What We Can Learn from ’80s Restaurant Design

This post has been a long time coming! ’80s restaurant design is the perfect arena for learning about design and decor trends from the Decade of Decadence. Why? Because commercial spaces were often far more over the top than residential interiors. And let’s just say that with a growing foodie culture in the 1980s, the designers of these spaces took interior decor to new heights. Today I’m sharing a collection of favorite ’80s-tastic restaurants, grouped by the design trends they showcase. Happy New Year, and enjoy!!!

Above: Absolutely Gloria’s in Cherry Hill, New Jersey [Photo by Russell Abraham, from Dining by Design: Interior Design’s Handbook of Dining and Restaurant Facilities, 1984]

Embrace the Power of Accent Walls

There’s nothing like the punch packed by a bold accent wall. Try creating an intriguing dining area or seating area by painting the wall behind it a striking color. Bonus points if you pick a color like teal or red.

Below: Mama Mia! Pasta in Chicago, Illinois [Image from Restaurant Design: Ninety-Five Spaces That Work, 1987]

Next Up: Doubles in New York, New York [Photo by Jaime Ardiles-Arce, from Dining by Design: Interior Design’s Handbook of Dining and Restaurant Facilities, 1984]

Check this out: Girard’s in Baltimore, Maryland [Photo by Jaime Ardiles-Arce, from Dining by Design: Interior Design’s Handbook of Dining and Restaurant Facilities, 1984]

Use Decorative Painting to Your Advantage

This strategy works for walls, bookshelves, and even furniture! Painting different features in eye-catching colors (and adding pattern and geometric forms to other surfaces) can make a BIG impact. Whether you opt for a cloud mural or an abstract design that calls attention to bold hues and shapes, the results can be dreamy and surreal.

Below: City Spirit Cafe in Denver, Colorado [Photo by David Naylor, from Restaurant Design: Ninety-Five Spaces That Work, 1987]

Next up: Park Plaza Cafe in El Segundo, California [Photo by Roland Bishop, from Restaurant Design: Ninety-Five Spaces That Work, 1987]

Check this out: The Grand Cafe in New York, New York [Photo by Louis Reens, from Dining by Design: Interior Design’s Handbook of Dining and Restaurant Facilities, 1984]

Bring on the Plants

You just can’t go wrong with interesting plants. Interesting doesn’t mean “hard to care for”. Even lower-light, low-maintenance solutions like pothos and snake plant can make a modern statement. Don’t forget the beauty of Deco vases filled with tall blooms, such as gladiola!

Below: an Arby’s prototype (seriously!) in Louisville, Kentucky [Image from Restaurant Design: Ninety-Five Spaces That Work, 1987]

Next up: Bubbles in Balboa, California [Photo by Milroy/McAleer, from Restaurant Design: Ninety-Five Spaces That Work, 1987]

Check this out: Le Rendez-vous in Chicago, Illinois [Photo by Idaka, from Dining by Design: Interior Design’s Handbook of Dining and Restaurant Facilities, 1984]

Other fun trends spotted in the photos above:

• spherical vases
• interesting color combinations (such as peach and blue)
• pedestals for displaying vases and other decor
• seating with sleek silhouettes
• wall sconces
• cloth banners suspended from the ceiling
• curtains surrounding the dining table

Happy New Year and happy decorating! XOXO, Kate