According to a 2023 survey, diners are willing to spend an extra $39 for a “photogenic restaurant.” For restaurant owners, that means a renewed focus on how “instagrammable” their spaces are. For architects and interior designers, it means coming up with bigger and bolder restaurant design concepts for their clients.
From Blueprint to Buzz in Boston: Restaurant Design Concepts Based on Bean Town’s Instagrammable Spaces
Like its sophisticated neighbor, New York, and gritty cousin Philadelphia, Boston has become a destination for dining. Katelyn Umholtz of The Dish, an ongoing and appropriately named guide created by Boston.com, reports that “Restaurants are packed! These days, you have to make a reservation weeks in advance,” highlighting new and inventive hot spots from “global pop-ups” to “Portuguese fine dining.”
These spots are not only known for their food, but their creative spaces, that more or less, end up being featured on patron Instagrams. Designers nowadays not only need to present standout concepts, but also consider the features that will ultimately make a space “instagrammable.” Based on the best places in Boston, here is a selection of restaurant decor ideas – and the key focal “gram-worthy” points that really make them pop.
1. Biophilic Design: Terra Boston
Sustainability has impacted nearly every industry, and food and beverage is no exception. Restaurants are integrating green space and plant life into their layouts at an increasing rate, using what is now referred to as Biophilic design. From quality air improvement to noise reduction, the benefits of green spaces at restaurants can expand to something as complex as the use of hydroponic gardens on-site, providing the kitchen with access to fresh produce. Terra Boston, a part of Eataly Boston in the Seaport district, is one of the best examples.
“Escape the Cold with Hearty Italian Dishes and Seasonal Craft Cocktails at This Winter Oasis” Image Source: Boston Magazine
Designed by Studios Architecture, the space uses “rustic” wooden tables and chairs from Italian firm Costagroup to create an intentionally ‘mismatched’ and homey look. As they eat, guests enjoy the earthy ambiance from the hanging plants and natural lighting, thanks to the restaurant’s glass ceiling. The intention is to make guests feel as if they’re in a natural environment, and can be replicated by prioritizing green space, sunlight, and any natural patterns and shapes. Colors should reflect nature, with warm browns and tans paired with greens, blues, and greys, and when possible, different types of wood should be used for furniture.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The plants hanging above the guests creates an awesome focal point for photos – as long as they look up!
2. Traditional Federal/Greek Revival: Union Oyster House
Union Oyster House in downtown Boston, the oldest restaurant in the United States, isn’t just a place to get oysters – it’s a historic mecca. Claiming to be President John F. Kennedy’s favorite place to eat in Boston, the restaurant, decorated in the Federal/Greek revival fashion, boasts a classic brick exterior, long wooden bar, and cozy interior that reflects the era of the American Revolution. Thomas H. Lynch is responsible for the restaurant’s art installations and three-dimensional displays, such as the Freedom Trail room. Although it’s not a restaurant, Boston’s The Eliot Hotel shares many of the same attributes, offering a similarly authentic New England feel in its decor.
The Union Oyster House Was Once Home To An Exhiled King. Image Source: Boston Uncovered
Even if a restaurant isn’t as old as Union Oyster House, the same historical feel can be made through intentional selections. Aligning a restaurant with an era like the American Revolution is possible through architectural salvage yards and estate sales. Tones and materials should be reflective of that time period, for instance, the burgundy, cream, navy, and wood elements throughout Union Oyster House.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: Outside, Union Oyster House has a large vintage neon sign
3. The Modern Gothic Aesthetic: Yvonne’s
Many a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan longed for their own version of The Bronze, a dark and secluded bar and restaurant to wear their favorite pleather pants and velvet tops. Boston’s restauranteurs Chris Jamison and Mark Malatesta, in collaboration with Focus Lighting, counters with Yvonne’s, a space that contrasts black with jewel tones, gothic artwork, and plush seating to create an atmosphere even Angelus would envy. The restaurant was named one of Boston’s best restaurants by Boston Magazine.
Group Dining, Yvonne’s in Boston, MA. Image Source: Yvonne’s.
Lolita Fort Point is another example of a space using modern gothic interior design, with a similar celebration of the macabre to highlight their focus on Mexican cuisine and tequila. To create an equally “dark” setting, designers should look to immerse their guests in a space that feels intimate and immersive, using mysterious, interesting art and moody, romantic lighting like candelabras and wall scones to create the atmosphere. Colors should be rich and deep, such as emerald green burgundy, navy, and black. Blending the old and new (such as an old painting and secondhand books with brand new lighting fixtures) will also add to the dramatic and elegant setting.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: Neon signs, as pictured at Yvonne’s, provide expressive and interesting focal points throughout the restaurant.
4. Repurposed Spaces: Mariel
In the same vein as industrial interior design are spaces that leverage the characteristics of existing buildings for their decor. Mariel, a Cuban restaurant created in a former bank, aptly located in Boston’s financial district, is an expansive space that pays homage to the traditional Havana club. Designed by Chris Jamison and design team Jef Leon and Mandy Waryasz for Coje, the space won a silver award in interior design at the IDA Design Awards.
While not a restaurant, another mention needs to be made about The Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill, a former prison turned hotel that subtly plays into the jailhouse theme. Be sure to visit the hotel’s restaurant, aptly named “Clink,” that also playfully leverages the history of the building.
A romanticized vision of Cuba’s past at Mariel. Image Source: The Boston Globe.
Similar to industrial style, repurposed spaces can come from being aware of the history of the building or neighborhood, and letting the yesteryear inspire the design.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The elegant overhead lighting and custom murals are a great focal point in these spaces, paying tribute to the overall theme.
5. Modern Industrial: Mothership, Craft Food Hall Cambridge, Broken Records Beer Hall
Modern interior design is all about personality, ranging from mid-century modern to farmhouse to bohemian. One of our favorite aesthetics is the industrial look, which compliments existing spaces such as warehouses and lofts.
(Our headquarters, located in Philadelphia’s old Frankford arsenal, is decorated in this style.)
Mothership Boston. Image Source: Oat Foundry
Boston is home to an array of industrial spaces, reflected in the design of bars and restaurants such as Mothership in Alewife, Craft Food Hall in Cambridge, and Broken Records Beer Hall in Boston Landing. These spaces aren’t just known for their menus, games, and local beers on tap, they’re also Oat Foundry clients. Our Split Flap displays, which date back to the old departure boards at transit stations, fit well in industrial spaces, thanks to the sleek metal casing and minimalist lettering. Mothership, co-founded by Steve Postal and Liza Shirazi, has an exterior and interior accented by vibrant patterns and colors, bringing brightness to the cloudiest Boston day.
Broken Records. Image Source: Oat Foundry
Tatte Bakery & Cafe, which is walking distance from the Kendall Center, as well as Field & Vine, are two other exceptional examples of stylish industrial design. Field & Vine was another selection from Boston Magazine, calling it a “love letter” to local farmers and fishermen. Overall, the industrial style is best done when starting in an industrial space, taking advantage of the current architectural elements, and choosing modern lighting and seating arrangements to accentuate.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: A key focal point, such as a Split Flap display for menu items, events, and announcements, adds order and organization to such a large space. Guests love grabbing photo – and video – and the sign flaps into place.
6. The Gilded Age: Rochambeau
The Gilded Age isn’t just a hit TV show in Boston, it’s an aesthetic that many of their restaurants and hotels draw inspiration from. Rochambeau, a French restaurant located in Boston’s Back Bay, was transformed by Lyons Group and RealFood into a “modern day-to-night French brasserie and café,” complete with rose-colored accents, intimate seating, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant also has a cafe, similarly decorated with subway tile and a black and white letterboard for menu items. Blue Ribbon Brasserie is similar, but uses blue, grey, and navy to accentuate the space, which includes a sushi and oyster bar. While not directly designed in The Gilded Age style, special mention must be made for The Four Seasons Boston, which draws from the similar Victorian aesthetic.
Rochambeau. Image Source: Boston Spotlite.
Like Rochambeau, the space uses art, botanicals, soft fabrics such as velvet, and an impressionist style to create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere for guests. A lot of these spaces come from prioritizing sophistication and luxury, such as gold accents, marble floors, porcelain tiles, fringed lamps, and antique mirrors and artwork.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The glass blocks behind the bar provide a great focal point, but signage, such as the retro letterboard, also ties into the theme.
7. European with a Twist: Contessa & Krasi
Contessa and Prima, both Italian restaurants, use bold color palates and an Art Deco aesthetic to create a fun and engaging experience for guests. Contessa, which sits at the top of The Newbury Hotel in the Back Bay neighborhood, also offers a sweeping view of Boston, a benefit that designer Ken Fulk capitalized on with expansive windows and skylights. Another selection of Boston Magazine, who called the space a “modern reboot of Roman Holiday,” where the customer is the star.
About – Krasi. Image Source: Linda Rose Campos for Krasi
Boston Magazine had additional praise for Krasi, a Greek restaurant from Xenia Greek Hospitality group in Back Bay. The space feels minimal, but uses grey marble plaster walls and cool blue tones for a clean and modern aesthetic. Designed by RCON, the restaurant has an open kitchen and draws inspiration from their cuisine, using a color palette based on the blue and grey ocean waters on the Greek coast, as well as the natural whitewashed houses of Santorini. Contemporary fixtures and artistic touches add personality to the space.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The restaurant has a series of portraits from Greek artist Stavros Damos.
8. Luxury Modern Minimalist: Rare Steakhouse
Similar to the Scandinavian style, minimalism is all about functionality and the best use of a space. A luxurious example of this in the Boston food and beverage industry is Rare Steakhouse, which goes against the grain of the typical steakhouse, favoring light wood and neutral, geometric lighting and patterns.
The open layout creates a welcoming and contemporary space, feeling like something right out of The Jetson’s. Another Boston Magazine favorite, Rare Steakhouse is referred to as an “ultimate, high-roller experience.”
Encore Boston Harbor’s Rare Steakhouse. Image Source: ISA International.
Sushi @ Temple Records is another great example of minimalist design. Less luxurious than Rare Steakhouse, the space taps into true Scandinavian design with deep navy and greens, stone surfaces and natural wood, and thoughtful seating that invites guests to watch the kitchen at work. Restaurants can emulate these settings through their own careful selection of a serene color palette and a focus on minimal detail.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The key to this space are clean lines, as well as the geometric seating and long bar.
9. Vintage Glamour: The Red Fox
The Red Fox pays homage to the traditional speakeasy of the Sinatra generation, using dim lighting and a warm red, gold, purple, and brown color palette to create a retro, romantic feel. Created by All Day Hospitality Group and designed by interior decorator Assembly Design Studio, The North End restaurant and bar offers cozy booth and bar seating, with a polished wood paneling, red upholstery, and checkerboard flooring. Extra Dirty Cocktail Club is another space in Boston’s North End celebrating vintage glamour, with opulent seating, a mirrored bar, classic 1920s patterns, and vintage decor. The reflective gold ceiling adds extra glamour and an overall feeling of exclusivity.
The Red Fox: A subterranean shake-up to the North End. Image Source: CN Traveler.
Restaurants and bars on the smaller side can leverage this design style to their advantage, investing in lush materials and textures, as well as ambient lighting, eclectic art, and dramatic touches. Decorative flooring, such as black and white tile, geometric porcelain, or retro vinyl tile, can also add vibrancy and texture.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The calling card of these venues are the theatrical bars, accented by a mirror and elegant glassware.
10. Maximalist and Monochromatic: Ladyfinger’s Tea Lounge
Many millennials have challenged the minimalist movement with their own: the maximalist. The idea of “more is better” in small spaces adds visual interest to spaces, especially the cheery Ladyfinger’s Tea Lounge at The Garrison Inn Hotel in Newburyport. Ladyfinger’s gallery wall has a series of portraits in gold frames, playing on the brass and gold mirrors and chandeliers throughout the space. The lounge is monochromatic with Pepto pink walls, chairs, and booths, reminiscent of everyone’s favorite childhood hubba bubba gum. The fusion of a traditional tea house with this popular design style results in a whimsical and fun space, aligning with their motto of “finger food, tea, art, and femininity.”
Pink on Pink. Image Source: Ladyfinger’s Tea Lounge
Restaurants and bars on the smaller side can leverage this design style to their advantage, investing in lush materials and textures, as well as ambient lighting, eclectic art, and dramatic touches. Decorative flooring, such as black and white tile, geometric porcelain, or retro vinyl tile, can also add vibrancy and texture.
What They’ll Add to the ‘gram: The calling card of these venues are the theatrical bars, accented by a mirror and elegant glassware.
Creating an Analog Focal Point
When it comes to selecting decor for a restaurant, craftsmanship is one of the most important elements. Exceptionally constructed visual elements, such as a Split Flap display, can be a great way to engage customers at critical touch points. Sustainable Split Flap displays can fit into nearly any aesthetic, including industrial, minimalist, monochromatic, biophilic, and more.
Learn more about how we’ve worked with clients in the food and beverage industry to add a key focal point to their restaurant or bar with a Split Flap!