Creating memorable hospitality spaces requires more than selecting finishes and furniture. A successful restaurant fit out should strengthen the brand, improve the customer experience and work within practical construction and budget constraints.
For this Adelaide hospitality design project, Linlin Interiors transformed an existing tenancy into a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant with an integrated shisha lounge. By carefully reusing existing elements while introducing new architectural features and a cohesive interior palette, we delivered a distinctive restaurant that reflects Middle Eastern hospitality without exceeding the client’s budget.
The Project Brief
The client approached Linlin Interiors to design a modern Middle Eastern restaurant and shisha lounge in Adelaide that would provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere while celebrating the richness of Middle Eastern culture.
The project presented several challenges:
- Transform an existing commercial tenancy into a contemporary restaurant.
- Retain the existing floor finishes and service counters to minimise construction costs.
- Complete the restaurant fit out with a budget of less than $150,000.
- Deliver the project quickly so the restaurant could begin trading.
- Incorporate forest green as a signature colour throughout the interior.
- Create a modern dining experience that appealed to a broad customer base while remaining authentic to the client’s vision.
The goal was to create a restaurant interior that felt inviting, memorable and commercially successful without relying on extensive demolition or structural alterations.
Restaurant Design Challenges
Many hospitality fit outs involve stripping the space back to its shell. This project took a different approach.
By retaining the existing flooring and service counters, the design needed to creatively work with the existing building rather than replacing it. Every new design element had to complement what was already there while elevating the overall customer experience.
The challenge was to create a premium restaurant interior that looked intentionally designed—not compromised by budget.
Our Hospitality Design Solution
To soften the space and improve acoustics, timber-look acoustic ceiling panels were installed throughout the restaurant. Their linear form inspired other design features, including the fluted tile finish applied to the main service counter, creating visual consistency across the space.
Forest green, the client’s preferred colour, became the defining feature of the restaurant. It was applied across feature walls, joinery and furniture to establish a strong visual identity while creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Rather than concealing the existing structural columns, they became design features. One column was incorporated into a comfortable seating alcove with textured forest green finishes, while another was wrapped with decorative cladding to create a focal point within the dining area.
A commissioned artwork ties together the restaurant’s materials and colour palette. Its depiction of stone paving visually extends the interior while terracotta lounge chairs below provide a welcoming waiting area for guests.
Brand identity was strengthened through a stone-clad feature wall displaying the restaurant logo. Moroccan lanterns, olive branches and handcrafted accessories introduce subtle cultural references without overwhelming the contemporary interior.
The existing service counter was completely refreshed using two-tone fluted green tiles. Above, Moroccan pendant lights and a suspended architectural feature partially screen the open kitchen while creating warmth and ambience within the dining space.
Simple black dining tables contrast with the existing cream floor tiles, while forest green and terracotta seating reinforce the overall colour palette and create visual cohesion throughout the restaurant.
Smaller moments were carefully considered. A narrow wall between two windows was transformed into a curated display featuring Middle Eastern artwork with feature lighting, creating one of the restaurant’s most photographed spaces.
Shisha Lounge Design
The shisha lounge was designed as a distinct yet connected experience.
A large architectural archway separates the lounge from the main dining room, while a series of recessed display niches reference traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Forest green backdrops and vintage copper pitchers provide cultural character while maintaining the contemporary design language.
The bar area features rich garnet fluted tiles paired with a sandstone-look benchtop. Matching cabinetry, brass hardware and sculptural pendant lighting establish a sophisticated atmosphere. The glass pendants subtly reference the elegant forms of traditional shisha pipes without becoming overly literal.
Textured sandstone-coloured sheer curtains and warm limewashed walls soften natural light, creating a relaxed environment where guests can comfortably dine and socialise.
Before & After Restaurant Transformation
This hospitality fit out demonstrates how thoughtful commercial interior design can completely transform an existing tenancy without extensive demolition.
By retaining key existing elements and strategically investing in architectural finishes, lighting, joinery and styling, the restaurant now offers a warm, contemporary dining experience that reflects Middle Eastern hospitality while supporting the client’s commercial goals.
The completed project successfully met the brief by:
- Working within a limited construction budget.
- Minimising demolition through adaptive reuse.
- Creating a distinctive Middle Eastern identity.
- Delivering a welcoming and memorable customer experience.
- Strengthening the restaurant’s brand through cohesive interior design.
- Providing a functional restaurant and shisha lounge suitable for day and evening trade.
Looking for a Restaurant Designer in Adelaide?
Whether you’re planning a new restaurant, cafĂ©, bar or hospitality venue, thoughtful commercial interior design can improve both customer experience and business performance.
At Linlin Interiors, we specialise in restaurant design, hospitality interior design, commercial fit outs and renovations throughout Adelaide. From concept design and space planning to finishes, lighting, furniture selection and project coordination, we help hospitality businesses create spaces that are both beautiful and commercially successful.
If you’re planning a restaurant fit out or hospitality renovation in Adelaide, we’d love to discuss your project.
For more project photos, please click here.