By Kobus Truter
Apart from being a topic close to every restaurant diner’s heart with a direct line to the stomach, restaurant design is not merely about creating a space to eat but about crafting a sensory journey. If you want a functional view on the topic in addition to form, ask a former well-known chef. So we asked the founder of KT Interior, Kobus Truter (www.kt-interior.com), successful chef turned interior architect, to share his thoughts on the topic.
The sentiment rings true, especially today, where every corner, nook, and restaurant fixture narrates a story deeply entrenched in the brand’s ethos and, more significantly, its DNA.
My journey into the world of design began amidst the hustle and bustle of kitchens and the echoing laughter of dining rooms. As a chef and restaurateur, the allure of spaces and their capacity to transform human experiences was palpable. The ingredients of a dish, like the elements of design, need to be meticulously chosen and assembled to create something truly memorable.
Travelling the world has been akin to reading an elaborate, vast book of design. The straight lines of Japanese architecture, the balance in a European piazza, and the simplicity of the Scandinavian interior have profoundly impacted my philosophy towards design.
Restaurants are venues of stories, emotions, and connections
As I envision it, the future of restaurant design is a harmonious blend of simplicity and depth. Modern diners seek authenticity; they yearn for spaces that feel genuine, yet awe-inspiring. It’s not just about ‘eating out’ anymore; it’s about ‘experiencing out.’
Restaurants are no longer merely spaces; they are venues of stories, emotions, and connections. Every fixture, every wall, and every piece of furniture is a chapter in a restaurant’s story.
At KT Interior, founded in 2014, our holistic approach resonates with this ideology. We believe in the interconnectedness of parts, understanding that the success of a space lies in viewing it as a whole. This perspective has allowed us to focus intently on human senses, ensuring an immersive experience that speaks to the heart and the soul.
Magic lies in crafting elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful spaces
With the future poised at the cusp of technological and design revolutions, the next chapter in restaurant design is set to be thrilling. Drawing inspiration from nature, colour, textures, and, most importantly, human behaviour, we aim to craft spaces that are not just functional but emotionally evocative.
To sum it up, the ethos that guides my vision for the future of restaurant design is encapsulated in a simple phrase: “Simplicity… instead of overcomplication”. ” As diners globally become more discerning and experiences-focused, the magic lies in crafting elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful spaces.
As we venture into this promising future, I remain excited and optimistic. With the collaborative efforts of architects, designers, contractors, and artisans, we’re set to redefine the dining landscape one design at a time. Here’s to the future – simple, elegant, and utterly memorable!
ED: Thanks to Kobus for sharing the images of some of his most noteworthy restaurant designs, with us.
Images: Kobus Truter
