Crafting a Memorable Dining Experience Three Tips for Finding an Interior Designer

It’s no secret that interior design can have a large impact on how diners perceive their experience in a restaurant, which can easily affect the success of the restaurant itself. Interior design is as much about creating a space that is appealing to customers, as it is about careful planning so that space is used as efficiently as possible. Here are three things you should keep in mind when you are looking for a professional restaurant interior designer.

1. How Spacing Matters

Restaurant psychology design expert Dr. Sheryl E. Kimes noted an interesting effect of placing parties at closely spaced tables: they not only reported significantly reduced satisfaction, but also spend less money on average per minute than customers at widely spaced tables. Interior designers understand the psychological impact of space, and work with it in mind. Another aspect of mapping out restaurant layout designs is making sure that staff can move quickly and easily throughout the restaurant from the kitchen. Good flow is essential to the customer experience. Poor planning leads to bottlenecks and lost time as servers maneuver through small areas.

2. Restaurant Interior Designs Impact Diner Experience

The restaurant experience is about more than just what’s on your plate, and interior design can impact how people remember their time spent, and their meals as well. Everything from the lighting to wall finishing to the choice of chair type, matters. An experienced interior designer will know how to pull all the elements of a room together for the best possible dining experience. Great design will visually engage restaurant visitors, without being overwhelming or busy.

3. Crafting a Memorable Experience

You don’t want your restaurant to be just comfortable; you want it to be exciting so that people want to come back and bring their friends along, too. Unique, conceptual restaurant interior design ideas are one way to appeal to people and bring them back for more. According to the Independent, for 2013 onward, ostentatious and frilly interiors are out, and pared down, sleek facades are in. Raw wood and simple stone are two trends that have been big this year. Eater magazine recommends that flash-in-the-pan trends like Edison Bulbs and mirrors next to tables are on their way out. It’s important to blend timeless elements with creativity in restaurant design so that you don’t become passe.

What do you look for in a restaurant interior designer? This is a great source for more.