architecture tips

The utmost care should be taken when considering the design of a new restaurant or redesigning an existing one. You may have an excellent business plan and the best chef and staff in the world but unless your restaurant has been furnished according to your customer's needs and tastes then you will not be open for business very long. Of course, if you are catering for a very young and hip crowd as opposed to an older sedate customer the design will vary but the aim should still be the same to create an enjoyable and relaxing environment where customers can enjoy good food and a good ambience. Here are a few things to consider.

Consider the colour- Despite blue being a very popular colour it is not considered to be a good colour for a restaurant as it is deemed the least appetising out of all the colours. Colours that are considered to be more appetite inducing are red and orange, brown and green.

For the Love of Lighting- Hopefully you will have a good source of natural light that will be delightful during day time dining but you will also of course have to consider lighting fixtures that aid the natural light during the day but adapt for the evening dining too. Ambience can be created by using wall lights and up lights can create dramatic shadows and character. LED lights around a bar can be striking and coloured lights can inject fun into a themed restaurant. Low lighting is generally considered the best but don't have it so low that people can't see their fabulous meals properly.

Tantalizing Tables and Chairs-You want furnishings that reflect the personality of the restaurant and are pleasing to the eye but remember to consider that they need to be both stylish as well as comfortable. There are many types of seating available such as booths, stools, sofas or chairs and a multitude of materials and styles too. When choosing such furnishings first think about the size of your restaurant and although you will want to maximise the seating you also need to consider the flow between the diners and the kitchen as this needs to be nice and clear. Also think about how easy they will be to clean. Furnishings with lots of crevices are not wipe down friendly! To find commercial standard and stylish furniture it may be best to consult a good furniture directory. Most architects and designers use these for inspiration as well as for purchasing items.

No matter what your budget is, bearing in mind the power of colour, the effect of lighting and the suitability of furniture for the space you have available, you can dramatically change the experience of the visitors to your restaurant. Look at other restaurants and furniture directories for inspiration and if you try to inject some personality as well as functionality into your restaurant then you will be on to a sure winner!

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If you are thinking about opening a restaurant, or thinking about doing a renovation on your existing restaurant, but have a very limited budget, there are lots of creative and affordable ways that you can make a big change without spending big money.

A few simple ideas can help you transform your restaurant operation into a brand new place. The ideas below are also all DIY, so there is no need to have to deal with the headaches of hiring a contractor.

1. Clean it up

First and foremost, a complete detailing of your restaurant should be done before any big or small renovation jobs are done. Wash and clean each and every single wall, corner, countertops, display shelves, drawers, cabinets, table, chair, window, washroom, etc. in your entire operation. When things are clean, they can look new again.

2. Paint

A good paint job can change the dynamic of any operation drastically. It is the easiest and most inexpensive way to make an instant change to the interior design of your restaurant. Choose colors that are related to your brand, and the type of food that you serve. Paint your bulkheads in bright colors to attract attention. If your tables, chairs, cabinets and counters are looking a bit shabby, repaint those as well.

3. Make deals with artists

Can't afford to buy expensive artwork for your walls? Why not help local artists in your community get some exposure instead? Use your restaurant operation as a gallery for new and upcoming artists. If a piece sells, the artist can give you a percentage of the sales. This way, artists have an outlet to display their work to the public, and you get to have beautiful pieces of art in your restaurant for free.

4. Avoid restaurant supply stores

Restaurant suppliers tend to charge a fortune for shelving units, display props, food display ware, cookware, smallwares, etc. Consider shopping for these items at stores like IKEA, Pier 1 Imports and other inexpensive home décor stores that offer such items at a much lower price.

5. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add texture, color and depth to your operation. Today, you can buy wallpaper with any type of print imaginable. For example, if you want to give your operation a wood feel, but can't afford to use real wood, use a wood-themed wallpaper instead. Contrast your painted walls with strips of wallpaper to make your walls more interesting. Wallpaper can also help you relay to your customers the atmosphere of your restaurant.

6. Laminate flooring

New floors can get quite pricey. Wood floors cost a fortune, and carpeting always needs to be cleaned. Laminate floors are ideal for restaurants as they are easy to clean and can withstand a lot of traffic. It can also be DIY, thereby saving on the need to hire a professional installer. Laminate floors come in a huge variety of colors, patterns and designs, and cost a lot less than wood or carpet.

7. Use natural elements

Instead of spending money on expensive décor items, consider going outdoors to find pieces of nature. Fill clear glass vases with sand, rocks, seashells or gravel, and add a small tealight inside for an inexpensive tabletop light. Use leaves, twigs, flowers and plants to add more fresh, natural and environmental elements to your restaurant.

8. Look online for free stuff

Check often online at websites like Craigslist or Kijiji to see what people are giving away for free. Someone else's garbage may be your treasure. Keep your eyes out for light fixtures, shelving units, tables, chairs, coffee tables and other items that could be cleaned and easily refurbished, and fit well into your restaurant operation.

Diane Chiasson, FCSI, president of Chiasson Consultants Inc., has been helping restaurant, foodservice, hospitality and retail operators increase sales for over 30 years. She is recognized as one of the best restaurant consultants in Toronto. Her company provides innovative and revenue-increasing foodservice and retail merchandising programs, interior design, branding, menu engineering, marketing and promotional campaigns, and much more. Contact her at 416-926-1338, toll-free at 1-888-926-6655 or chiasson@chiassonconsultants.com, or visit http://www.chiassonconsultants.com/

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