Modern Asian Restaurant Interior Design
We approach restaurant design by balancing deep-rooted cultural motifs with the high-energy flow of modern dining spaces.
The dining area at Foo, where a bold red coffered ceiling and cherry blossoms create a dramatic, immersive atmosphere. The design balances traditional Asian color symbolism with a modern execution.
A long, curved teal booth follows the line of the large arched windows, maximizing seating while offering beautiful views. The custom pendant lights add a soft, organic touch to the vibrant space.
We use arches not just as windows, but as passageways to frame views and guide guests through the restaurant, creating distinct zones within the open space.
An intimate dining nook at Foo, where the red paneled walls and focused lighting create a cozy corner perfect for small groups.
The entrance to Foo features a striking red archway and glowing lanterns, setting the stage for the modern Asian tapas experience inside.
The main dining floor at Foo at night, where the city lights from the arched windows become a backdrop to the warm interior lighting and bold color scheme.
The geometric floor pattern curves through the space, defining the walkway and adding a dynamic visual element that contrasts with the solid red ceiling.
About this collection
When we designed the Foo restaurants, our biggest challenge was ensuring the bold, immersive visuals didn't interfere with daily operations. We balanced intense signature elements, like the red coffered ceilings and deep-toned booth seating, with strategic layout planning. By using arches to define zones instead of physical walls, we maintained an open, airy feel while guiding guest movement naturally through the room.
Hospitality design is rarely just about how a space looks. It is about how it functions during a busy Friday night. For the Foo brand, we focused on three specific design levers to create that signature atmosphere:
The Anchor Elements
We used the bold red coffered ceiling not just for impact, but to ground the entire floor plan. By keeping the color consistent overhead, we visually unified the different seating areas, making the space feel cohesive even when it was packed. The geometric floor patterns serve a similar dual purpose—they add visual interest while subtly acting as a walkway guide for staff and patrons.
Architectural Flow
In restaurant planning, walls are often the enemy of atmosphere. Instead of building partitions to create private nooks, we introduced arched passageways. These provide the visual privacy guests look for in an intimate corner while allowing light and sound to circulate. This technique allows us to manage guest flow without closing off the energy of the room.
Functional Details
We look at the restaurant through the eyes of the server and the guest. This means planning where light hits the table to avoid glare, ensuring acoustic planning is built into textured wall panels, and hiding industrial components like AC ducts behind ceiling treatments. Our goal is always to deliver a design that feels intentional, where every custom installation serves both the aesthetic brand identity and the practical needs of a high-turnover restaurant.
Sarah Sham
I am Sarah Sham, and I lead the team here at Essajees Atelier. We treat restaurant design like a complex guest experience, planning everything from how a server moves between tables to exactly how the light lands on your drink.
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