VIDA Mexican Kitchen & Bar

Located near Kawana’s popular shopping precinct on the Sunshine Coast, VIDA Mexican is a fresh dining destination that blends a relaxed coastal vibe with authentic Mexican flavours. The Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast South team delivered a full hospitality fitout, combining subtle cultural touches with contemporary design to create a welcoming, light-filled space. Every element has been carefully considered to balance comfort, style, and operational functionality, making the venue ideal for casual drinks, family meals, or evening dining.

The interior focuses on natural, earthy materials and warm, sunlit colours. Walls are finished in a soft, textured cream render, providing a calm, inviting backdrop. The restaurant’s name, “VIDA” (Spanish for “life”), is displayed in a deep terracotta red on the main wall, acting as a simple yet strong focal point. A restrained palette of creams, sand tones, and terracotta complements the bold flavours of Mexican cuisine while creating a relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere. Light, texture, and colour work together to make the space feel open, welcoming, and effortlessly comfortable —a hallmark of a high-quality hospitality fitout.

Texture, Masonry, and Tile

One of the standout features of this hospitality fitout is the sophisticated use of terracotta and custom tiling, reflecting Mexico’s rich material heritage while maintaining a modern aesthetic. A low, permeable partition wall constructed from terracotta breeze blocks defines the main dining area while separating casual bar seating. The geometric voids allow natural light to filter through, maintaining visual connections between spaces and promoting a communal atmosphere. This design draws inspiration from traditional Mexican techniques for managing light and heat but is reimagined as a decorative, functional focal point.

Custom bar tables attached to the partition highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast is known for. Table tops feature a precise checkerboard pattern of terracotta and sandy-hued tiles framed by a continuous terracotta edge. Supporting columns are clad in small, vertical terracotta-toned tiles, laid in a stacked, repeating pattern, turning structural elements into decorative features that reinforce the overall aesthetic. Raw, unstained wooden stools complement the refined tiling, creating a relaxed, beach-adjacent vibe while highlighting bespoke craftsmanship. The combination of natural timber and terracotta perfectly balances sophistication with casual coastal charm, demonstrating how Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast integrates design, function, and materiality in every hospitality fitout they deliver.

Openness, Flow, and Functional Dining

The main dining area has been designed for both comfort and operational efficiency. Double-height ceilings and full-height glazing allow natural light to flood the space, providing expansive views of the surrounding precinct and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere throughout the day. The natural light accentuates the warmth of the interior palette and enhances the sun-drenched coastal feel of the venue—a signature outcome of a carefully executed hospitality fitout by Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast.

Seating is arranged to accommodate a variety of dining experiences. A continuous leather-look, tan-coloured banquette runs along the main wall, maximising seating efficiency while comfortably supporting groups of different sizes. Free-standing wooden tables are paired with chairs featuring scalloped backs and soft, neutral upholstery, adding elegance and a touch of softness to the space. The materials are durable and easy to maintain, essential in a busy restaurant environment. Clear pathways and an open layout support smooth customer flow and efficient service, while a polished concrete floor provides a modern, high-performance surface that is both resilient and easy to clean. The thoughtful integration of dining, bar, and kitchen areas ensures seamless operations and delivers an elevated, effortless dining experience—hallmarks of a successful hospitality fitout.

Bespoke Details and Biophilic Design

The bespoke detailing throughout VIDA Mexican elevates the space beyond standard commercial interiors. Large pendant lights made from woven rattan and natural fibres hang from the high ceiling, forming sculptural pieces that soften the industrial elements and exposed ductwork. These lights distribute a warm, inviting glow that complements the natural tones of the fitout, while rope suspension details add texture and reinforce the connection to natural materials. Strategically positioned, the lights draw the eye upward, giving the expansive ceiling a deliberate and considered presence.

A structural column has been transformed into a hand-painted work of art. The upper portion features small, vertically oriented tiles, while the lower section is painted in the creamy wall tone and adorned with bold, terracotta-red abstract shapes, including vases and floral motifs. These artistic touches introduce colour, personality, and craftsmanship at eye level. Biophilic elements, such as hanging planters and cascading greenery, bring life and freshness into the interior, connecting guests with nature and reinforcing the relaxed, natural aesthetic. Every detail of this hospitality fitout reflects Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast’s commitment to creating interiors that are both functional and visually engaging.

Bringing the Concept to Life

VIDA Mexican captures the essence of Mexican cuisine while showcasing contemporary design. Texture, lighting, materials, and bespoke detailing come together to create a cohesive environment that feels authentically Mexican yet unmistakably modern. From the terracotta breeze block wall to the rattan lighting and custom-tiled bar tables, every feature contributes to a welcoming and operationally effective space suitable for both casual and elevated dining.

For those looking to launch or refresh a hospitality business, Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast has the expertise to bring any concept to life. From cafés and restaurants to bars and boutique eateries, their experience in delivering functional, brand-driven, and beautiful hospitality fitouts ensures each venue stands out and stands the test of time. Thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and practical operational planning combine to create interiors that elevate the customer experience while supporting long-term efficiency and sustainability.

Enquire with Total Fitouts today to discover how they can transform your hospitality vision into a vibrant, functional, and memorable space!