Elegant Elements: Adding a Rustic-Industrial Appeal to Your Restaurant

Rustic-industrial design is hugely popular in the restaurant business right now. The timeless mix of warm, rustic elements with chic industrial touches creates an atmosphere that is both fascinating and inviting. As the National Restaurant Association points out, keeping a restaurants interior updated is an important part of keeping customers coming back.

Achieving that sought after rustic – industrial design is surprisingly easy. Just add any of the elements below to create this unique and attractive style.

Exposed brick

Exposed brick is found in almost every rustic-industrial restaurant. While some establishments are fortunate enough to be located in an older building where the exposed brick is a part of the original structure, not all restaurants are lucky. Adding a brick wall creates a great centerpiece. For the budget-conscious, a faux brick wall, or even a veneer, one can do the same job just as well as real brick.

Wooden beams

Wooden beams are another design element that is pretty standard in restaurants going for the rustic-industrial look. Again, some restaurants are just lucky enough to have original beams as a part of their building. However, adding wooden beams can be done in just about any restaurant, and it always looks great, especially in places with very high ceilings.

Tables and chairs

When going for the rustic-industrial look, the furniture plays a key role. There are plenty of options when choosing tables, chairs, and bar stools for restaurants. A worn-down wooden tabletop, for example, can focus on the rustic side of the equation. Simultaneously, a metal table base can provide an excellent contrast by drawing out the more industrial elements of the overall design.

Floors

A rustic-industrial design is one of the few times when a concrete floor can actually look warm and inviting. Concrete gives a restaurant a scruffy industrial look and offers a great contrast to the wood and other rustic elements of the interior. Also, concrete floors have the added benefit of holding up well against wear and tear, which is a huge concern for all restaurant owners.

Final touches

The above elements are all pretty central parts of a restaurant makeover. Still, they don’t forget to pay attention to the details because it is in the details that a rustic-industrial design will truly succeed or fail. Lighting, for example, is one element that can lead to some creative ideas.

Lighting fixtures reminiscent of old factories and mills are appealing to the eye and create a warm atmosphere. Also, stay on the lookout for reused pieces incorporated into the restaurant, such as old machinery elements that give a truly rustic-industrial restaurant that authentic vintage touch. You can also install stainless steel bathroom partitions to stay true to the ‘metal’ vibe while providing a higher level of hygiene.

Combining the warm, comforting tones of rustic life with the exciting, cutting edge accents of industrial chic is a great way of injecting new life into a restaurant. By adopting a few of the key design elements described above, any restaurant will be able to achieve the rustic-industrial look that both designers and, most importantly, restaurant patrons cannot get enough of.

Ellen Grant has spent several years in the retail food industry and always appreciates the opportunity to share her insights with an online audience. She is a frequent contributor to various websites and talks about a variety of restaurant-related topics.