Common Mistakes in Restaurant Design

We work with a lot of cafe/restaurant businesses, so I've seen a lot over the years. I'm not a designer as such, but you might want to keep these in mind if you are creating a restaurant, or redesigning what you already have.

Copy Cat

Don't follow the trends. If it's a trend, trends will change and date your restaurant fast! If you and 6 other restaurants in the area are all going for the 'recycled rustic modern' look, then you will not stand out. Create your own personality that stands the test of time. It will save money in the long run (you won't need to update in 2 years), and will mean that people will focus on what they really have come here for  - the food. Getting basic upholstered pieces means that you can refresh the look with other unique items. 

Cheap usually looks cheap.

If you want a 5-start look, then you need to purchase 5-star furnishings (but you don't need to spend 5-star prices).  A basic square table on a single pole with 4 plastic garden chairs, is not going create the environment you are looking for. Make sure the furniture that you use is the equivalent to the product you are selling. Upholstery can indeed make something look very luxurious.

Bad lighting

Too bright and glaring with bare fluorescent bulbs is not relaxing. This also is true if it so dark you can't see your food (unless you want a 'black out' restaurant, which adds to the sensory experience).

70's Carpet

Flooring is important for many reasons, you're going to have to clean it, a lot! So something that is easy to clean is important. It is also the 'base' for your decor, you don't want to choose some garish 70's pattern that goes with nothing. Yes it may hide the stains, but it may also scare off patrons.

Mood Music

Create the right mood. Not too loud, not too soft, it's there to be the grout - to fill in the spaces between the silence in conversation. It also helps to create the ambiance. If you have a South American inspired restaurant, it makes sense to play music from that part of the world, not heavy metal.

Temperature

If your chefs are hot, send them outside, not into the restaurant to cool down. You don't what your customers to freeze and have to wear their coat. Also the opposite is true, it's not supposed to be a sauna. If your air conditioning is on the blink, get someone to look at it. 

Remove the Ghosts

Your Mexican restaurant used to be an Italian restaurant and in previous lives was a post office and a shoe shop. Unless you are trying to highlight its unique history (i.e. a restaurant inside an historic bank), it's best to get rid of any trace of it's previous lives. If you serve Mexican food, you don't want to have a Venice inspired mural on the wall, your customers will be confused.

So what do you think? Do you have other ideas that you would add? If you would like to have a chat about the look of your restaurant, call us on 0800 698 746 and we will come up with something great for you.