Waterway Restaurant Interior Design

Project Scope

Built in the 1980s, the original Waterway Café had long been a favorite dockside destination with a relaxed, nautical feel. But after decades with few exterior updates, signs of wear and tear had become hard to ignore—especially the crumbling boat bar and seawall. In 2023, the owners made the decision to completely reimagine the space, aiming for a more elevated, modern identity while maintaining its indoor/outdoor charm. Haley Ward, Inc.’s interior design team was brought in to lead the transformation from the inside out, playing a pivotal role in reshaping both the experience and aesthetic of the newly branded Waterway.

Design Challenges & Owner Goals

The open-air nature of the restaurant created several functional issues that needed to be addressed:

– Humidity damage had taken its toll on wood floors, windowsills, and furniture, causing widespread rot. 

– Acoustic issues were prominent due to high ceilings and sound reverberating off hard surfaces, both inside and from the waterfront outside. 

– The space needed to withstand fluctuating indoor/outdoor conditions year-round, with materials that could endure humidity and temperature changes. 

– The design needed to appeal to a more upscale clientele, moving away from its casual, dockside origins. 

– The owners wanted a flexible dining layout with the ability to host both general seating and private events, all while enhancing the guest experience. 

Interior & Exterior Enhancements

Although structural and architectural work were handled separately, Haley Ward’s designer had a hand in nearly every visible aspect of the project—from space planning and surface selections to materials, furnishings, lighting, and custom detailing.

Exterior design features included:

– A new porte cochere, roof, and skylights 

– A reimagined boat bar, updated with modern materials and design detailing 

– All custom exterior lighting

– Decorative fountains and unique design features 

– A new tiki bar, styled to match the updated coastal aesthetic 

Interior upgrades included: 

– Completely gutting the space (except for the ceiling) and reworking the layout 

– A new kitchen layout and commercial equipment for improved efficiency 

– Renovated bathrooms to align with the upscale direction 

– A revamped north dining room, featuring a cozy fireplace, wood ceilings, new lighting, and custom planters that can be rearranged to create semi-private dining zones 

– A custom-designed bar, relocated and rebuilt with attention to every material and millwork detail 

To tackle the challenging acoustics, the team installed Arktura baffles with an organic, tree-branch aesthetic. These were paired with plant greenery integrated into the ceiling to absorb sound and soften the space visually, aligning with the indoor/outdoor theme. 

For long-term durability and comfort, finishes included indoor/outdoor-rated tile, stone, and other hard surfaces designed to resist moisture and maintain appearance despite Florida’s changing coastal conditions.

The covered patio was reimagined for better guest circulation and optimized views of the water. Upgrades included: 

– A new hard-top canopy

– Elegant lighting design

– Modern fans, custom furniture, and fabrics selected for comfort and style 

Haley Ward’s designer ensured every detail contributed to the refreshed identity—from custom resin bar tables and curated artwork to flatware, glassware, dinnerware, and staff uniforms. The team also played a key role in the venue’s rebranding, helping to evolve “Waterway Café” into the more sophisticated and simplified Waterway. The outcome is a bold, successful transformation that not only met—but exceeded—the owners’ vision. The venue now draws the clientele they had always hoped to attract, offering a high-end yet welcoming space that celebrates its waterfront location with style, functionality, and flair. Haley Ward, Inc.’s design team was proud to help bring this vision to life, creating an environment that’s as lasting as it is beautiful.

Market

• Commercial

Services

Project Data