I’m guilty of selecting a wine based on the design of the label. I’m also guilty of selecting a restaurant based on its decor. One could argue this is research pertaining to my career. I designed labels for wine and liquor for years, and these days I draw a lot of my interior style inspiration from within restaurants I see while traveling and browsing through Pinterest. Restaurant design is a whole different beast than designing for a home. It’s all about setting the tone for not only the food, but the entire experience itself. This results in some forward-thinking and just plain outrageous design choices that feel totally at home when the concept is right. Maybe a certain restaurant calls for bright flamingo pink or to be made entirely out of concrete. Nothing is off limits. And when the designer gets it right, the space is just as impactful as the last bite of dessert at the end of an amazing meal. It leaves a feeling that stays with you.

The below restaurants from all over the globe have helped me to think outside the box when it comes to my design aesthetic and they’ve expanded my color palette for future interior endeavors. Do you have a dream restaurant that you would like to nominate for its interior splendor? We would love to hear about it so I can add it to my bucket list!

St. Cecilia Bistro in Atlanta, Georgia

This space brings all the comforts of home but takes it up a notch with towering ceilings and larger than life pendants. The combination of materials alone makes my heart flutter! Hardwood floors warm up a space that is otherwise very white. Black, metallic, and nude accents make this a picture perfect dining space for just about any occasion.

The Surf Club in Miami, Florida

Miami has its own design language that’s full of color, glitz, and glam that only works when it’s executed by someone who truly gets it (and is extremely talented)! The Surf Club gets it right. That bright green bar and lots of plants makes me want to take a little bit of Miami home with me. Add warm wood fans and towering hexagonal pendant lights and I’ll be parked at the bar for hours.

Sketch in London, England

I couldn’t do a restaurant interiors round up without including this pink beauty in London. If you’ve been on Pinterest or Instagram within the last year, you’ve seen Sketch’s gold and pink booths. If there’s one thing that this space says it’s “take a color and run with it!” That’s a design lesson all on its own.

L’Amico in New York City, New York

I’m a sucker for patterned tile and this restaurant floor is no exception. Walnut mid-century modern chairs and tables are the perfect accessories to a geometric backdrop. This is a great space for those of you looking to update your kitchen or dining room. It’s a modern spin on farmhouse rustic chic.

NOGLU in Paris, France

Marble, metallic, herringbone, oh my! There’s a lot going on in this space but it all works. The perforated metallic arch accent is unexpected. Pair that with a marble high top and shiny stools, and you’ve got a winner. Gotta love a space with personality.

Michel in Helsinki, Finland

I’m loving the cognac and sage green color combo in this one. It’s warm but still clean. The strong lines and light wood are strong and welcoming. Definitely a space I would brunch in!

COMMISSARY in Los Angeles, California

Commissary at The LINE hotel in L.A. is such a dream to dine in. Surrounded by wood and plants, you totally forget you are in the heart of DTLA.

SHUGAA in Bankok, Thailand

Another beautiful rosy pink space. Wood, sea foam, and coral are perfect accents that make this space light and fun. And who can resist a spiral staircase with a bear sculpture sitting in front of it?!

Flora Danica in Paris, France

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that sage green is having a moment. These velvet green booths are complemented by huge grey pendant lights that I might need to get for my house! Mirrored walls make the space seem larger and marbled green chairs add interest.

Paradiso in Geneva, Switzerland

That speckled floor is to die for! And how many restaurant interiors do you see with a black fluted bar like that? Simple black stools keep this space sleek. A fabulous pendant light draws your eyes up.

Le Très Particulier in Paris, France

This space is not for the faint of heart. Scarlett velvet swivel chairs make this restaurant feel luxe. Mirrored tables add to the richness, while plants and huge open windows bring it back down to earth. I’ve just been given yet another reason to get a piece of velvet furniture in my home ASAP.

No. 19 in Melbourne, Australia

A minimalist’s dream restaurant interior! All wood and white are a fresh approach to a space that could easily feel stuffy. The concrete bar makes this space super modern while gold and teal add personality.

Italy in Søborg, Denmark

This Italian restaurant in Denmark has a definite Scandinavian vibe. Cream fluted walls make for a show stopping eye catcher. The combination of white and off-white is a match made in heaven. Jewel-toned blue both and chairs make this space extra special.

Gracias Madre in Los Angeles, California

Last but certainly not least, another patterned tile I absolutely cannot resist. A white bar makes this black and white patterned accent the star. Neutral accents let it shine.

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