Painting Trends Creating Tasty Spaces in Food & Beverage

Have you noticed the explosion of color in restaurants and bars lately? Gone are the days of stark white walls and minimal décor. The latest painting trends in the food and beverage industry are all about creating spaces that whet your appetite and dazzle your senses. Bright colors, geometric patterns, and nature-inspired murals are being splashed across walls to craft Instagram-worthy spaces.

As a restaurant or bar owner, you know the importance of ambiance. The environment you create is just as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks you serve. With competition fiercer than ever, you have to find ways to stand out and give people a reason to choose your spot. Using strategic paint techniques and the latest color trends is an easy way to make a memorable first impression.

The next time you go out for a bite or a cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the artwork. Those pops of color and artistic touches were designed specifically to enhance your enjoyment and encourage you to stay a while. Painting is no longer just for the canvas – it’s for crafting appetizing spaces that feed all of your senses.

The Power of Color and Lighting in Restaurant Design

The colors and lighting you choose for your restaurant design have a huge impact on the overall dining experience and how appetizing the space appears. Using warm, vibrant colors like reds, oranges and yellows evoke feelings of warmth and appetite. These stimulating shades have been shown to actually increase metabolism and make people hungry.

Cooler colors like blues and greens, on the other hand, are more relaxing and calming. While great for a casual cafe, they aren’t ideal for a lively bistro or upscale dining room. Regardless of the color palette you select, having adequate lighting that illuminates the space and food is key.

Dim lighting may seem intimate but it makes it hard for guests to see and enjoy their meals. Spotlights, pendant lights, recessed lighting and decorative fixtures all do the trick. They provide ambient light for navigating the space as well as task lighting for reading menus and seeing what’s on the plate.

Natural light

If possible, incorporate natural light from windows and skylights. Not only does it enhance the ambiance, it’s energy efficient and provides the best illumination for appreciating the presentation of dishes. Place seating near windows to maximize the experience.

At the end of the day, the colors, lighting and ambiance you cultivate should reflect your cuisine and set the right mood. A vibrant Peruvian restaurant calls for a different vibe than a minimalist sushi bar. Finding the right balance of stimulation and calm, warmth and coolness, is the recipe for a space where people can fully savor the flavors.

Using Paint to Set the Mood in Bars and Cafes

When you walk into a trendy bar or cafe, the first thing you notice is the ambiance. The colors, lighting, and decor all work together to create a mood that invites you in and makes you want to stay awhile. As an entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, using paint is an easy, affordable way to set the perfect tone for your space.

Vibrant accent walls in citrus hues like tangerine or lemon yellow spark energy and appetite appeal. Pair them with neutral walls in warm, creamy shades for balance. For a retro diner vibe, nothing beats bubblegum pink. In lounges, moody blues or forest greens cocoon guests in an intimate escape.

Don’t overlook the power of neutrals. Tan, beige or light brown walls provide a blank canvas for patterned tiles, wood accents and greenery. They also make small spaces appear more open and airy. For industrial flair, gunmetal gray is a bold yet versatile choice.

Consider a focal point wall in a complementary color for extra drama. A rich merlot red wall behind the bar, for example, spotlights cocktails and provides a sumptuous backdrop for shelving. An ultramarine blue wall with a constellation of gold dots draws eyes to the menu board or front counter.

When deciding on a color scheme, think about the type of cuisine and overall menu. Warm, earthy tones pair well with comfort food, while jewel-toned walls accentuate gourmet dishes. The lighting, seating, and any decorative accessories should also coordinate with your paint selections for a cohesive, appetite-inducing result.

With some experimentation, you’ll discover shades that reflect your brand’s unique personality and transform your space into a feast for the senses. After all, we taste first with our eyes!

Textured and Patterned Walls for Visual Interest

Textured and patterned wall treatments are a delicious way to create visual interest in food and beverage spaces. Wallpaper, wood panels, stone and brick veneers, as well as stucco and plaster textures stimulate the senses and enhance the overall experience.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper featuring food, beverage or nature-inspired prints, patterns and textures is an appetizing choice. Fruit, vegetable, herb and botanical prints, as well as wood grain, stone and metal patterns cultivate a fitting ambiance. Removable wallpaper allows operators to frequently change the look and feel.

Wood Panels

Wood panels, planks and boards generate warmth. Distressed, reclaimed and rustic wood evoke a homey, craft feel, while sleeker options offer a more upscale vibe. Wood pairs well with industrial and farmhouse styles. Operators can arrange the panels in creative patterns for added flair.

Stone and Brick

The ruggedness of stone, brick and tile creates a timeless look. Natural stone like slate and travertine brings the outdoors in. Brick veneer achieves an urban warehouse esthetic. Stacked stone and tile make a textural statement. These materials work for a range of spaces from coffee shops to steakhouses.

Stucco and Plaster

Stucco, plaster and concrete finishes provide subtle texture and depth. Troweled, swirled or brushed applications in neutral, earthy hues give the walls dimension. These textured treatments suit Mediterranean, Southwestern and rustic-chic interiors. They create a casual vibe perfect for casual cafes, taquerias and wine bars.

Using tactile and patterned walls in conjunction with appetizing aromas, tasty cocktails and delicious dishes makes for a fully immersive dining experience that engages all the senses. Customers will find these textural details delectable!

Neutral Backdrops Let the Food Shine

Neutral backdrops are an ideal way to make the food and drinks the star of the show. Plain walls in shades of gray, white or beige prevent busy patterns from distracting guests and allow the vibrant colors of meals and cocktails to pop.

Minimalist Murals

Large scale murals in muted tones can make a dramatic statement without overpowering the space. Abstract designs, geometric shapes or soft watercolor washes in pale grays, tans and creams create an airy, open feel. The lack of bright colors or clearly defined images allows people to interpret the art in their own way.

Wood You Like

The natural warmth of wood is always inviting in eateries and bars. Distressed or reclaimed wood boards, panels and beams add rustic charm. Pale stains keep the wood light enough to highlight cuisine and drinks. For a touch of the outdoors, incorporate wooden planters, trellises or pergolas.

Concrete Ideas

The industrial look of polished concrete floors and walls is a perfect unobtrusive canvas for any food and beverage establishment. Concrete's cool gray color and smooth texture plays well with metal accents like stainless steel table bases, pendant lights or bar stools. Stamped or stained concrete can introduce subtle pattern and depth.

All Neutral Everything

For ultra-simplicity, an all-neutral palette using shades of white, gray, tan and cream ensures the spotlight stays on the eats and libations. Varied textures like stone, brick, wood and metal in a neutral color scheme give depth and visual interest. All-neutral spaces have a calming, spa-like vibe that encourages patrons to slow down and savor the experience.

Keeping the backdrop neutral and minimal allows the vibrant colors, enticing aromas and delicious flavors of the fare to shine through as the stars of the space. Guests will leave with a memorable experience centered around the tastes and presentation of the cuisine—not the loud surroundings competing for their attention.

Vintage Chic With Distressed Finishes

Vintage chic with distressed finishes are popular painting trends creating tasty spaces in restaurants and bars. The worn, rustic look of distressed paint creates a cozy vibe perfect for socializing over shared plates and craft cocktails.

Weathered Wood

Exposed wood planks and beams are stained or painted to look aged and worn. The natural wood grain shows through, creating visual depth and texture. Bars often use reclaimed wood from old barns, warehouses or boxcars for an authentic look.

• Whitewash or pale gray paint helps open up dark, intimate spaces. The light, airy feel is perfect for daytime cafes or brunch spots.
• Dark walnut or espresso stains create a moodier vibe for bars, pubs or steakhouses. The rich, dramatic coloring pairs well with leather, metal and mood lighting.

Chipped and Faded

Layers of chipped and faded paint create a timeworn patina. Vintage signs, tin ceilings, and brick walls are popular distressed surfaces.

• Pale turquoise, seafoam green and peach were popular mid-century colors. Faded versions create retro nostalgia, ideal for diners, bakeries and ice cream shops.
• Exposed brick is sandblasted or washed to expose the texture underneath, then sealed to prevent crumbling. The rustic, industrial look suits urban eateries, brewpubs and wine bars.
• Tin ceiling tiles, enamel signs and vintage equipment like meat grinders or stovetops are given new life with distressed paint. Chips, scratches and rust spots tell a story, giving spaces personality and visual interest.

Vintage chic and distressed finishes will continue to be popular painting trends, creating appetizing environments where people can connect over shared experiences with food and drink. The imperfect, lived-in quality makes guests feel at ease and transports them to another era. Combined with reclaimed materials, vintage pieces and mood lighting, the overall effect is charming and evocative.

Murals and Graphics to Tell a Story

Murals and graphics are an easy way to share the story behind your food and beverage business. They visually engage customers and create an experience that keeps them coming back.

Choose a Theme

Select a theme that reflects your brand and cuisine. For a coffee shop, consider illustrations of beans, cups or steaming mugs of coffee. A brewery may feature hops, barrels or glasses of craft beer. Ethnic restaurants can highlight cultural symbols, native plants or cooking tools. Keep the theme cohesive but don’t overcrowd the space.

Hire an Artist

Work with a local artist or muralist to design and paint your wall art. Provide photos of your food, logo and interior for inspiration. Offer input but give the artist creative freedom. Custom, hand-painted murals will make the biggest impact. For a more budget-friendly option, consider pre-made wall decals that still reflect your theme.

Strategic Placement

Place murals and graphics in high-visibility areas like behind the bar, above booths or on accent walls. For the biggest wow factor, consider painting a statement wall that greets customers when they walk in. Frame the art with decorative trim or lighting for extra emphasis.

Change it Up

Update or rotate your murals and wall art every few years to stay on trend and give customers something new to experience. You can modify or expand an existing theme or go in an entirely new direction. Freshening up your décor will make repeat customers feel like they’re visiting for the first time.

Murals and graphics are an interactive way to share your story with customers in a creative, memorable fashion. Strategically designed wall art that reflects your brand’s theme will turn your space into a food and beverage experience that dazzles the senses. Changing up the art from time to time will keep your customers hungry for more.

Eco-Friendly Paints for Sustainability

Eco-friendly paints are becoming increasingly popular in the food and beverage industry. By choosing sustainable options, you can create an appetizing space that’s also better for the environment.

Low or Zero VOC Paints

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals found in many conventional paints that are released as gasses from the paint. Low or zero VOC paints contain little to no VOCs, producing less indoor air pollution and toxic off-gassing. These eco-friendly paints are now available in a variety of sheens like eggshell or satin to suit your needs.

Natural or Organic Paints

For the most sustainable option, choose paints made from natural, organic ingredients. These plant-based paints are non-toxic, chemical-free and renewable. Popular options include milk paint, clay paint and chalk paint. Aside from the environmental benefits, these natural paints provide beautiful matte finishes and an old-world charm. However, they may require a primer and protective topcoat for use in high-traffic, food-safe areas.

Recyclable Paints

Some paint companies now offer paints packaged in recyclable containers, usually steel or cardboard. Once you’ve finished painting, simply take the empty cans to a paint recycling center. Some even offer free pick-up services. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing waste and keeping paint out of landfills.

By choosing sustainable, eco-friendly paint options for your food and beverage business, you can create a space that’s as appetizing to the environment as it is to your customers. An added bonus—many of these natural and low-VOC paints also provide better indoor air quality, which is sure to enhance your guests’ experience. When it comes to paint, think green and your customers will keep coming back for more.

Painting for Hygiene in Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens require frequent, thorough cleaning and sanitation to meet health code standards and ensure food safety. The materials used in these high-traffic, high-demand environments must be durable and easy to clean. When it comes to painting commercial kitchen walls and ceilings, there are a few factors to consider:

Washable and Scrubbable

Use paints that can stand up to harsh chemicals and frequent cleaning. Washable latex or enamel paints are good options. Scrubbable paints have a more durable finish and can handle abrasive sponges and cleaners. Stay away from flat paints which can’t be cleaned effectively.

Mold and Mildew Resistant

The heat, steam and humidity in commercial kitchens promote the growth of mold and mildew. Use paints that contain mold inhibitors and mildewcides to prevent unwanted growth on your walls and ceilings. Mold-resistant primers can also help.

Stain-Resistant

Grease splatter, food splashes and drips are inevitable in a working kitchen. Stain-resistant paints protect against staining and make any stains that do occur easier to wipe away. Oil-based paints offer the best stain resistance. For latex paint, look for formulas containing stain blockers.

High Gloss

Glossy paints are nonporous, easy to clean and stain-resistant. High-gloss paint creates an impermeable seal that wipes down easily. Semi-gloss paint also works well for kitchens and is slightly less slippery than high gloss. Eggshell or satin sheens are too porous for commercial kitchens.

Epoxy Paint

For the most demanding kitchen conditions, consider epoxy paint. It creates an ultra-durable plastic coating that is chemical-resistant, nonporous and high-gloss. Epoxy paint prevents stains, is easy to sterilize and lasts for many years. It does have strong fumes, so proper ventilation is important.

By choosing the right kind of paint for your commercial kitchen, you’ll end up with walls and ceilings that meet health code requirements, reduce maintenance, and keep your kitchen looking clean and professional. The small upfront investment in quality paint will save you time, money and hassle in the long run.

FAQ on Painting Trends in Food and Beverage Spaces

What colors are popular for restaurants and bars?

• Warm, appetizing shades of red, orange and yellow that stimulate the appetite are always a favorite. Think sunsets, spices and citrus.

What about calming colors?

• For a more relaxing vibe, shades of blue, green and gray are ideal. These natural, earthy tones create a peaceful ambiance perfect for casual dining or upscale establishments.

Should I use accent walls?

• Accent walls in bold or bright colors are an easy way to make a statement. An accent wall behind the bar, in the dining room or entryway attracts attention and highlights a focal point in the space. Use a complementary shade for the other walls.

How can I make the space feel cozy?

• Use dim, ambient lighting and incorporate textures with wood, brick, stone or fabric. Upholstered seating, drapes, tablecloths and rugs also help absorb sound and create a cozy feel.

What kind of lighting works best?

• For restaurants, use dimmable pendant lights or recessed lighting over tables and the bar. Accent sconces or string lights also help create ambiance. For bars, spotlights and colored LED strip lights create visual interest.

Should I consider flooring?

• Durability and easy maintenance are most important for commercial spaces. Wood, tile, stone and commercial vinyl or linoleum can handle high traffic and spills. Carpet is not ideal but can work in separate dining rooms.

What are some decorating tips?

• Include art, especially pieces with food, drink or nature themes. Live plants, baskets, candles and table settings also help complete the look. For bars, shelves displaying alcohol bottles, mirrors and metal accents are popular.

How often should I re-paint?

• For heavy commercial use, re-painting every 3 to 5 years is recommended. Touch up scuffs and stains as needed in between. Re-painting, even using the same color, freshens up the space and makes it look clean and inviting.

Does the style of cuisine matter?

• The decor should reflect the style of food. Upscale, fine dining calls for a sleek, contemporary look. Casual, comfort food works well with a homey, rustic feel. Ethnic cuisines like Italian or Mexican are complemented by rich, vibrant colors and cultural decor. Matching the ambiance to the menu creates a cohesive experience for guests.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, some of the hottest painting trends that are sure to whet your appetite and inspire your taste buds. Whether you're looking to give your restaurant, bar or cafe a fresh facelift or planning a remodel to attract more customers, incorporating appetizing colors and clever designs is a recipe for success. With options ranging from lush jewel tones to rustic wood accents, you really can't go wrong. The next time you walk into an establishment with an inviting atmosphere that makes your mouth water, take a look around—chances are they're using at least one of these drool-worthy painting techniques. Satisfy your craving for style and leave your customers hungry for more.