Sunny Side Up: The Joyful Design of Kesos Tacos
For Kim Lewis Designs, color is more than decoration — it is the heartbeat of a space. At Kesos, a taco shack becomes a destination. A meal becomes an experience. And yellow? Yellow becomes joy.
When designer Kim Lewis and her team at Kim Lewis Designs took on the transformation of Kesos Tacos at Spicewood Springs in Austin, Texas, they weren't just redesigning a restaurant—they were reimagining possibility. What was once an exposed kitchen "situation," blossomed into a vibrant taco haven that proves good design and good food make perfect companions.
Before the Sunshine — A Space Waiting for Transformation
The before photos of the Kesos Tacos space tell a compelling story of potential waiting to be unleashed. An exposed kitchen with no interior seating. A building structure that left much to be desired. A canvas of limitations that the Kim Lewis Designs team — a powerhouse of seven creative women based in Austin — saw as an opportunity.
The taco shack before the Kim Lewis Designs' renovation for Kesos Tacos
The challenge? Craft a joyful space with maximum impact in just 1,278 square feet. The solution? A bold yellow that not only brings a brand to life, but makes your heart beat a little faster. The result? One of Kim Lewis Designs’ most dramatic transformations.
Finding the Perfect Yellow
For the team at Kim Lewis Designs, color isn't just decoration — it's the heartbeat of a space. Their design philosophy embraces boldness, using vibrant color to build brand identity and infuse environments with joy.
When it came to Kesos Tacos, Grand Rapids Chair's standard Honey Yellow wasn't just a choice — it was the perfect choice. Featured prominently throughout the space, this sunny shade perfectly captures the light, airy and colorful personality of the family-owned taco shop.
Learn more about our standard powder coat finishes.
Michigan-Made Magic in the Heart of Texas
The furniture selection for Kesos Tacos went beyond aesthetics. The Michigan-made craftsmanship resonated with the design team's commitment to quality and sustainability. In a fast-casual environment where furniture endures constant use, durability became as crucial as design.
"We feel confident in the quality of craftsmanship from Grand Rapids Chair. We know we're leaving our client with something that's top-notch," Kim Lewis shares. "It's our job as designers to empower and educate our clients on what is the most sustainable, quality decision."
The Value of Intention
The stateside manufacturing story aligned perfectly with the values driving the project — thoughtful sourcing, quality construction, and furniture built to withstand the demands of a bustling taco shop. Our standard Honey Yellow powder coat provided the perfect brand color match without requiring custom finishing, creating both design cohesion and budget efficiency.
Kim Lewis' passion for American-made furniture is palpable: "When it's coming from Grand Rapids Chair, there's integrity in that decision. There's intention. It feels good. It feels right."
Designing Beyond Yellow
A geometric mural by local Austin artist, Lucas Aoki, anchors the space. While not directly influenced by traditional Mexican art, it playfully echoes the landscape of Mexico and vibrant colors of it's cuisine, adding to a bold palette that enhances the overall brand experience.
The transformation of Kesos Tacos reminds us why we do what we do. Our furniture doesn't just fill spaces — it nourishes connections in places that bring people together. When paired with the vision of designers like Kim Lewis Designs who understand the power of color, craftsmanship, and connection, something special happens.
A taco shack becomes a destination. A meal becomes an experience. And yellow? Yellow becomes joy.
