If you, like me, live in Barcelona, you’ve probably noticed the new wave of brunch craze sweeping the city. Over the past couple of years, numerous new brunch spots have popped up. However, there’s one thing I can’t help but notice. Many of these places look strikingly similar: natural beige tones, rattan furniture, soft lighting, and neutral decor. It’s cozy, sure, but after seeing the same look repeated over and over, it’s hard not to wonder – where’s the personality? While the beige trend has dominated interior design in recent years, it’s time to consider a more colorful approach that energizes both the space and its visitors. Let’s explore why brunch spots could benefit from a more diverse palette and dive into some exciting styles and color schemes that could redefine these spaces.
The Best Colors for a Brunch Café
Color has the power to evoke emotion, stimulate appetite, and leave a lasting impression. While beige may feel safe, it rarely sparks joy or creativity. A more colorful interior design approach can transform a café from “just another brunch place” into a memorable destination. When designing a brunch space, the goal is to create an environment that feels welcoming, uplifting, and appetizing. Certain colors naturally lend themselves to this type of atmosphere:
- Yellow: Symbolizing happiness and energy, yellow accents—whether on walls, chairs, or decor—can make a space feel sunny and optimistic. Mustard tones, in particular, pair beautifully with natural wood and greenery.
- Terracotta and Coral: These warm hues bring a sense of earthiness while adding more vibrancy than beige. They’re perfect for creating a cozy, yet lively vibe.
- Teal and Aqua: Shades of blue-green evoke calmness and sophistication. These colors can bring a fresh and airy feel, especially when paired with white tiles or brass accents.
- Blush Pink: Soft pink tones add a touch of warmth and femininity without overwhelming the space. Combined with gold or copper details, blush can feel both playful and elegant.
- Deep Green: Rich greens like emerald or forest green create a lush, tropical vibe, especially when paired with plants or natural textures.
Exploring Different Design Styles for Brunch Cafés
One of the most exciting things about using color is the opportunity to explore a variety of styles that cater to different tastes. Here are some ideas to inspire more diverse interiors:
1. Tropical Oasis
Step into a café that feels like a sunny tropical getaway. Lush botanical wallpaper featuring oversized palm leaves and delicate floral accents sets the tone, creating an immersive jungle-like ambiance. A mint green and soft yellow color palette adds freshness and warmth, evoking a light, airy atmosphere.
Seating blends sleek modern furniture with vibrant, playful touches. Mint green banquettes line the walls, complemented by light wooden chairs and tables with cheerful yellow-edged accents. The additional pops of yellow help maintain a bright, inviting vibe.
This design feels and looks playful and uplifting, it’s the perfect setting for sunny brunch gatherings.
2. Modern Glamour
Contemporary elegance blended with a bolder color palette can create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The space features a harmonious palette of blush pink and deep teal, striking a balance between softness and vibrancy. The ceiling showcases architectural detailing, creating a sense of movement and depth.
Chic velvet chairs in blush pink, paired with gold metallic legs and accents, add a touch of luxury, while the curved bar counter with a pleated texture enhances the modern aesthetic. The use of teal walls as a backdrop creates a dynamic contrast, making the pink hues pop while providing a calming foundation.
The overall vibe is chic, polished, and distinctly Instagram-worthy, appealing to guests who appreciate stylish interiors with a bold yet feminine personality.
3. Sunny Minimalism
This café embodies the essence of a bright, cheerful morning with its warm and inviting design. The palette is a blend of soft yellow and pastel green, creating a serene yet uplifting ambiance. The sunny yellow walls serve as the focal point, enhanced by circular mirrors that reflect light and make the space feel larger and more welcoming.
The combination of sleek white table surfaces with organic textures like rattan adds a modern yet natural aesthetic.
This design is perfect for those seeking a calm yet playful brunch spot. It’s a fresh, minimalistic space that balances functionality with warmth, inviting guests to linger over their meal in a sunlit oasis.
4. Soft Retro
When it comes to creating a brunch café that feels like a warm embrace, the combination of olive green and salmon pink is an effortlessly soothing choice. The decor is kept to a minimum, allowing the natural beauty of the space to shine through.
The serene and inviting aesthetic of this design blends retro charm with contemporary minimalism. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Small, understated décor elements, like the framed artwork and dried floral accents, add personality without overwhelming the space.
This café is a testament to the power of restraint, marrying mid-century nostalgia with modern sophistication to create a destination that feels both timeless and inviting.
5. Scandi-chic serenity
Bathed in soft, natural light, this café offers a harmonious blend of Scandinavian simplicity and refined modern edge. A serene blue backdrop sets the tone, while abstract prints in neutral tones add a subtle artistic flair without overwhelming the room.
Minimalist style seating furniture in warm beige is complemented by marble-topped tables that lend a touch of sophistication. The terrazzo flooring anchors the space with its soft speckled pattern.
Gentle globe pendant lights add warmth and ambiance, their soft glow balancing the cool tones of the walls. Every detail, from the clean lines of the furniture to the elegant colour palette, reflects a refined yet welcoming environment.
5. Timeless elegance
Timeless and trendy. I believe it is safe to assume that we will be seeing more green tones in the upcoming years. Green is widely featured in the new collections of home design stores. Plus, a fun fact, when Pantone asked their IG followers to predict their next Colour of the year back in December 2024, a VAST number of comments mentioned green.
In this brunch café design, walls bathed in a deep, verdant hue set the stage offering a sense of calm and grounding, while arched ceilings and large windows infuse the space with an airy grandeur. Luxurious touches abound – think plush upholstered seating, gleaming gold accents, and a curated collection of art and decor. Organic shapes, from the fan-shaped wall decor to the gracefully curved furniture, echo the fluid lines of Mediterranean architecture.
This is not just a place to enjoy a meal; it’s an experience.
6. Tropical Boho Chic
This café exudes a relaxed, tropical charm with a bohemian twist. A lush palm-patterned wallpaper in muted green and salmon hues sets a vibrant yet calming tone, complemented by warm natural materials like rattan chairs and woven pendant lights. The seating includes a cozy built-in banquette with cane detailing and terracotta-toned cushions, adding warmth and comfort to the space.
Below, a bold black-and-white geometric tile floor introduces a touch of contemporary edge, balancing the organic elements.
Green accents from the walls and hanging ferns tie the whole look together, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Why Color Matters
Using color in interior design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an experience. Bright and bold interiors naturally attract attention on social media, where visually striking spaces become destinations in their own right. Guests are more likely to photograph and share their surroundings, turning your café into free advertising.
Color can also influence behavior. Studies have shown that certain hues can stimulate appetite (red and orange), create a sense of calm (blue and green), or enhance feelings of comfort and happiness (yellow and pink). By thoughtfully incorporating color, brunch cafes can shape the mood and energy of their space to match the social, celebratory nature of the meal.
Moving Beyond Trends
While trends like beige minimalism have their place, design should ultimately serve the purpose and personality of the space. Brunch is a joyful, indulgent experience that deserves a setting to match. By breaking free from the beige mold and embracing color, cafés can create vibrant, inviting spaces that leave a lasting impression on their guests.
So, let’s add some color to brunch. Whether it’s a splash of yellow, a touch of teal, or a bold coral accent wall, the possibilities are endless. After all, brunch isn’t beige—it’s bright, lively, and full of flavor. Shouldn’t the design be, too?
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