8 Design Ideas We’re Stealing From the Coolest Restaurants
Home design inspiration can come from all sorts of places, including websites and magazines (obvs), television shows, hotels, and Airbnbs. But did you ever think about scouting out design ideas from your favorite restaurants? If not, you should! These days, incredible thought goes into every part of restaurant design, and the best part of looking at eateries with this new eye is that the ideas go well beyond just the kitchen and dining room. From creative wall decorations to powder room pizzazz, restaurants are chock-full of appealing ideas you can use in your home. We’ve found several smart strategies to pique your appetite.
Draw on the Walls
Or let a professional do it! Either way, a simple, abstract mural like this one at Theodora in Brooklyn, New York adds loads of charm. While we’re here, that narrow plant shelf across the windows is goals—an easy way to add more surface area in your home for plants.
Go Big in a Small Powder Room
Half-baths practically beg for over-the-top decor. This one at Petula’s in Boston features an ornate mirror, beveled marble, and hand-applied Roman clay on the walls. You can skip the messy crafternoon and just go with a rich limewash. Mix in luxe gold and vibey flowers.
Hang Multiple Mirrors
We all know that one mirror can make a room seem bigger. To amplify the effect, get two or three (or four!), like they did at Libertine in New York City. Not only will the mirrors bounce around light, but they’re also an easy design shortcut. Find one you like and you’re done!
Embrace the Dark Side
Add drama to any space by painting the walls (including the trim) in a moody monochrome like at The Independent, located in The George Hotel in Georgetown, South Carolina. Then contrast it with light-colored furniture and accent pieces.
Sneak in a Little Art
Gallery walls and gigantic prints certainly have their place. The rest of the time, a tiny piece here and there—in an interesting frame—really hits the spot, like here at Pendolino in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Try this trick under a sconce, in a cozy nook, or above a plant. Also, a reminder: café curtains are both easy-going and chic.
Add Some Island Flair
Got a kitchen island in need of a zhuzh? Take a cue from this beautiful bar at Sawa in Brooklyn, New York and cover the side with cool tiles, which tend to be easier to clean than, say, a painted surface. See ya, scuff marks. We also love the painted exposed brick at this Lebanese restaurant.
Max Out on Marble
Stone with dramatic veining is super on-trend, as seen here at One White Street in New York City. For a similar look without a full reno, consider peel-and-stick paper, or swap in a big, marble-topped dining table. Even serving apps on a well-veined marble cheeseboard can bring the look home. Mix the stone with warm wood for a cozy Scandi vibe.
Be Extra with the Foliage
This show-stopping space at Leo’s Oyster Bar in San Francisco, designed by Ken Fulk, proves that more is more, because nobody power-clashes like Mother Nature. For the same feels at home, start with a leaf-print wallpaper, then add potted plants throughout the room. Layering on mirrors adds texture to the look without distracting from the greenery.
link