The atmosphere of a restaurant is every bit as important as the food and service and owes much to the interior design. Sometimes, an eatery needs a makeover. Whether you just bought a place that needs a new look or are a longtime owner who wants to update and freshen up, you need to do it right.
There are multiple things to take care of when updating and renovating a restaurant.
Seating and Tables
Your customers need to sit and will want to feel comfortable while eating. There are numerous seating options. New restaurant booths are worth considering as people feel cozy in them and they are like a private space. The type of chairs depends upon the style of the restaurant. For fast food, where you depend on a quick turnover, you want seats that are comfortable but not cozy. Fine dining establishments should have chairs that people will want to linger in and order desserts and more drinks.
Naturally, you need tables. They should match the decor of the restaurant and you need various sizes such as tables for two, four, or large parties of diners. Tables should be large enough that customers have plenty of space to eat and drink, but not so big they interfere with the movements of servers. Allot about 20 square per person.
Color Scheme
The colors you choose to design your dining area are more than just a matter of personal preference. Warm colors are cheery and can stimulate peoples’ appetites. Red, orange, and yellow are good choices and you will see them in many restaurants. Cooler colors such as blue and green, while pretty, are soothing and have a tendency to suppress appetites. Keep these things in mind while working with your designer on cooler schemes.
Lighting
Without proper lighting, your colors and other decor will not look their best. Plan carefully when deciding on lighting. There are three kinds of lighting to get right.
- Ambient – Ambient lighting is the major light source and it is what creates the overall feel of your restaurant. Fine dining establishments usually have dim lighting as it provides a relaxing and romantic mood that can make people want to stay. Bright lighting works better in diners or more casual restaurants where people have breakfast, lunch, and light dinners.
- Accent – Accent lighting is used to highlight paintings, sculptures, or walls. It may be white or in a color that creates a mood. Accent lights enhance the ambient light.
- Task – Task lighting is used to make things visible so that customers and staff can perform tasks. It allows diners to see the menu and servers to see their notepads. Task lighting should be set up so as not to interfere with the ambient light.
Successful restaurants are not just about food and service. Those things are at the core but good interior design can make the difference between having just a few customers and packing them in. Whether you’re new to the restaurant game or a veteran whose place needs an upgrade, keep these things in mind as you create a design that will keep diners coming in.
Related Posts:
