The Secret to Instagram-Worthy Walls: Elevate Your Restaurant's Interior Design
In the competitive world of hospitality, creating an unforgettable dining experience goes beyond food and service—it’s about building a visual identity that resonates with guests. One of the most effective tools for modern restaurants is the Instagram-worthy wall: a carefully crafted design element that not only enhances the ambiance but also drives social media engagement. Here’s why every restaurant should prioritize an Instagram wall and how to achieve it without overspending.
The Metallic Wallpaper Alternative That Brings The Wow Factor (& Where To Use It)
House Digest Magazine spoke exclusively with Cristiana Crin, founder of Perpetuum Designs, to get the deets on this type of wall (or ceiling) covering. If you aren't familiar with tin tiles, they're decorative metal plates that were once used to dress up ceilings back in the 1880s. Doesn't that make tin tiles outdated, you ask? The quick answer: No. "The beauty of interior design is that use of products can be altered and applied in many different creative ways," Crin notes.
“In business and in life, success doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a team! At a recent networking event, surrounded by inspiring women, I was reminded of the incredible strength and value that comes from supporting one another. The energy in the room was palpable. Women from different industries shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Together, we celebrated our achievements and discussed ways to grow—not just as professionals but as individuals. It’s a testament to the idea that when we learn from each other and offer support, we all rise. “ ~ Cristiana Crin, Founder / Director of Design.
At Perpetuum Designs, our success is deeply rooted in the relationships we build and the people we surround ourselves with. Collaboration and encouragement are the foundations of everything we do, and this event reinforced how important it is to keep that spirit alive.
We will continue to lift each other up, celebrate our wins, and create spaces—both literal and figurative—where we can thrive together.
Fonda Cantina
At Fonda Cantina in Evanston, Perpetuum Designs merged traditional dining with a vibrant Cantina through carefully curated Mexican design elements, capturing the essence of the country’s rich heritage in a visually stunning space.
Tips to Display and Preserve Vinyl Records in Your Apartment
Floating brackets are, in fact, a very popular option for those looking to mount their records instead of storing on a shelf. “Floating brackets can hold up to 15 records per set while showcasing your favorites at the front,” says Cristiana Crin, director of design and founder of Perpetuum Designs.
FONDA Cantina chef/proprietor Michael Lachowicz & chef partner Miguel Escobar talk with Dina Baira about the beautiful interior…
Hospitality interior design studio, crafts a a unique space inspired…
A reputation that echoes all the way to The Netherlands
“As admirers of beauty and creators of ambiance, the interior designers at Perpetuum - with Interior Designer Cristiana Crin as a team leader, embarked on a journey to extend the collaboration with George Trois and Michael Lachowicz. ‘
Something we’ve missed
With well over 6,000 entries received from across the world, the MUSE Creative Awards and MUSE Design Awards resumed their mission to honor creative and design professionals’ excellence.
“The IAA team was caught off-guard by the work submitted for the second season of 2022’s MUSE Awards. These entries were truly astounding, and they certainly bring the level of competition up a notch,” Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of IAA, noted. “It’s amazing as always to witness great works …
Rudy’s Ramen
If you find yourself in Wicker Park, do not miss the opportunity to savor the best ramen in the City.
The Design of Rudy's Ramen - a testament to a passionate entrepreneur's journey from the corporate world to a soulful haven of culinary delights.
September Issue ~ 2023
Livingetc - Modern Home Design and Style
A KITCHEN ISLAND SOLUTION FOR SMALL KITCHENS - The IKEA hacks that add value to a home – the small changes that will make a big difference when selling your home.
'If there's really no room for an island of any kind, Cristiana recommends focussing on wall storage: 'If there’s an odd corner or a small useless space, then you need to focus your attention on the kitchen wall organization & storage. Plenty and fun products that will fit your space. Maybe even go a touchV further and transform that awkward space into a fun accent corner (with a touch of fresh paint).'
CHICAGO BASED INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY TAKES ON LONDON
Perpetuum Designs, a reputable interior design studio founded in Chicago, US back in 2016, has recently started to showcase its talent in the UK.
With her latest completed project – Entice by Marlen (London) and back in 2021, Dot (Sheffield), interior designer Cristiana Crin shows serious potential for the hospitality industry in the UK.
The Design
Restaurant Interior Design ~ Perpetuum Designs
"The design and ambiance created inside FONDA Cantina play a crucial role in telling the restaurant’s genuine and joyful story of Mexican culture.
To bring this vision to life, Lachowicz enlisted the talents of the creative team at Perpetuum Designs. A hospitality design leader in Chicagoland and abroad, Perpetuum Designs partner Cristiana Crin piloted FONDA Cantina’s design efforts to create a space that radiates the personality and values of the restaurant and the team behind it.
The L-shaped, 5,100 square foot space first draws diners’ eyes to a sleekly designed 11-seat pergola-topped bar and 80-seat main dining room which can be converted for private parties for up to 50 guests behind functional and elegant sliding doors."
~ Foodgressing, Chicago.
Eater Chicago, talks about the incredible craft performance at the newest restaurant in Irving Park
"Chicago-based firm Perpetuum Designs, also behind the aesthetics at Stay & Play Game Cafe in Irving Park and the Jibarito Stop in Pilsen, selected an earthy palette to offset blue and rust-colored fiber wall art, woven bamboo light fixtures, and decorative painted tiles, many of which were sourced from Mexican artists and craftspeople, according to a rep."
- Chris Peters/Eater Chicago.
National Realestate company Redfin, speaks with Interior Designer…
Redfin - How to Perfect the Holiday Mantel
Published on December 7, 2021 by Ana de Guzman
Focus on the colors of the season
It seems that magenta and blue are the leading colors for this Holiday Season, but we’d like to point out something far more important. Focusing on natural elements, rather than color, combined with abundance for a rich effect, will welcome and color (or color combination) in the mix if thought outright. With abundance in mind, greenery, wooden, wreaths, mixed with candles, ribbon, miniature toys or statues, glass bowls, wrapped gifts….will create the perfect Holiday Mantel and add magic to any space. – Perpetuum Designs
Observator - Romania - Fără diplomă de bucătar, dar pasionat de gătit, un român a deschis unul dintre cele mai de succes restaurante din UK
Published on November 27, 2021 by Alexandra Paraschiv
“…Iar design-ul este pe măsură. Gândit tot de o româncă plecată din ţară, doar că în Statele Unite ale Americii. Cu ajutorul Cristianei, Ovidiu a făcut din Dot un local fabulos. Şi nu oricum. Au îmbinat tradiţionalul cu. modernul. Şi au încercat să aducă aici ceva din amintirile de acasă….”
Romania’s National News “Observator” picks up on int…
UK based Restaurant hires Chicago based Interior Design Studio
YorkshireLive - UK - Lockdown and an App: How Clubhouse brought exotic designs to Sheffield
Published on November 19, 2021 by Maynard Manyowa
“It was a beautiful collaboration; the client participated a lot in the construction execution and we were able to see step by step our proposed specks come to life. From burned wood finishes to a selection of irregular circular light pendants, dressed up menu board, and handcrafted (and I may add extremely well-executed) décor frames.”
The National Restaurant Owners Podcast, New York - Design, Layout & Functionality in Your Restaurant
Hospitality Host Kyle Inserra, chats with Interior Designer Cristiana Crin in in the latest episode…
Published January 10, 2021 by Kyle Inserra
Owning a restaurant can be a lonely, stressful existence. Kyle Inserra knows this first hand as a 15 year veteran of the hospitality industry. On the show, he shares his experience and interviews fellow industry professionals to provide you with the insight our industry often lacks. Whether you're opening your first restaurant or considering adding units to your current concept, there's always something new to learn, and who better to learn from than those who have successfully done it.