The word from interior designers who see a lot of different restaurant designs come and go over the years is that those dark – and somewhat morbid – colour schemes known as industrial chic are going out in favour of the light and bright. Who wants to sit in a dark cave to eat anyway? Here are 8 more hot trends in restaurant design that will delight and inspire you.

• Let there be light. Lighting that does its job is more in favour these days. It is brighter while still giving an intimate feel to the setting.
• Adding to the light and bright look are the pastel colours that have now gained favour for restaurant design and decor. These offer a light and airy feel that everyone enjoys.
• Sustainability can be seen in every area of the latest interior designs for restaurant, from the use of natural materials for the furnishings, walls, ceilings and furniture. Marble, stone and timber elements are incorporated into decorative elements as well as the essentials such as floor and walls.
• Handmade artisan tiles from the local area are now emerging from the amenities rooms to decorate splash backs on bars and perform new work as table and bench tops.