There’s more to hospitality design than decoration. It shapes how customers feel and interact with a space, influencing their entire dining experience. Orka Interiör, an interior design studio based in Northern England, has an in-depth understanding of what it takes to design interiors for the hospitality industry. With over 15 years of experience, they create restaurant interiors that combine stunning visuals with impressive functionality.
Their portfolio speaks volumes. From the sleek lines of modern dining rooms to cosy, welcoming spaces, Orka’s designs successfully balance beauty and practicality. Projects like The Forum, Fold, and Shuyo are perfect examples of how they achieve success.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
Great restaurant design is all about how a space makes customers feel. Kim Crowther, Design Director at Orka, explains: “A customer’s interaction with the space drives our design. Every detail, from the floor plan to the lighting, has to enhance, and not detract from, their dining experience.”
Take their work at The Forum in Sheffield. Orka has transformed a multi-purpose venue into a vibrant dining destination, creating a layout that is as practical as it is beautiful. Whether grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a full meal, The Forum’s customers are able to experience a comfortable and user-friendly space. This wasn’t by accident though. Thoughtful design has resulted in smoother service, fewer bottlenecks, and a more enjoyable time for both diners and staff.
Lighting: The Power to Change Mood
Orka’s success comes from their mastery of restaurant lighting and the knowledge that whilst good lighting illuminates a room, it also sets the mood. Abigail Smith, Creative Director, explains: “Lighting is key to the atmosphere. Soft lighting creates intimacy in fine dining, while bright lighting suits casual spots. It’s all about the vibe you want.”
For example, in their design for Fold in Marple Bridge, Orka used lighting to soften sharp lines, ensuring the space is contemporary and warm. At Shuyo, also in Sheffield, the lighting emphasised the sleek interior, without losing the inviting atmosphere diners expect. Orka strikes the perfect balance: it looks amazing and feels right.
Bringing Restaurant Brands to Life Through Design
A restaurant’s design is a physical extension of its brand and the team at Orka excels at translating a brand’s identity into the space itself. At Sheffield’s Shuyo, for instance, the Asian-inspired theme isn’t just limited to the menu. Custom joinery and sleek furniture echo the restaurant’s clean, modern culinary vision.
Bespoke design encompassed more than furniture and from custom-built bar fronts to feature walls, Orka ensures every detail highlights the unique character of each venue. Kim sums it up well: “Bespoke design lets us deliver something truly special. It’s about creating a space that feels authentic to the brand.”
Practicality Meets Aesthetic Appeal
Designing a restaurant striking a balance between stylish good looks and seamless functionality. Orka Interiör strikes this balance effortlessly and whether they’re maximising seating in a small venue like Fold or perfecting the kitchen-to-table flow at The Forum, their designs are always grounded in real-world functionality.
Abigail adds, “We always think about how the design will work for everyone, from customers to staff. It has to be visually appealing and practical.”
How Good Design Impacts Business
The team at Orka know that interior design directly affects a restaurant’s bottom line. When a restaurant feels comfortable and is easy to navigate, customers are likely to stay longer, spend more, and return. In such a competitive industry, those factors are critical.
Orka’s designs look great and help businesses thrive. Crowther explains: “Good design elevates a brand and creates memorable experiences. But it’s also about ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly. A well-designed space makes the business more profitable.”
Collaboration: The Key to Orka’s Success
What sets Orka apart is their collaborative approach and they take great pride in working hand-in-hand with clients to bring their vision to life. By understanding the brand, audience, and goals, Orka delivers spaces that perfectly match the restaurant’s personality.
Abigail emphasises, “We see it as a partnership. We listen closely to our clients, understand their needs, and work together to achieve something remarkable.”
Designing for Success
Orka Interiör’s approach to restaurant design is simple but powerful: blend aesthetic appeal with functionality. Their work on projects like The Forum, Fold, and Shuyo shows how they create environments that enhance the dining experience, support staff, and reflect the brand’s identity.
In the hospitality world, where customer experience is everything, Orka’s designs help restaurants succeed by creating spaces people love. As Kim puts it, “Great design makes people feel good. When your customers feel good, they come back. That’s the goal of every project we take on.”
