Less vs More
In hospitality branding, design plays a crucial role in shaping guest experiences. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, refreshing your hotel’s identity, or designing a vibrant bar space, choosing between minimalism and maximalism can define how your brand is perceived. Both styles offer distinct benefits, and the right choice depends on your brand’s personality, your audience, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Minimalism is all about simplicity. Clean lines, muted colour palettes, and carefully curated details create calm, elegant spaces. For restaurant branding, minimalism often works well in fine dining concepts or wellness-focused venues where the food and service take centre stage. By stripping back distractions, minimalist design creates a sense of refinement and focus. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and linen can add warmth to keep minimalist interiors from feeling too stark. In hotel branding, minimalism can convey sophistication, allowing the guest experience to feel seamless and serene.
Maximalism, on the other hand, thrives on boldness. Rich textures, vibrant colours, and layered design elements create lively, memorable spaces. For restaurant and bar branding, maximalist design invites guests into an immersive world — one where bold patterns, eclectic artwork, and playful lighting become part of the experience. This style works particularly well in venues that want to feel energetic, social, and distinctive. In hospitality design, maximalism can be a powerful tool to create Instagram-worthy moments that guests will want to capture and share.
Deciding between minimalism and maximalism starts with understanding your brand’s story. A high-end sushi restaurant may suit a minimalist aesthetic that reflects precision and craftsmanship. In contrast, a Caribbean-inspired cocktail bar may benefit from a maximalist approach — one that uses bright colours, tropical prints, and eclectic furnishings to create an atmosphere of fun and escapism.
For hotels, minimalism can create a sense of calm in guest rooms or spa areas, while maximalist design may be ideal for lively bars, rooftop terraces, or vibrant communal spaces.
As hospitality branding specialists, we believe that successful design is about creating meaningful connections with your guests. Whether you embrace minimalism, maximalism, or a combination of both, the key is to ensure your brand’s identity shines through. Thoughtful design doesn’t just make a space look good — it creates experiences that guests remember, talk about, and return to time and time again.
