The Intersection of Design, Dining, and Digital Culture

Step into a restaurant today, and there is a chance that someone is framing a perfect shot before they take their first bite. The clink of glasses, the play of light on the floor, and the glow of a quirky sign reflected in a mirror are all moments curated for the camera. In an age where experiences are rooted in likes and stories, social media is a cultural force that shapes consumer behaviour, influencing how varied demographics perceive brands and spaces. Every business, from luxury brands to local cafés, now exists in a digital-first world where visibility translates to desirability.

It is why restaurants no longer serve food—they offer immersive environments designed for interaction and engagement. Recognising that social media-driven engagement translates into footfall and sales–hospitality spaces are crafted for documentation and dining equally. Thoughtful design choices—from textured walls to reflective surfaces—create a visual language for sharing, ensuring every visit is as much about the ambience as about the menu.

Designed with a keen eye for visual storytelling, Haldiram’s venue in New Delhi naturally lends itself to social media moments, where aesthetics meet experience. As the brand evolves from a beloved snack stop to a contemporary dining destination, the design mirrors this journey—balancing nostalgia with modernity. Terrazzo flooring in soft greys and whites provides a clean, stylish canvas that makes colourful dishes stand out, while warm brass accents and textured grey walls add depth and sophistication. Bold black tile signages and a layered wood-finish ceiling bring character, making every corner visually striking. Thoughtfully placed lighting ensures the perfect glow, whether a quick snap at the vibrant retail counter or a beautifully framed meal shot. More than just a dining space, it’s an experience designed to be seen, shared, and remembered.

For another project, KLAP in Khan Market, we created a dynamic and layered experience. Staying true to the nostalgia Khan Market evokes, the space embodies hospitality design with its maximalist aesthetic and modern interiors, adapting to the evolving demands of today’s consumers. A striking double-height entrance sets a grand tone, leading into an interior where custom terrazzo floors add vibrancy and mirrored ceilings amplify the spatial experience. By day, natural light enhances the hues, while by night, ambient lighting transforms the setting into an intimate, curated experience. Beyond a visual spectacle, KLAP combines corporate escapism with casual indulgence, serving bespoke drinks and quick Asian bites and making every visit about the moment, the atmosphere, and the experience.

The convergence of design and digital culture is a new reality: restaurants and cafés are no longer places to eat but destinations that thrive on engagement. As social media continues to redefine how experiences are consumed and communicated, hospitality spaces must evolve to remain relevant—not just in person but in pixels. The power of architecture and interiors in shaping consumer perception has never been greater, ensuring that the spaces we visit are memorable and unmistakably share-worthy.