At 2G we know how important it is that you nail your restaurant interior design and make it amazing. We have seen a lot of commonality in the mistakes that people have made in their own attempts. With this in mind, we thought we would share with you some of the most common mistakes when doing the interior design for your restaurant and how you should approach them.
1. Ignoring Space Planning.
A restaurant design destined for success is planned efficiently from day one. A poor restaurant interior space plan can leave you with a lot of issues. Overcrowded dining areas, uncomfortable seating arrangements, and restricted walkways can lead to a chaotic atmosphere, causing customers to feel cramped and unwelcome. To avoid this, invest time and effort in creating a well considered layout plan before you start out. Consider the flow of traffic, allocate ample space between tables bearing in mind the clientele, access to entrances & exits, bar space, and ensure the arrangement enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
Tip: Prioritise customer comfort by choosing ergonomic seating and allowing enough room for movement….as a rule of thumb allow a metre between chairs from one table to the next.
2. Lack of Consistency in Ambience.
A successful restaurant design revolves around a cohesive theme or ambience that reflects the concept and cuisine. Inconsistent restaurant design elements, clashing styles, and conflicting colour schemes can create confusion and dilute the overall experience. The key is to identify a clear vision for your restaurant design and remain consistent throughout the space. Always start with a concept and build from there.
Tip: Consult with a professional interior designer(…like us!) to curate a harmonious ambiance that aligns with your restaurant’s identity.
3. Mismanaged Lighting.
Lighting is a powerful tool that can set the mood and tone of your restaurant. Unfortunately, many restaurateurs overlook its significance. Harsh, fluorescent lighting can create an unwelcoming atmosphere, while dim lighting can hinder visibility and affect the overall dining experience. Striking the right balance is essential. See our blog for on top tips for lighting design
Tip: Utilize a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and focus in the space. We would also opt for warm, soft lighting in the dining area to promote a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
4. Acoustic Neglect.
Noise levels can significantly impact the dining experience and it often astounds us to how many places ignore this crucial element. A restaurant with poor acoustic design can become overwhelmingly noisy, making it challenging for customers to converse comfortably. Investing in a variety of techniques, including sound-absorbing materials and strategic placement can ensure a peaceful dining environment.
Tip: Firstly, utilize soft furnishings like upholstered chairs and curtains to help dampen excess noise, if this still doesn’t achieve the desired effect, look to incorporate acoustic panels or materials that absorb sound to reduce noise levels….there are many innovative products on the market.
5. Overlooking the design of your loo
The toilet is a crucial part of any dining establishment and can make or break a persons perception of the place. A poorly designed loo can leave a lasting negative impression on customers, tarnishing the overall dining experience. This area is so often overlooked in the design process missing a good opportunity to be creative and make a statement.
Tip: Keep the toilets well-lit, and aesthetically aligned with the restaurant’s theme and consider investing in higher-quality fixtures and finishes to elevate the appearance.
Creating an interior design for your restaurant is an intricate process that requires careful consideration of various elements to create an environment that delights customers and leaves a lasting impression. By avoiding these top five interior design mistakes – poor space planning, inconsistent ambiance, mismanaged lighting, acoustic neglect, and overlooking restroom design – you can elevate your restaurant to new heights of success. Prioritise functionality, aesthetics, and customer comfort, and seek professional guidance to create a stunning and unforgettable dining space. Remember, the devil is in the details, and a well-designed restaurant can set the stage for a truly exceptional culinary experience.
If you would like more advice on how to design your restaurant please contact Catherine at catherine@2gdesignandbuild.com.
