Plants are now dominating the restaurant decor trend.

Greening Up New York: A Trend in Restaurant Design

A new wave of restaurant design in New York City is embracing nature, with establishments incorporating plants and greenery to create unique, engaging, and dynamic dining experiences.

In Chinatown, Paul Sierros, owner of 49 Monroe, has strategically placed 185 plants throughout his warehouse-sized venue to create divides and lower the high ceilings. This tactic not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a more intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, Greg Baxtrom, the owner and chef of Olmsted, is reimagining the traditional office plant. Baxtrom is moving beyond the mundane and aiming to create a more dynamic and engaging garden within his restaurant. The interior wall at Olmsted is currently half covered in ivy, and the other half is being tested for different plants. Baxtrom's goal is to evoke an emotional response and create a sense of romance in the restaurant, with the plants playing a crucial role in setting the mood.

Olmsted's design pays homage to landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, with the restaurant theoretically connecting to Prospect Park through its interior and exterior gardens. The restaurant is also moving towards creating a working garden, with a focus on reconfiguring the light, water, and fertilization systems for the interior wall.

In the Lower East Side, the new Korean gastropub Ms. Yoo was designed by Steve Lewis. The design infuses a sense of romance, particularly with the floral canopy above the bar. The restaurant's design is a blend of Korean heritage and modern minimalism, harmonizing with the culinary concept, though specific detailed inspirations are not explicitly mentioned.

Scott Carlson, creative director of Van's General Store, designed Burger & Lobster's new midtown location to blend with the contemporary fashion industry of Bryant Park. This was achieved by recreating a plant wall and various shrubs, creating a sense of freshness and life.

The use of foliage is becoming a significant trend in interior design, offering New Yorkers more opportunities for alfresco dining experiences. As these establishments continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they further incorporate plants and greenery into their designs, creating unique and captivating dining spaces for patrons to enjoy.