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. 

Choosing the Right Fabric

There are many factors that you need to think about before deciding on the right fabric for your business. First of all we need to determine what business you are in. Are you in a Law office, a high traffic fast food franchise, or a 5-star restaurant? Once we know that then we can get to the next steps.

Durability

• This may be the key factor in selecting fabrics for a business. If you run a restaurant, then you need fabrics that withstand a good amount of abuse. In an office environment you also need durability, but you will have more choices, because the traffic won't be as high. 
• You want to minimise the number of rips and tears that the seating will endure, this is can be a common occurrence in restaurants. This is the key to minimising ongoing maintenance costs.

To get the 'Perfect' Result, Ask Yourself these Questions

You need some upholstery work done, fantastic! Before you call or email us it's helpful  - well in fact it's vital -  that you know the answer to at least most of these questions. 

We can't read your mind, sorry. We can't create remarkable results if you can't tell us what you want. If you think more along the lines of - "I don't know what I want, but I will know it when I see it', you will spend a lot more money and time - which everyone is in short supply of these days. 

Of course we will advise and suggest things for you to look at, but we need to start somewhere, and the clearer you are, the easier it is for us to give you want you want.

So spend some time planning and thinking about the following:

What do you want done and how do you want it to look?

Are you adding seating? Are you undergoing a complete overhaul and you need us to work with your designers? Is it just a few tears you want us to look at? 

What is it you exactly want? Have you looked at examples of what you like? Do you have an idea of colours, textures and durability? 

Are you are franchise and you need to keep to 'company colours'? Are you revamping several of your franchise businesses? 

All these are vital.

3 Reasons Your Business Could Benefit from an Upholstery Spruce Up

Would this office inspire your employees or your clients?

You may not realise the benefits of upholstery (or reupholstery) in your business. It may initially seem like an extravagant outlay of funds. There are however, very valid reasons to 'upgrade' your business with upholstery and maybe a few other changes - such as paint and furniture rearrangement.

1 - Update a tired style

Many offices have been in business for a long time; worn carpet, 80's chairs and dull paint do not make a welcoming impression on your clients (and employees). By bringing a new colour on the walls and some interesting and hard wearing fabric for furniture, the whole business will feel refreshed and modernised. 

Choosing an Upholsterer

You've decided you need some upholstery work done for you business. You know it will make a great impression on your clients, but where do you find a reputable, reliable and quality upholsterer? Once you've found one, then what do you need do?

The easy option is to call us 0800 698 746 and we will make it happen no problem, but if you are more hands on than that, here are few things to consider.

ASK AROUND

First of you need some names and recommendations. You wouldn't let just anyone pack your parachute, so make sure you don't just let 'anyone impact your business. I know we're talking about furniture, but it can be the critical first impression for your clients. 

How do I know if it's Quality Furniture?

The last article I wrote talked about the 'Master Seal' and this is a great way to check to see if the piece of furniture that you are interested in, is a quality piece. But you might be interested in taking the next step.  

You need to really look 'under the hood' to really see if the piece is of good quality. By quality, I'm talking about it lasting! Not just lasting  2 years before breaking, more like 20+ years. Can you buy furniture that lasts that long these days? Yes you can.

To see if you are buying a quality piece look for these things:

The Furniture Master Seal

Upholsterers come under  'Master Furniture Finisher'

No doubt you have heard of Master Builders, Master Plumbers and Master Electricians but have you heard of a Master Furniture Maker?

Well now you have. If a company has earned it, Furniture Makers can display the Furniture Master Seal, but there's not just one seal there are 4! 

• Master Cabinet Maker
• Master Furniture Finisher
• Master Furniture Maker
• Master bedding Maker