is set to dominate restaurant interiors in the coming year.

What Is Rustic-Industrial Design?

Rustic-industrial design is all about balance. It blends the warmth and character of rustic materials, like reclaimed wood, stone, and distressed metals; with the sleek, minimal elements of industrial design, such as steel fixtures and exposed piping. Think cozy warmth meets urban edge, resulting in spaces that are welcoming, stylish, and functional.

Previously popular in boutique cafes and bars, this style is now being embraced by a broader range of establishments, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries.

Why Is It Trending in 2025?

Several factors are driving the resurgence of rustic-industrial design this year.

1. Focus on Authenticity and Storytelling

Today’s diners crave more than just great food—they want experiences. Rustic-industrial interiors, with their raw materials and vintage vibes, tell a story. Reclaimed wood tables and exposed brick walls hint at a history and craftmanship, creating an authentic atmosphere that customers feel connected to.

2. Sustainability Matters

Sustainability continues to be a top priority for both consumers and businesses in 2025. Rustic-industrial design often incorporates recycled or upcycled materials, reducing environmental impact while adding character to a space.

3. Versatility Across Spaces

This design style works beautifully across different types of spaces, from small, intimate cafes to large, open-plan restaurants. It’s adaptable and scalable, making it ideal for establishments of all sizes.

4. Timeless yet Trendy

Overly flashy design trends tend to fade away quickly, but the rustic-industrial aesthetic strikes a timeless chord. It feels current while still being rooted in classic design principles, ensuring it won’t feel dated in a few years.

Key Elements of Rustic-Industrial Restaurant Design

If you’re considering incorporating this style into your restaurant, here are the essential elements to keep in mind.

1. Raw Materials

The foundation of rustic-industrial design lies in its use of raw, unfinished materials. Think of exposed beams, concrete floors, and steel accents. Layer these elements with softer materials like leather upholstery or linen curtains for a balanced look.

2. Reclaimed Furniture

Reclaimed wood furniture is a hallmark of this style. From large communal dining tables to rustic bar stools, these pieces add warmth and character to your space.

3. Exposed Elements

Industrial design celebrates what’s usually hidden. Exposed ductwork, pipes, and Edison bulb lighting fixtures contribute to the urban, factory-inspired vibe.

4. Neutral Color Palette

Earthy tones—such as browns, grays, and blacks—dominate this style, often accented with splashes of muted greens or deep blues. Keep your palette simple to avoid overwhelming the space.

5. Modern Comforts

While rustic and industrial elements define the style, modern comforts are crucial for functionality. Comfortable seating, smart lighting, and efficient layouts should never be overlooked.

Benefits for Restaurants Adopting Rustic-Industrial Style

Customer Appeal

This design aesthetic has widespread appeal. It feels cozy for intimate diners but trendy enough to attract younger crowds posting on Instagram—a win-win.

Cost-Effective

Many elements of this style, such as reclaimed wood or exposed brick, can be installed cost-effectively. Plus, the minimalist nature of industrial design often reduces the need for excessive decorative elements.

Durability

The use of durable materials like steel, concrete, and solid wood ensures your furnishings and fixtures stand up to heavy restaurant traffic while maintaining their charm.

Brand Differentiation

Rustic-industrial design helps your restaurant stand out in a crowded market. It creates a distinct atmosphere that can become a signature part of your brand identity.

Real-Life Examples of Rustic-Industrial Excellence

Here are a few restaurants that are already nailing the rustic-industrial style and inspiring what might be next in 2025:

The Uncommon Table (New York, NY): With its mix of concrete flooring, wooden booths, and metal accents, this intimate space radiates charm.

The Copper Room (Austin, TX): Features stunning exposed brick walls and Edison bulb lighting, with a focus on creating a lively, atmospheric dining space.

Forge & Feast (Portland, OR): Perfectly combines upcycled furniture and innovative industrial touches, like steel shelving and open-concept kitchens.

Is Rustic-Industrial the Right Fit for Your Space?

Rustic-industrial design offers a blend of warmth and edginess that resonates with diners across demographics. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current space, this trend could provide the aesthetic and experiential wow factor your restaurant needs.
Still not sure how to bring this design to life? Consult with an interior design expert or architect who specializes in restaurant spaces to ensure every detail aligns with your vision. The resurgence of rustic-industrial design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel meaningful and memorable. With its authenticity, sustainability, and adaptability, this trend is perfectly in tune with the values and expectations of today’s diners.

Interior landscaping: A key trend for restaurant design in 2025.

Restaurant design trends are shifting in 2025, with one major feature stealing the spotlight, interior landscaping. Combining functionality with aesthetic appeal, interior landscaping incorporates living plants and nature-inspired elements into restaurant spaces. This approach is rewriting the rulebook for modern restaurant interiors and creating spaces that aren’t just visually stunning but also environmentally conscious and deeply inviting. For restaurant owners, interior designers, developers, and architects alike, this trend offers endless possibilities.

Why Interior Landscaping?

Interior landscaping goes beyond simple potted plants or occasional greenery. It’s about merging natural elements, like plants, moss walls, and sustainable materials, into the architecture and design to create a seamless blend of nature and dining. This synergy between nature and design isn’t just limited to aesthetics; it brings real-world benefits:

Improved Ambiance: Greenery can make any space feel more serene and relaxing, helping restaurants stand out as places people want to return to.

Sustainability: With a growing emphasis on eco-consciousness, using natural materials and living plants appeals to environmentally-aware diners.

Health Benefits: Plants improve air quality and create healthier environments, which can enhance guest and staff experiences.

Social Media Appeal: “Instagrammable” spaces are crucial for driving word-of-mouth marketing. Interiors featuring living green walls, plant chandeliers, or creative greenery installations encourage guests to share their experiences online.

Now, imagine coupling this trend with another movement surging in popularity—

Rustic-Industrial Style Meets Interior Landscaping

The rustic-industrial aesthetic has made a powerful comeback for 2025. Characterized by raw, unfinished details and a warm, down-to-earth vibe, this design style complements interior landscaping beautifully. It’s a match made in design heaven, blending natural elements with sturdy, industrial materials like wood, steel, and exposed brick.

Here’s why the combination works so well in restaurant settings:

Contrast and Balance: The hard textures of industrial elements pair perfectly with the soft greenery of interior landscaping. Think lush vines cascading over metal shelving or potted plants softening rough concrete walls.

Earthy Palettes: Rustic-industrial design’s natural color schemes—rich browns, earthy greens, and metallic tones—enhance the organic vibe created by plants.

A Focus on Sustainability: Using reclaimed wood and repurposed materials aligns with the eco-friendly principles of interior landscaping.

For restaurant owners and designers, this collaboration is an opportunity to create spaces that feel cozy, modern, and uniquely reflective of the times.

Real-World Inspiration

If you’re wondering how to translate interior landscaping and rustic-industrial style into your restaurant design, here are some ideas:

1. Living Green Walls

   Make a bold statement with a vertical garden that covers an entire wall. These installations don’t just add visual impact; they also improve air quality and create a sense of tranquility. Pair them with industrial light fixtures for that rustic vibe.

2. Hanging Gardens

   Suspended plants can transform ceilings into works of art while maximizing floor space. Try hanging ferns, ivy, or trailing vines from exposed beams or pipes.

3. Integrated Planters

   Design seating with built-in planters or tables that incorporate moss or succulent gardens. These elements bring the outdoors inside in a seamless way.

4. Natural Dividers

   Use tall plants or greenery walls as dividers between dining zones instead of traditional partitions. This approach adds privacy while maintaining an open, airy feel.

5. Mood Lighting with Greenery

   Combine industrial chandeliers with greenery, like vines wrapped around the metal framework. The result is an eye-catching focal point that radiates warmth.

Design for the Future

As we step into 2025, restaurant design is no longer just about creating a functional dining space. It’s about crafting an experience that resonates with guests, communicates brand values, and leverages trends to stay relevant. Interior landscaping isn’t just beautiful—it’s a strategic decision that integrates wellness, sustainability, and Instagrammable appeal all in one go.

By tying interior landscaping with the rustic-industrial style, restaurant owners and designers can deliver unforgettable spaces that draw in customers and keep them coming back.

Functional Furniture: The Clean-Line Trend Taking Over in 2025

As 2025 approaches, a significant trend is sweeping through design industries, making waves in both commercial and residential spaces, functional furniture with clean lines and simple forms. This design aesthetic doesn’t just emphasize beauty; it blends practicality and minimalism, setting the tone for interiors that feel modern, efficient, and timeless.

From sleek restaurant seating to versatile furnishings for schools, this emerging trend proves that less really can be more. If you’re a restaurant owner, architect, interior designer, or developer looking to stay ahead of the curve, here’s everything you need to know about this trend and how it’s poised to redefine spaces in the coming year.

What is Functional Furniture?

At its core, functional furniture is all about purpose-driven design. These pieces showcase clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal adornments, not for the sake of austerity, but to prioritize usability and optimize space.

Think of lightweight dining chairs that stack easily for storage, modular shelves that adapt to growing needs, or sleek desks that incorporate built-in storage for better productivity. Functional furniture emphasizes practicality without sacrificing visual appeal.

Minimalism as a Foundation

One hallmark of functional furniture is its minimalist aesthetic. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and subtle curves dominate the design, making these pieces easy to incorporate into a variety of interior styles, from Scandinavian-inspired spaces to industrial-chic cafes.

However, it’s not just about appearances. Minimalism eliminates clutter and maximizes space—an irresistible feature for restaurant owners, hotel operators, and even school districts designing for multi-purpose areas.

Why Functional Furniture is Taking the Spotlight

The popularity of this design trend isn’t a coincidence—it’s a movement born out of changing consumer and business needs. Here’s why functional furniture is such a hit among industries in 2025.

1. Space Optimization

With urbanization on the rise, spaces—whether restaurants, hotels, or offices—are shrinking. Functional furniture gives designers and operators the ability to make the most of limited areas without crowding or overcomplicating the layout. A fold-down table in a boutique café, for example, can transform from a workspace during the day to additional restaurant seating at night.

2. Eco-Friendly Approach

The global push for sustainability is another factor driving this trend. Functional furniture often uses eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals, aligning with consumer demand for greener solutions. Customers and clients are seeking responsible businesses, and incorporating sustainable designs into interiors demonstrates forward-thinking values.

3. Timeless Appeal

Trendy designs fade, but clean lines and simple forms are timeless. Their understated aesthetic ensures they remain stylish and relevant for years, giving business owners and developers long-term value for their investment.

4. Versatility and Customization

Functional furniture often comes with modular designs or customizable features. This makes it a go-to choice for architects and interior designers aiming to meet their clients’ diverse needs. A modular seating system for a restaurant allows for rearrangements based on group sizes, while adjustable desks and chairs in school districts accommodate students of all ages.

Applications Across Industries

This versatile design trend isn’t limited to one type of space. Below are examples of how functional furniture is revolutionizing various industries.

Restaurants and Cafes

Restaurant owners are loving the way functional furniture elevates both aesthetics and efficiency. Think stackable chairs and extendable tables that allow flexible seating arrangements. Additionally, banquette seating built with integrated storage frees up space without sacrificing style.

Hotels and Hospitality

For hotel owners, multifunctional furniture is essential. From modular sofas that double as pull-out guest beds to desks with concealed charging stations, these pieces contribute to spaces that prioritize guest comfort and convenience.

How to Stay Ahead of the Trend

If you’re in the business of designing or managing spaces, now’s the time to get ahead of the functional furniture wave. Here are a few tips to successfully incorporate this trend into your projects or spaces.

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Look for pieces made with durable, eco-friendly materials. This not only ensures long-lasting quality but aligns your space with the increasing demand for sustainable practices.

2. Prioritize Multi-Functionality

Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a sofa that converts into a bed can give boutique hotels more flexible room configurations, while storage-friendly seating ensures smaller spaces remain clutter-free.

3. Work With Professionals

Consult architects, developers, and interior designers who are well-versed in functional furniture design. Their expertise can ensure the pieces fit seamlessly into your space, meeting both practical and aesthetic needs.

The Future of Functional Furniture

Functional furniture with clean lines and simple forms isn’t just another trend—it’s a reflection of the contemporary need for practicality, flexibility, and style. By adopting these principles, industries can create spaces that not only meet today’s demands but remain relevant well into the future.

Looking for ways to modernize your space? Reach out to one of our expert designers to discuss how functional furniture can transform your environment.

Functional furniture is shaping the way we think about interiors in 2025—clean lines, thoughtful design, and timeless appeal. Are you ready to step into the future of design?

Open Concept Kitchens in Various Sectors

Open concept kitchens aren’t just limited to fine dining establishments. They’re becoming a major focus across different industries.

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels are adding open kitchens to their on-site dining areas, creating cozy, intimate atmospheres that help guests feel at home.

Luxury Apartments

Developers are using open concept kitchens in communal spaces to attract residents who enjoy social events and cooking demonstrations.

Schools & Universities

School districts and universities are adopting this trend in cafeterias, integrating open kitchens to promote healthy, fresh-cooked meals and educate students on cooking processes.

Why It’s Time to Invest in Open Concept Kitchens

For architects, designers, or restaurant owners wondering whether this trend is worth the investment, the answer is a resounding yes. Open concept kitchens modernize restaurant spaces, foster trust and interaction, and create unforgettable dining experiences.

By combining transparency, interaction, and sleek furniture design, open concept kitchens are set to dominate restaurants and venues worldwide.

Restaurant Design as More Than a Trend—It’s a Connection

By 2025, restaurant design will go beyond aesthetics—it will operate as a multifaceted tool to:

• Reduce a restaurant’s ecological footprint.
• Deeply engage diners with meaningful atmospheric design.
• Innovate through smart technology for heightened satisfaction.

Whether you’re an interior designer, a restaurant owner, or someone fascinated by the way spaces can shape our experiences, the next few years offer exciting opportunities to redefine what modern dining spaces can become.

Expert Insight on Design Challenges

Robert Ancill, CEO of TNI Group, states:

“We are in the most prolific phase of restaurant design, where guests are looking for uniquely designed environments that demand cleanliness, efficiency, and sustainability all at once. Finding the balance between these elements is increasingly challenging—but absolutely necessary.”

Elevate Your Restaurant Vision Today

Need help bringing these trends to life? Please schedule a consultation with TNI Group where visionary designs meet operational efficiency.

About the Author Robert Ancill; Robert is the CEO of TNI Group and Chairman of Heritage Restaurant Consultants. Robert possesses 35+ years of international restaurant design and restaurant consulting experience.

Email: info@thenextideagroup.com Text/Call: (747) 249-4320