Creating An Inviting Restaurant Atmosphere
It’s no secret that nailing the ambience can be the factor that makes or breaks a new restaurant. Beyond the quality of the food, patrons also often make active judgments about the quality of service and the environment, making each dinner service less like a production line and more like a theatre performance – and that is if they choose to walk in, to begin with!
From tangible factors, such as the décor and lighting, to experiential factors, such as the conveniences afforded the guests, let’s dive into some tips on how you can create an inviting restaurant atmosphere:
Get more restaurant décor ideas with our e-book.
1. Make use of all available space in your restaurant
The first thing to embrace is the understanding that every and all available space is an opportunity to make an impression. Even the choice of what doors to use and type of windows to install can make a difference! The list goes on, such as the surface design of the bar, the choice of flooring, or how the ceiling is decorated – they all present opportunities to maximise the essence of your restaurant and help you attract the right customers.
2. Have an overall concept or theme for your restaurant
Whether you are running an ethnic eatery or an upscale wine-and-dine outfit, an overall concept or theme for your restaurant helps customers know what to expect when they walk in. For example, while decorative large format marble tiles like Vogue Grande are great for classy establishments, it will be difficult to allocate the space for cosier dining settings like diners, which may benefit more from wood design tiles.
For a comprehensive look at various wood tiles, download our wood design catalogue.
3. Make an impression with eatery-appropriate lighting
Among the challenges in designing a restaurant is the challenge of crafting a space that is private yet public. One of the ways this is achieved is through the sculpting of the lightscape – with the right application, a space can be turned from a wide-open party space into an intimate and cosy setting.
Where restaurants are concerned, artificial lighting does the heavy lifting in creating an inviting atmosphere. Here, the various surface materials should also be taken into consideration: glossy surfaces, such as those on polished tiles, tend to reflect light, while matt surfaces tend to absorb more light, which could influence the way you choose to light your restaurant.
4. Pay attention to your restaurant’s tabletop presentation
Before the food is even served, your restaurant patrons will spend a non-insignificant time gazing at the tabletop. While a little vase or a succulent is great for adding some vibrance and visual interest, you could also consider the material of the tabletop: a dark stone material such as Le-Pedra by Portino could communicate masculinity and gravitas in an exclusive type of establishment, while the design on Terra-Arte could be more whimsical and suitable for family-friendly spaces.
5. Create a photo-ready space for customers
Finally, in the age of social media and online reviews, a photo-ready space is essential for word-of-mouth promotion that would help your restaurant attract more than just the people passing the front of your establishment. A photo-ready space could be achieved through the inclusion of a feature wall, or a built-in feature space at the façade of your storefront.
Did you find this article helpful? Speak with our design team for a more in-depth discussion on designing your space to attract more customers!
