How important is out-of-this-world bar design? It’s everything…
In a world driven by visuals, where attention spans are short and social buzz is king, the look of your venue is your calling card.
Elevating your bar from just “another stop on the map” to a must-visit destination, stylish, thoughtful bar design tells a story about your vibe, your brand and the kind of night your customers are about to have from the moment they step foot through the door.
Your design choices also affect your functionality - for example, is your bar comfortable, in terms of both tactility and sensory aspects? Have you created a unique experience? Do your acoustics elevate conversations, or make it harder to hear?
And of course, there’s the social side. For generations raised on social media, a fabulous bar isn’t just a place to enjoy drinks; it’s a destination, a space they’ll photograph, tag and share - with the potential to amplify your reach far beyond your walls, regularly and for free.
It’s safe to say that great bar design isn’t no luxury - it’s a fundamental investment in the experiential and social currency that brings success in today’s hospitality industry.
So how are the most innovative venue designers (hello :) shaping the bar landscape for the future?
Here’s our talented team’s lowdown of the 10 bar design trends you need to know…
1. Lighting that does the talking
Lighting is the unsung hero of bar design.
Your venue needs lighting that serves multiple purposes - statement lighting that marks out your bar area and soft, ambient light for intimate conversations (check out Amity Brew Co above and lead image); spotlights highlighting architectural details or artwork - and, of course, Instagram and TikTok-friendly hues that make everyone look great.
Looking to become a social media sensation? Don’t forget to create and light a picture-perfect spot for snaps - whether it’s beneath a neon installation, surrounded by stunning florals and/or framed by something artsy or edgy, they should all be teamed with the perfect low-light glow.
Design Tonic X North Brewing Co at North Bar
2. Food with flexibility
As the lines between bars and restaurants continue to blur, many bar menus are evolving beyond cocktails to include tapas, small plates and even pop-up offerings - a shift that demands a design approach that embraces versatility.
To allow for the quick prep of small bites without encroaching on your bar’s overall feel?
Opt for an efficient, compact kitchen layout like Mini Bao Boy’s operation at North Bar in Leeds (above).
Or - for bars with the right space and vibe - why not embrace street food energy and install a fully equipped tuk tuk or cooking van?
Open kitchen concepts are also rising in popularity, turning food preparation into part of the experience.
Just like in open restaurants, patrons love the theatre and the transparency - you just need to ensure you’ve got a cuisine (or super-effective AC) so strong cooking smells don’t impact your air quality.
3. High-end Industrial
Industrial edge has long been a bar design favourite - but for 2025 and beyond, it’s getting a luxe upgrade.
Exposed beams and concrete floors will still be de rigueur, but they’ll be softened by sumptuousness - think velvet seating, tactile banquettes, metallic accents and warm lighting.
This contrast of raw and refined? It’s one we’ve loved for a long time - it just creates a sense of effortless, enviable cool.
The key is balance.
Pairing hard materials with the right ratio of soft and natural textures makes a space feel inviting rather than stark - like the stunning bar at Masons Gin HQ, the perfect combo of industrial brewery and opulent, velvety luxury.
Ready to create an out-of-this-world bar? Speak to our experts
4. Seamless Smart Tech
Smart tech is revolutionising how bars operate, but it’s most effective when it feels seamless - guests expect the convenience of tech without losing the human touch.
We all know about the benefits of things like touchless ordering systems, but how does smart tech weave into bar design?
Well, we’ve already talked about the immersive power of projection mapping, soundscapes and scent diffusion - all based on state-of-the-art systems - as well as sustainability, always ably assisted by smart tech for air quality, heating control and more.
In design terms, smart tech is exceptionally helpful for things like smart lighting and sound systems, which allow us to craft the perfect atmosphere and tweak it in nanoseconds to adapt to a crowd’s changing energy.
The key is to make the smart tech you use seamless for your users - which means both staff and customers - making everyone’s life feel easy and future-focused and keeping the energy firmly pointed towards having a great time.
Design Tonic X North Brewing Co at North Bar, Leeds
5. Sustainable statements
An eco-conscious ethos is important in all areas of the design industry, and for bars it’s not just about doing the right thing.
With younger generations being more and more mindful around sustainability issues, visibly demonstrating your commitment is a great way to reinforce the image of your bar as a forward-thinking, responsible destination.
Solar panels and energy-efficient systems are becoming the norm for us all, but tangible design touches are the ones that will resonate the most and, with endlessly creative options out there for all kinds of materials, there’s no need to skimp on the luxe either.
From reclaimed woods and recycled glasses to finishes like terrazzo made from repurposed stone; soft furnishings crafted from natural fibres to easy renewables like bamboo and cork, crafting a sustainable space with out-of-this-world style is easier than it’s ever been.
Design Tonic X Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Lord Hawke Suite
6. Immersive sensory experiences
Looking to elevate your bar experience above just drinks?
Some of today’s most successful destination bars are multi-sensory playgrounds, using sound, scent and visuals to create a complete escape from the everyday.
One of the biggest trends entering the bar design scene is projection mapping.
With the ability to transform spaces at the touch of a button, this cutting-edge tech uses projectors to display imagery onto any surface you want - walls, ceilings, even furniture - creating dynamic, immersive visuals that can adapt to your chosen mood at will.
Soundscapes are just as effective, using carefully curated and layered audio to shape a vibe and with the power to make a bustling bar feel intimate or a sleek cocktail lounge feel vibrant.
And of course, it’s also key to ensure acoustic comfort in your bar space. Our favourite design tool?
Acoustic panels and baffles (like those shown above) provide great-looking sound comfort, working just as well in our bars as they do in our offices and sports hospitality suites.
Last but not least?
Scent diffusion, so often overlooked in bar design, is a brilliantly effective way to evoke shifts in feelings, enhancing whatever theme you’re aiming for - from a cosy chalet vibe to something far more vibrant and energising.
Ready to turn your vision into a show-stopping bar? Let’s talk
7. Indoor-Outdoor harmony
Gone are the days when outdoor seating was an afterthought - you want to make every seat the best in the place.
Embracing fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces is key, with the goal being to create seamless transitions that make the most of every square foot you have available.
How? Retractable walls, rooftop terraces and lush courtyards extend your bar’s appeal year-round.
Group cosy outdoor seating with great heaters to make your outdoor space as inviting as possible and don’t forget plenty of biophilia on the inside - it’s key to blurring the line between nature and architecture.
Design Tonic X Pink Door, Harrogate
8. Biophilic Design
Biophilia is fundamental to all interiors, and bars are no exception.
Bringing texture, depth and organic vibes, the integration of natural elements creates spaces that feel alive and inviting, aligning beautifully with both your style and your sustainability goals.
From lush green walls and cascading plants to natural materials like stone and wood - not to mention enhancing your fabulous lighting with natural illumination - these touches can be as fashionable or as tranquil as you like.
Strategic greenery and florals can soften industrial spaces, create cosy nooks or serve as a striking focal point.
But however you apply it to your bar design, in a world craving authenticity and warmth? Biophilic elements bring a timeless yet on-trend appeal to any bar..
9. Social Media aesthetics
Let’s not mince words: the social media generation has changed everything about bar design.
In an age where every corner can become a backdrop for Instagram or TikTok, creating visually arresting spaces is non-negotiable - selfie-ready spots (neon statement walls, colourful murals, dramatic floral installations) are a must.
And it’s not about gimmicks. Bars that feel authentic, with a cohesive design language, create more buzz and encourage repeat visits.
The real magic happens when your space sparks organic sharing. When customers post pictures and tag their location, they’re doing your marketing for you.
So when you’re designing a bar for future success? Make sure every design detail - from your glassware and tablescapes to your lighting, and even your toilets - is designed with shareability in mind.
Design Tonic X North Brewing Co at Springwell
10. Merchandise moments
For some bars, strong branding doesn’t stop at the door.
For those who combine their bars with breweries or distilleries, like North Brewing Co, Amity Brew Co and Masons Gin, it’s important to find spaces inside to put their wares on the map - with sales point opportunities created through thoughtful design.
And this is the key - incorporating products into a bar experience has to be carefully considered, and must never detract from the vibe of the brand.
For North Brewing Co, their Springwell site offered the perfect space to build in merchandising moments, as the bar area is so closely interwoven with the brewery operation itself - the epitome of transparency!
The beauty of including a merch station right inside the bar area was that, with careful consideration given to placement and design, it’s just a part of their overall bar experience, inviting their customers to take home a piece of the North Brewing Co vibe alongside their craft beers.
Whether you’re designing for the TikTok generation, channelling industrial edge or aiming for timeless sophistication, the most successful bar venues don’t just look good; they feel good.
