A Charming Brunch Bar Bursting with Color

by Dean Jeffery

Who doesn’t love brunch? If you’re like us, the only thing that can make a stack of waffles and a mimosa (hold the orange juice) better is a gorgeous restaurant to enjoy them both in. That’s where Morning Belle comes in.

This modern brunch restaurant concept opened its first location in 2019, and right before the pandemic swept the world, they opened their second location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.  Both locations were designed by Dani Wirtz, owner of Dani Rose Design.

“The downtown location is much smaller than the original, which naturally lends itself to a more intimate and more comfortable layout which we loved. One of the main details that we decided to keep from the original location was the eclectic seating styles as guests felt it was part of the brand's charm,” Wirtz explains.

Opla-Morning-Belle

Using a combination of outdoor chairs and colorful indoor dining chairs finished in a custom pink powder coat, the restaurant’s interior captures the essence of a relaxing, sun-drenched Sunday morning. 

“We were inspired by the elements of an outdoor garden and wanted to create a bright, energizing, and eclectic space filled with lots of greenery," said Wirtz.

GalleryWall_MorningBelleCustoms booth built by Grand Rapids Chair Company sit below the gallery wall filled with vibrant art. 

The building, formerly a barber shop, went under extensive renovations to transform it into what we see today. From the moment you step inside, you can’t help but feel a sense of joy. Upon entry, it’s the stark white walls that are covered with vibrant art in all different sizes and mediums and the eclectic, colorful furniture that takes your breath away. Sunshine pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant, bouncing off the refinished, original wood floors and custom booths. 

 “One of my favorite parts of the entire space would have to be the colorful front art gallery wall that is seen through the front windows while walking by or driving past,"  Wirtz admitted.

Sherman-BArSherman chairs and barstools in complimentary colors fill the back of the bar, finished in honey wood stain to match the natural white oak table tops. 

This restaurant is proof that good things come in small packages! From the vibrant gallery wall, to the juicy mural and colorful chairs, this restaurant stole our hearts and filled our bellies. For more  inspiration be sure to check out our Spring/Summer 2020 Look Book.

Download Our New Digital Look Book