Douro Brand Identity
CLIENT
Capstone Project
SERVICES
Branding
Douro — Branding & Visual Identity Capstone Project, Fordham University. Douro is a conceptual restaurant and marketplace inspired by the flavors and landscapes of Portugal’s Douro Valley, where my family is from. This project was created as a capstone to bring together my passions for cultural storytelling, design systems, and digital experiences. Rooted in heritage but designed for a modern audience, Douro aims to reintroduce Portuguese cuisine through a refined visual identity and thoughtful brand experience.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Logo & Visual Identity
The logotype draws inspiration from the flowing shape of the Douro River itself—curved letterforms subtly echo the movement of water. The symbol is a minimal abstraction of traditional Portuguese tilework, reimagined with clean lines for a more contemporary feel. Together, the wordmark and symbol strike a balance between tradition and modernity.
Color Palette
The primary color palette is grounded in muted earth tones: a river blue and olive green that reflect the natural beauty of the Douro region. Secondary colors—sun-baked terracotta and golden wheat—are used for warmth, contrast, and product packaging. The palette evokes a sense of place without feeling overly rustic or nostalgic.
Packaging Design
Douro's marketplace line includes custom packaging for olive oil, tinned seafood, and spice blends. Each piece uses a consistent typographic system and color-coded label structure to create shelf appeal while maintaining brand cohesion. The packaging features subtle textural patterns inspired by azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles), nodding to cultural elements in an elevated, minimalist way.
Website & E-Commerce
The Douro website was designed as both a restaurant showcase and an e-commerce platform. It features an intuitive layout, storytelling-led design, and integrated product pages for Douro’s retail goods. With responsive navigation and a clean UI, the site guides users from browsing the menu to learning about the brand to making a purchase—all in one seamless experience.
