The first in the series of themes that run through my new report on restaurant, cafe & bar design is the theme of Microgrid Modern. This is exemplified by the MASQUESPACIO Interior Design Studio designed Amiko Gelato in Barcelona and Zavod 11's design for the Milu Cafe in Novosibirsk, Russia.

In my research of hundreds of new hospitality spaces that have opened since last summer across the globe, I noticed a design approach defined by meticulously structured tile arrangements and precise grid patterns, blending architectural order with playful, retro-inspired palettes to create engaging, layered hospitality spaces.

One standout example of this design approach is the eatery Occa in Cataguases, Brazil. Created by NOArquitetura, an architecture practice based in nearby Juiz de Fora, this restaurant's design employs bold, structured grids complemented by playful architectural intervention.

Typical colors used in these Microgrid Modern places include a retro mint on wall tiles and seating upholstery. The soft pastel green is reminiscent of mid-century diners, and is playful yet calming. Another key color is a vintage blush which is a muted clay tone that seems to complement precise grid patterns with understated elegance (accent walls, booths).

I took all this inspiration and developed prompts to bring the theme to life with AI - as you can see in this video (and accompanying audio) I developed using Google's FX Studio. The full '200 ideas' report includes all the prompts to generate mood boards and more: