Restaurant going is no longer simply about food; it is an experience. The modern restaurant-goer is looking to immerse themselves in stunning ambience, conceptual designing, contemporary furniture along with a sensational gastronomic encounter.
Restaurants may be of many kinds: bistros, cafés, outdoor diners, fast food eateries, fine dining and more but the ultimate restaurant is one which juggles functionality and innovation simultaneously. No matter how promising your menu is, and how it can potentially transform someone into a believer in the culinary gods; without eye-catching interiors, your restaurant's first impression is bound to fall flat.
The formula is simple: exciting interiors equal greater footfall and consumer retention.
All said and done, building, and designing a restaurant is no child's play. A restaurateur overcomes unbelievable ordeals to craft the place of their dreams. In the process of creating the restaurant, since there are multiple components to keep in mind, you are bound to feel befuddled.
But no more! Say goodbye to any and all confusion – here's your ultimate, no-nonsense, go-to comprehensive guide to designing and choosing interiors for your restaurant.
Before we dive into details of crafting the ultimate restaurant, it is detrimental to prepare a functional floor plan that ensures the privacy of customers and the swift movement of staff members. Planning is a process that can make or break a restaurant. A good plan maximizes profits and ensures the success of your outlet in the long run.
Ambience
Oftentimes we walk into a restaurant and are confused by the overall ambience. For instance, if a local burger eatery was designed to look like a Michelin star restaurant, it would certainly confuse patrons. We must understand that all restaurants must have a personality of their own. The conceptual design of the outlet has to be rooted in its personality.
If it is a fine dining restaurant that serves Chinese cuisine, it would help to utilize these Chinese roots in taking the design decisions of this restaurant. Using lanterns, sleek wooden doors, paintings from China would be an appropriate strategy.
The ambience of a restaurant has a lot to do with the kind of atmosphere you are trying to create. From choosing the right fragrance to the right lighting – every component is crucial. This is how the customer first perceives it. While it is indeed important to be trendy, it is also important to not fall into the trap of pursuing outdated fads. Investing in the ambience of your restaurant is a long-term decision and should be taken thoughtfully.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There are many factors that contribute to the sum total of a restaurant's ambience. Let us dissect them carefully, one by one.
Color psychology
Color palette is a powerful tool that influences customer behavior. Choosing the correct one is a precise science. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are appetite stimulants that are associated with a full stomach. On the other hand, colors like black and brown are appetite suppressants and make your restaurant appear more stuffy than it actually is.
Furniture
When it comes to planning the interiors of your restaurant, what furniture you opt for characterizes the definitive style of the space. A cozy sofa is an appropriate choice for family-friendly restaurants while barstools will be a good option for sports bars.
Choosing the right kind of furniture should be in tune with your theme, color palette, space restrictions and budget. If you have deep pockets, it is natural to want to choose luxurious items but even if you don't, furniture doesn't always have to be lavish. Many restaurants opt for minimalist designs. For more design examples and ideas, visit restaurant furniture.
Priority should be given to comfort and functionality. It is important to balance both style and practicality.
Lighting
Embellishing your restaurant with the correct lighting increases the overall enjoyment derived from the experience of visiting your restaurant. Lighting is a strong visual element in your restaurant's design.
In the kitchen, lighting needs to be functional while in the lounge it can be ambient. It defines the mood and tone of your space. If there is plenty of natural light, the establishment is perceived as cheerful and sociable but dim lighting in bistros and fine-dining restaurants creates an intimate feeling.
The light presentation should enhance the visual impact of your food. Punchy cocktails and colorful entrées deserve the spotlight, literally.
Restrooms
Restroom maintenance is far more important than it might appear. It is an indicator of the overall quality standards of a restaurant and reveals your dedication to serving the customer's best interests. Research suggests that more than 80% per cent of consumers would avoid a restaurant with a dirty restroom—not just avoid the restroom but avoid the restaurant altogether.
A spotless, well ventilated, fragrant, hygienic restroom is one which will ensure customer loyalty. So, do not consider restaurant maintenance to be an afterthought; a grimy restaurant can tank your reputation forever.
Functional elements
To make sure work is executed seamlessly, all operational elements must be well thought out. A robust heating and ventilation system provides a comfortable environment for customers to enjoy themselves and keeps them coming back.
Appliances must be maintained regularly to avoid breakdowns. Kitchen, storage area and the backend needs to be kept clean, simple and nifty to maximize productivity.
Additional Notes
All this is to say that a restaurant's design must always adhere to the local government's laws, departmental regulations, and other necessary restrictions. It is necessary to get your restaurant design approved by appropriate authorities such as the health department and fire department.
Operational elements such as ventilation, safety from fire hazards, maximum occupancy limit are components that can make or break the experience your restaurant is designed to offer.
In conclusion
Now that we have brushed over the basics, it is time to channel your creative potential and innovate further. A bustling restaurant is every restaurateur's dream. With this comprehensive guide, this dream is now a reality.
