From a resurgence in retro-inspired design to secret menus, these are the top trends that will define restaurants and bars this year, straight from the industry experts who know best.
“While the concept of retro design isn’t new, it’s undergoing a fresh transformation. The contemporary adaptation of retro materials, such as glass block, darker wood tones, and mirrored walls, is experiencing a captivating resurgence. This modern approach is granting the public the freedom to embrace old-school materials that have been out of the spotlight for some time. Retro design is no longer confined to the aesthetics of the 1970s.” —Dala Al-Fuwaires, owner + principal designer, House of Form
RELATED: Retro Design Takes Hold in Restaurants and Bars
“I see ownership groups collaborating with smaller, more local establishments for on-property pop-up opportunities. You’re seeing it in airlines now, and it’s natural for these offerings to transition to hotels. It’s a great way to keep guests on property, while still getting [the feel of] the locale.” —Dan Mazzarini, principal + creative director, BHDM Design
“More restaurants are adopting open kitchens allowing the diners to witness the culinary process. It creates an engaging and dynamic atmosphere.” —Gulla Jónsdóttir, owner + principal, Atelier Gulla Jónsdóttir
“Culture seekers are driving the global tourism economy, and this means that food and art are becoming much more important to the hotels that these travelers are selecting for their stay. As a result of this growing importance placed on foodie travel, hotel restaurants are becoming bolder and more curated in their design. We will see that same connection to the outdoors, farm-to-table concepts, biodynamic farming features, biophilia, and bold uses of color and art to create a memorable environment to connect with the food and culture where these hotels are located.” —Larry Traxler, senior vice president of global design, Hilton Hotels & Resorts
“Off-menu offerings, like a well-kept secret known only to those familiar to the restaurant staff, is a practice that seems to be growing. This adds an air of mystery and excitement for regular patrons while encouraging a sense of discovery for newcomers, turning every restaurant visit into an exciting exploration.” —Ed Ng, founder, AB Concept
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5 Hotel Design Trends for 2024, According to Designers
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