At Mindful Design Consulting, we thrive on challenges—especially those that push us to think creatively and rethink what’s possible. Our latest project did just that, as Taco Time moved into a former French restaurant with an unconventional layout filled with tight corners, leftover rooms, and unexpected spatial conditions. Transforming a space that was never intended for a fast-casual taco concept required strategic planning and fresh thinking, giving us the opportunity to rework the flow, modernize the aesthetic, and turn a collection of awkward spaces into a cohesive, energetic dining experience.
Taco Time—a name that already promises a good time—is now delivering on that promise once more. With great food served in a completely redesigned and refreshed interior, the restaurant has been transformed into a space that says tacos before customers even take a seat.
So what’s the story behind this taco restaurant redesign, and how did we arrive at the final look of the new interior? Here’s a first glimpse at the initial state of the space.
Taco Time restaurant before redesign.
Taco Time restaurant before redesign.
The previous space had an exhausted, impersonal look that had lost its luster long ago. The sunny yellow walls, while well-intentioned, lacked any contrasting counterpart; the furniture was outdated, and the accents were bland and lifeless, among other issues. However, the main problem was the unusual flow of the space, with contorted angles that made an efficient layout difficult to achieve, along with a curious and challenging ceiling landscape that combined skylights, wood beams, odd structures and shapes, and uninspiring paint.
The restaurant’s ceiling before redesign.
Our first priority was to create a layout that was not only functional and practical but also inviting—one that guides people naturally instead of confusing them. Interestingly, what could have been a shortcoming became an advantage. Rather than revealing the whole space the moment customers walk in, the design keeps them curious, encouraging them to explore and see what’s ahead.
To make this happen, we carefully considered sightlines from the entrance and at each step beyond, playing with angles and planning the interior around them. This gave the space a subtle sense of mystery—even in a relatively small area.
As a result, when customers enter the restaurant, their attention is naturally drawn to the seating area, even though it’s partially hidden. Positioned a few steps up on a slightly elevated level, it makes them feel as though they’re being led somewhere special. From this vantage point, all the key elements of the interior come together—colors, materials, and the overall vibe of the brand’s cultural identity.
Positioned at an angle, the welcoming counter serves a double purpose: it directs both the eye and customers’ steps toward the seating area, while also blocking access to adjacent non-public spaces. The entrance area is set apart by a different floor tile, giving the seating area a sense of distinction without feeling formal—perfect for a small, casual restaurant. A small beverage station greets customers as they enter, while the self-serve area is hidden from immediate view behind a divider wall clad in horizontal wood planks.
Of course, the ceiling required our full attention. Working around its idiosyncrasies, we homogenized the elements to make the entire space feel cohesive. Keeping the paint colors consistent helped unify the ceiling, while creating a lattice structure above the dining area added visual weight and made the design feel integrated. In the receiving area, we preserved the original wooden beams, but incorporated them more seamlessly into the ceiling design, transforming them into an asset rather than a visual liability.
From a color perspective, we adopted a Southwestern palette, featuring earthy oranges, cactus greens, and warm reds. These colors, set against the contrasting sandy tones of the walls and the white of the wall tiles, are further enriched by the presence of wooden elements. Together, this combination creates a distinctive warmth that immediately evokes the origin of the food.
In terms of materials, we created a pleasant contrast by alternating tile and wood, highlighting the interplay between the coolness of the tiles and the warmth of the wood. The most distinctive feature of the restaurant is the wall tiles in a Southwestern pattern, picking up on the red tones of the interior while adding something uniquely theirs. These tiles do not cover the entire wall but rather help define decorative wall recesses with arched tops, a nod to traditional Southwestern architecture.
The fabric-upholstered bench and decorative pillows bring in the necessary softness that keeps the space warm and welcoming, while tying together the colors of the interior.
As a simple, budget-friendly decorative accent, LED-illuminated scalloped shelves display a collection of heavy-patterned plates, their intricate designs catching the light. The charming curves and familiar patterns evoke the warmth and comfort of a well-loved kitchen, making customers feel instantly at home. An extra touch of greenery only accentuates this feeling.
The warm, intimate light comes from fixtures with caged lampshades. Their design keeps the ceiling airy and open while retaining the golden touch of the original restaurant, now refreshed with a modern twist.
We’ve also incorporated neon signs—an excellent way to delover a messsage and give customers a fun spot to snap photos.
We addressed a few other issues, such as replacing the original curtain toward the kitchen with a more suitable alternative that strengthens the brand presence. An oversized version of the logo—of our own design—is featured on it, making a bold and prominent statement.
Taco Time restaurant redesign: Mindful Design Consulting
All photos: Mindful Design Consulting
If you are thinking to open a new business or are in the process of rebranding and remodeling your existing business, contact us to get a free consultation from Mindful Design Consulting. Click HERE to price your project design.
Also, take a look at the “Branding By Interior” e-book, the only book written on this subject at this time. It brings insight into how you can turn your business into a market-dominating competitor by using human cognitive responses.
See our Small Store Design Extravaganza: Commercial Interior Design and Branding 01 book about branding small businesses from logo design to construction, with colorful images, offering insightful explanations every step of the way.
