What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a café or restaurant?
Is it the statement lighting? The plush booth seating? Maybe the open kitchen, buzzing with energy?
Those big-ticket items grab your attention—and they should! They set the tone, create atmosphere, and shape your first impression.
But here’s an interior designer’s secret: it’s the small details, the ones you don’t immediately notice, that tie everything together and make a space truly memorable.
Something subtle about the entry. The way texture can make a space feel cosy. The realisation that even the bathrooms hold true to the brand. They say the devil’s in the details—and in hospitality design, these five small details have the power to turn your venue from good to unforgettable.
1. The entrance way - because first impressions start before guests step inside
The job of an entrance is to invite guests to venture inside. Consider my most recent project, Pastarita: a Halal-friendly Italian restaurant found in Auckland’s Westfield Newmarket.
We designed the entrance to feel warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Italian. You may notice the grand elements - the barstool seating, the neon sign, and the patterned tiles below the bench - but what I really love are the subtler details.
The striped awning is a nod to classic Italian street cafés, while seating that spills beyond the entrance blurs the lines between inside and out—transporting diners from a shopping mall in Auckland to the lively streets of Venice.
2. Layered textures: the secret to a cosy yet high-end feel
Texture is one of the most underrated tools in commercial interior design. Sure, colour and layout catch your eye, but layering materials creates warmth, depth, and an immersive experience.
It is all about texture at Pastarita: rich timber panelling, softly upholstered seating, hand-painted graphics, and glossy ceramic tiles. They all work together to create a visually dynamic, sensory-rich space.
(The proof is in the pudding! Our design of Pastarita won the RED Awards for Colour + Texture!)
3. Small decorative elements tell a story
Thoughtfully chosen decorative details can reinforce your restaurant’s concept, create a sense of authenticity, and connect guests to the overall experience. In Pastarita, hanging wooden spoons and dried herbs reflect its Italian heritage.
Or look at Kokodak in Westfield Newmarket, where I reinforced the bold and quirky neon signage with the small playful detail of blue grout.
4. Repurposed materials add character and sustainability
On my trip to Bali last year, I was struck by how effortlessly sustainability is woven into design—from upcycled timber furniture in boutique cafés to decorative tiles salvaged from older buildings. There’s a seamless blend of old and new that adds richness to a space. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact—both visually and environmentally.
5. Bathrooms: the most overlooked yet most talked-about space
Have you ever visited a restaurant bathroom and immediately had to comment on it to your fellow diner? What stood out to you?
I love a bathroom with quirky toilet paper holders, art that feels more MoMA than motel, and actually nice-smelling soap! Basically, anything that helps turn this functional, utilitarian space into an extension of the dining experience.
Take a look at the bold bathroom we designed for Papparich in Christchurch. Through the deep green tiled walls, elegant gold finishes, and stunning tropical artwork, the restaurant’s tranquil ambiance flows seamlessly into the space.
A well-designed bathroom can be a surprising highlight—something guests remember long after their meal.
‘But I want my guests to walk out talking about the food, not the toilets!’
I hear you: the bathroom doesn’t have to steal the show, but even simple bathroom design needs to be deliberate because guests can always tell when the toilets are an afterthought!
Planning a retail or hospitality project in 2025?
Great hospitality design isn’t just about statement pieces—it’s about the subtle yet intentional touches that shape the entire experience. From a striking entrance way to the smallest decorative element, every detail reinforces your brand and leaves a lasting impression.
Looking for an interior designer to partner with on your next hospitality or retail adventure? Let’s talk. I’d love to help you bring your space to life—down to the very last detail.
Get in touch and let’s create something unforgettable.
Bridget x