Major Shifts in F&B Interior Design: 5 Key Changes Restaurant Owners Must Know in 2025

The food and beverage (F&B) interior design industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by new regulations, evolving technologies, and shifting customer preferences. For restaurant and café owners, staying updated on these trends is more than just keeping up—it’s a strategic move to thrive in a highly competitive market.

From stricter hygiene standards to the rising demand for flexible spaces, here are five major changes in restaurant interior design you need to watch in 2025.

1. New Government Regulations in F&B Interior Design

   
   

   

   Modern F&B interior design adapts to new government regulations, showcasing enhanced natural elements and spacious layouts in a stylish atrium setting.

   
   

One of the biggest changes affecting F&B design in 2025 is the implementation of stricter hygiene and safety standards, especially in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets.

Key Design Impacts:

• Antibacterial and hygienic materials: Restaurants are switching to surfaces like stainless steel, antimicrobial countertops, and easy-to-clean finishes to reduce contamination risks.

• Advanced air circulation systems: Post-pandemic, ventilation and air purification systems are a top priority to maintain healthy indoor air quality.

• Ergonomic kitchen layouts: More restaurants are adopting efficient, food-safe kitchen designs that support hygiene compliance and operational flow.

By aligning with these new regulations, restaurants can build customer trust and ensure long-term safety and success.

2. Shifting Customer Preferences: Comfort Meets Instagrammable Design

   
   

   

   A stunning rooftop dining setup with panoramic city views perfectly combines comfort and Instagrammable appeal, reflecting the evolution of customer preferences in the hospitality industry.

   
   

Modern diners—especially Millennials and Gen Z—expect more than just good food. They’re drawn to comfortable, aesthetically pleasing interiors that double as social media backdrops.

Top Interior Preferences in 2025:

• Open kitchens and live cooking stations: Transparency is key—customers love watching how their meals are made.

• Outdoor dining and rooftop seating: Post-COVID, open-air dining spaces are in high demand for their relaxing, safe vibe.

• Minimalist designs with natural elements: Think wood textures, stone accents, and lush greenery—these timeless elements add warmth and visual appeal.

Creating an Instagram-worthy restaurant interior boosts organic promotion, enhances branding, and increases foot traffic.

3. Digital Technology Integration in Restaurant Interiors

   
   

   

   A stunning display of digital projection technology illuminates a building's facade, showcasing how modern digital techniques can transform restaurant interiors with vibrant visuals.

   
   

Technology is no longer just for back-of-house operations. In 2025, it's becoming a central element of modern restaurant interior design, enhancing both functionality and customer experience.

Digital Enhancements to Watch:

• QR code menus and self-ordering kiosks: These touchless features reduce wait times and improve operational flow.

• Interactive walls and projection mapping: Restaurants are using immersive visuals to tell stories about their dishes or brand identity.

• Smart lighting and audio systems: These allow mood customization based on time of day or special events.

The integration of digital interior tech elevates the dining experience while streamlining operations.

4. Rise of Co-Dining Concepts and Flexible Space Design

   
   

   

   Co-dining experience comes to life in a bustling restaurant, where flexible space design encourages social interaction and shared culinary enjoyment.

   
   

With urban space becoming more limited, restaurants are rethinking how to maximise utility through modular and multifunctional interior layouts.

Flexible Design Features for 2025:

• Co-dining tables: Shared seating fosters a more social and interactive dining atmosphere, popular among younger crowds.

• Transformable spaces: Dining areas that double as event spaces or meeting rooms are becoming a staple for multifunctional F&B outlets.

• Modular furniture: Stackable chairs, foldable tables, and movable partitions make it easy to adapt layouts on the fly.

These flexible design strategies improve spatial efficiency and open doors for revenue diversification.

5. Sustainable Interior Design Practices in F&B

   
   

   

   Outdoor dining space showcasing sustainable design with rustic wooden furniture, natural greenery, and eco-friendly decor elements.

   
   

Environmental awareness is on the rise, and restaurants are responding by incorporating eco-conscious materials and practices into their interiors.

Key Sustainability Strategies:

• Recycled and renewable materials: Use of reclaimed wood, bamboo, and natural stone is growing rapidly.

• Low-waste dining tools: Many establishments are switching to biodegradable or reusable cutlery and packaging.

• Energy-saving systems: LED lighting, motion sensors, and natural daylight optimization help reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.

Sustainable design isn’t just good for the planet—it also attracts environmentally conscious customers and boosts brand reputation.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Restaurant Ready for the Future?

The F&B interior design landscape is shifting fast. To stay competitive and future-proof your business, restaurant and café owners must:

• Comply with the latest health and safety regulations

• Create spaces that are both visually captivating and comfortable

• Embrace technology-driven experiences

• Invest in flexible, multi-use layouts

• Commit to sustainable interior solutions

  
  

By adapting to these interior design trends in 2025, your restaurant will not only appeal to today’s discerning customers but also operate more efficiently and sustainably in the years to come.

Is your restaurant ready to evolve with these interior design trends?