Design and decoration of small gastronomic establishments

In the world of gastronomy, small restaurants have a charm that makes them unique. However, decorating small restaurants is not always a straightforward task, as they require a special approach to maximise their potential.

What will you learn in this article?

• Small restaurant design: tips and essentials
• Decorating trends for small restaurants
• Small café design
• Decorating small fast-food restaurants
• Ideas for decorating small restaurants: get inspired by Krion

Design of small restaurants: Tips and essentials 

Truly efficient interior design for small restaurants begins with an understanding of their structure and form. Whether square, rectangular or round, the space must comply with a number of basic details.

The counter or bar, as a key element of any restaurant, should be located in a way that optimises workflow and interaction with customers. And the furniture must be designed to offer maximum functionality without sacrificing on style. 

With the above aspects in mind, let's take a closer look at some of the interior design elements that will be of great use in restaurants with limited space. 

Spatial distribution

Distribution in a small restaurant is key. We need to keep in mind the shape of the premises in order to strategically locate the counter and service areas, maximising the available space.

To optimise layout and functionality, multifunctional furniture and modular designs can be an effective solution.

Design and distribution of spaces in a real cafeteria

In case you find it useful, we share a real example of a design we created for a cafeteria project in Panama. Take a look at the plans and the final result:

Front plan for cafeteria design

Rear plan for cafeteria design

When lines come to life:

In this type of project, one of the major challenges is to accommodate various requirements within a small floor area: customer service, product display, circulation, storage and a look that reinforces the business’s identity. This is where good design ceases to be merely decorative and becomes a strategic tool.

In a small café, the counter usually takes centre stage. It serves not only as a service point but also as an element that organises the space. It defines pathways, establishes visual hierarchies and can help separate functions without the need for partitions.

In addition to the floor plan, there is another resource that should be utilised to the full: the walls. In compact spaces, vertical surfaces offer enormous potential for both decoration and storage. Often, the solution lies not in adding more furniture, but in making better use of what we already have.

Walls allow you to introduce decorative elements that add character without taking up floor space. A textured finish, a graphic composition or a raised feature can reinforce the business’s identity and create a striking visual impact from the moment you walk in.

At the same time, they can also serve as a functional support for shelves, recesses, shelving units or small storage modules. This helps keep other areas of the premises clear and enhances the sense of order.

In a small café, making use of vertical space is particularly useful for:

• Freeing up floor space;
• Keeping circulation clear;
• Incorporating storage without cluttering the space;
• Displaying products or decorative elements thoughtfully.

When these decisions are integrated from the outset of the project, the result is much more natural. The space looks more balanced, more professional and better designed. And that has a direct impact on both operations and the customer experience.

Suitable furniture: Style and comfort in smaller spaces

When choosing furniture, more than its style, it is necessary to consider its functionality and how it fits into the space. Opt for light and small furniture to provide flexibility and visual spaciousness.

Strategic lighting: Creating ambience and highlighting spaces 

Well-planned lighting is essential. Make the most of natural light and use artificial light to create a warm and cosy atmosphere, while highlighting the interior design and decoration with integrated lighting in the bar and strategic areas. 

Using light colours to create a sense of space

When it comes to decorating small restaurants, colour is one of the most effective tools for transforming the perception of space. You don’t need to physically expand the premises to make them feel more open. Sometimes, the right choice of colour can achieve this effect immediately.

Light colours, such as off-white, beige, sand, soft grey or stone tones, reflect light better and create a visual impression of greater spaciousness. This is particularly useful in establishments with little natural light, low ceilings or a narrow layout.

However, working with light tones does not mean ending up with a cold or characterless space. The key is to create a bright and serene base, and then introduce nuances that add character. Striking lamps, textiles, dark woodwork or small splashes of colour can bring the whole space to life without overwhelming it.

To achieve a balanced effect, the following usually works well:

• Using light colours on walls and ceilings;
• Reserving intense shades for specific details;
• Maintaining a consistent palette throughout the premises;
• Combining the neutral base with warm materials.

Natural materials fit particularly well with this approach. Light wood, mineral finishes and organic textures help prevent the space from feeling overly flat. They bring a sense of warmth, comfort and a much more human character.

It is also worth remembering that the choice of colour must reflect the business’s identity. A speciality coffee shop, a casual restaurant or a fast-food concept do not project the same personality. The colour palette must complement the brand narrative and reinforce the experience we wish to convey.

Make use of empty spaces for storage

In a small restaurant, storage often becomes one of the biggest challenges. When not properly addressed, clutter quickly sets in: visible utensils, blocked walkways, an overcrowded bar and a general sense of improvisation that affects both internal operations and the venue’s image.

That’s why, rather than simply adding more furniture, it’s better to identify empty spaces that can be transformed into useful storage without taking up floor space. Often, the best solutions don’t take up any extra floor space, but instead make use of corners, heights and nooks that usually go unnoticed.

Walls are a key resource. With lightweight shelving, recesses, suspended units or well-integrated shelving, we can gain storage capacity without visually cluttering the space. Bench seating with internal storage, counters with hidden compartments or furniture fronts designed to store everyday items also work very well.

There are several areas that warrant particular attention:

• The front of the bar or counter;
• The space under benches and fixed seating;
• Recesses or corners between pillars;
• The upper part of the walls;
• The spaces under worktops and sideboards.

These solutions help keep the main areas of the restaurant uncluttered. And in a small venue, that makes a huge difference. The cleaner the space appears, the more comfortable and professional it feels.

Furthermore, integrating storage from the outset of the project allows it to become a natural part of the design. It doesn’t look like an afterthought. It doesn’t disrupt the aesthetics. On the contrary, it helps create a tidy and coherent image.

In the hospitality industry, tidiness isn’t just an internal matter. It also conveys a message. A customer may not notice every detail, but they do sense whether the space conveys harmony, control and care.

And all of that often starts with having a well-thought-out plan for where we store what we need.

Welcoming atmospheres and balanced design

One of the greatest attractions of a small restaurant is its ability to foster a sense of intimacy. But for it to become a pleasant experience, the atmosphere must be well balanced. Creating a welcoming atmosphere isn’t about filling the premises with decorative elements. Nor is it about following a trend without taking the actual space into account. What works best is creating an atmosphere where everything is in balance: materials, colour, lighting, circulation and acoustics.

In a small restaurant, every decision carries more weight. Too many textures, too many colours or too many objects compete with one another and create visual clutter. Conversely, when there is a clear hierarchy, the atmosphere feels more spacious and the customer notices it immediately.

To achieve that welcoming effect, it is advisable to rely on some basic principles:

• Maintain a consistent aesthetic;
• Combine warm materials with practical surfaces;
• Create specific focal points rather than over-decorating;
• Ensure the lighting suits each function;
• Pay attention to acoustic comfort and circulation.

Lighting is once again crucial here. A welcoming atmosphere requires layers of light. General lighting must be sufficient, but not intrusive. Spot lighting can enhance the intimacy at certain tables or highlight design features, such as a bar or a special cladding. The balance lies in creating atmosphere without sacrificing functionality.

Materials also play a significant role. Textured surfaces, natural tones and seamless finishes tend to create a warmer, more serene feel. And if these materials are also durable, hygienic and easy to maintain, the design gains long-term value.

We must not forget user comfort. A welcoming restaurant must also be comfortable for sitting, chatting and moving around. Customers need a degree of privacy, even if the venue is small. And the staff need to be able to work efficiently. When both these aspects are well addressed, the space truly comes into its own.

Decoration trends for small restaurants

Current trends in small restaurant decoration emphasise the creation of intimate and cosy spaces. The use of light, neutral colours helps to create a sense of spaciousness, while accents of colour can bring the space to life. 

Natural materials and organic textures are also popular for their ability to add warmth and character. In addition, local art and decorative elements can be very useful to personalise the space and connect with the community.

Design of small cafés

As in restaurants, it is essential to optimise space in small cafés. Efficient furniture layout, the selection of pieces that combine style and functionality, and well thought-out lighting are key to creating a welcoming ambience. 

It can also be very useful to introduce decorative elements such as Fitwall® cladding. In addition, just because a space is small doesn't mean you need to give up on brand identity, which can be reinforced by customising the space with Alluslate® panels.

Decoration of small fast food restaurants 

If you are faced with the challenge of decorating a very small fast food restaurant, you should keep in mind that efficiency and functionality are your two best friends. But this doesn't mean you should give up on aesthetics. 

The decoration should be based on lighter colours to visually enlarge the space, introducing white lights to obtain an effect of spaciousness. At the same time, energetic decorative details in bright colours can give the space a modern and fun touch that encourages action and movement.

When choosing materials, opt for alternatives such as Krion® LUX, whose versatility and mouldability allow you to design a space that facilitates the efficient flow of customers and employees alike. 

Decoration ideas for small restaurants: Get inspired by Krion

Krion has been offering innovative solutions for the decoration of small restaurants and cafés for years. Fitwall® and Alluslate® decorative panels, as well as Krion® solid surface are ideal for creating unique and attractive spaces that meet the unique needs of each restaurant. 

→ Here you can see how to apply Krion® in the catering industry.

If you face the task of decorating a small restaurant, we hope these tips will help you! Remember: a small space can be warm and welcoming if you choose the right colours, textures, lighting and furniture.