Hiring an interior decorator for restaurants is a key decision that can shape your customer experience, influence your brand perception, and impact your bottom line. Whether you're launching a new space or giving your current dining area a much-needed refresh, working with the right decorator goes far beyond paint colors and furniture—it's about creating a cohesive environment that aligns with your vision, values, and goals.

Here, we share 10 practical and thoughtful tips to help restaurant owners choose the right partner for the job—one who understands hospitality, respects your branding, and knows how to bring a restaurant space to life.

1. Clarify Your Brand Vision

Before you even reach out to a decorator, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your restaurant’s identity. What kind of experience do you want to offer? Is your brand rustic and casual, sleek and modern, or globally inspired? The more clearly you can articulate your concept, the easier it will be for your decorator to translate it into visual and spatial elements.

It’s also important to choose a designer whose aesthetic sensibilities complement your brand. Even the most talented decorator may not be the right fit if their signature style clashes with your concept. Look for someone whose past work aligns with the atmosphere and values you want to convey.

When a decorator understands your brand DNA, they can recommend materials, colors, and layouts that support and reinforce that vision. If you're still refining your concept, a good decorator can help you hone it—but the process will always be stronger when you’ve established your foundational goals first.

2. Ask About Their Approach to Designing for Guest Experience

In restaurant interiors, design isn't just about looks—it’s about how guests feel when they walk through the door. A great interior decorator understands how to shape atmosphere through materials, color, layout, and detailing. When vetting potential decorators, ask how they approach the guest journey from entry to seating to exit.

A thoughtful decorator will consider:

• How design choices support the type of dining experience you offer (e.g., quick service vs. fine dining)

• How ambiance influences mood, dwell time, and brand perception

• How to balance aesthetics with comfort, acoustics, and flow

Even if their portfolio isn’t exclusively hospitality-focused, their ability to prioritize the guest experience is essential to creating a successful restaurant space.

3. Prioritize Relevant Experience

Designing a dining space is very different from working on a home or retail boutique. There are commercial codes to consider, regulations to follow, and customer comfort to prioritize. A skilled interior decorator for restaurants will be familiar with industry-specific needs and timelines.

Ask whether they’ve worked with:

• Restaurants of your service type (quick service, fine dining, pop-up, etc.)

• Health and safety codes or ADA compliance

4. Set Your Budget Early

Budget transparency is crucial. Be upfront about your financial range and make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the decorator’s services. Some decorators offer full-service support, from concept to install, while others focus only on design plans.

Ask for a breakdown of:

• Conceptual design

• Material and furniture sourcing

• Site visits and project management

• Any additional fees for revisions or overtime

This helps you avoid surprises later and sets expectations from the start. A good decorator will also help you prioritize—investing in key features while saving in other areas without compromising the overall result.

5. Look for a Collaborative Communication Style

The best design results happen when there's mutual respect and open dialogue. Choose a restaurant interior designer who sees your ideas as valuable and works to refine them, not replace them. Pay attention to how they listen, how they explain their process, and whether they’re comfortable receiving and integrating feedback.

Strong collaborators:

• Encourage regular check-ins during the design process

• Provide visuals or mockups to guide decisions

• Adjust timelines or materials when needed without resistance

Restaurant projects typically involve a larger team—including the architect, lighting designer, kitchen consultant, and operations lead. Your interior designer should be comfortable navigating these relationships, ensuring design decisions align with both your vision and the functional needs of the space. Ultimately, you want someone who can confidently lead the process—but who also understands that your vision drives the project.

6. Check References and Reviews

Word-of-mouth matters. Ask potential decorators for references from past restaurant clients and take the time to speak with them. A quick call can reveal a lot about professionalism, punctuality, and problem-solving skills.

Key questions to ask former clients:

• Were deadlines and budgets respected?

• How did the decorator handle unexpected challenges?

• Would you hire them again?

In addition, review online feedback on platforms like Houzz, Google, or social media. Look for consistent praise—or consistent issues.

7. Clarify Their Scope of Services Up Front

Not all interior decorators offer the same level of involvement. Some focus strictly on finishes and furnishings, while others coordinate with architects, contractors, or procurement teams. Before hiring, clarify exactly what’s included—and what’s not.

Important things to confirm with your designer are:

• Will they handle sourcing and ordering?

• Do they oversee installation or just provide plans?

• Are they involved in coordination with vendors or consultants?

Setting clear expectations early helps avoid gaps in responsibility and ensures the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

8. Watch for Red Flags

Not every designer-client match is the right fit. Be cautious of decorators who:

• Avoid discussing timelines or cost

• Lack a written contract or clear deliverables

• Push a personal style regardless of your brand

• Downplay input or suggest you “leave it all to them”

A trustworthy decorator should be open, clear, and invested in achieving the best outcome for your business—not just for their portfolio.

9. Focus on the Guest Experience

A stunning design means little if guests aren’t comfortable. The decorator you choose should have a clear strategy for enhancing ambiance, not just aesthetics.

A thoughtful decorator will ask questions like:

• What feeling do you want guests to walk away with?

• How does your service model influence the layout?

• Are there day-to-night transitions to consider in lighting and space use?

Design is a business tool, and the right choices can boost reviews, reservations, and social shares.

10. Plan for Flexibility and the Future

Restaurants evolve—menus change, seasons shift, and furniture wears. During your discussions, ask how the decorator accounts for long-term maintenance and adaptability. Modular design, durable materials, and easily updatable finishes can save time and money down the line.

Also ask:

• “How easy will it be to reconfigure this space in two years?”

• “Are there sustainable or low-maintenance options available?”

Forward-thinking design ensures your investment continues to serve your business well into the future.

Looking for Experienced Interior Decorators for Restaurants? Contact Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Choosing the right interior decorator for restaurants can set the tone for your entire business. From shaping first impressions to improving customer satisfaction and even boosting revenue, thoughtful design makes a measurable difference. The most successful restaurant spaces are the result of true partnerships between owners and interior decorators for restaurants who understand not only how to create beauty—but how to create spaces that work.

At Sarah Stacey Interior Design, based in Austin, TX, we believe that great design starts with a genuine connection. We've helped hospitality brands across the state craft interiors that are not only visually striking but also grounded in purpose and built for longevity.

In today’s competitive dining scene, success isn’t just about the menu—it’s about atmosphere, ambiance, and authenticity. That’s where expert restaurant interior design makes all the difference.

If you're ready to transform your restaurant into a space that diners remember and return to, contact us today—we’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many interior decorators for restaurants prioritize sourcing locally to support the community, reduce shipping costs, and bring regional character into the design. Be sure to ask about their sourcing approach during the interview process.
Absolutely. If your space only needs cosmetic updates—like new seating, lighting, or wall treatments—a decorator can still provide valuable input to help re-energize the space without a complete overhaul.
That depends on your preference. Some owners like to be hands-on with each detail, while others prefer a more turnkey approach. A good decorator will adapt within reason to your style, providing updates and decisions points that match your level of involvement.
In many cases, yes—but it depends on the scope of the work. If your project involves light cosmetic updates like furnishings, paint, or décor, an experienced decorator can often phase the work during off-hours or slower periods to minimize disruption. However, if construction or structural changes are required, temporary closures or limited access may be necessary. Clear communication with staff and customers is key to ensuring a smooth process either way.

Top 10 Tips on Hiring an Interior Decorator for Restaurants