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Focus
On
Design
& Furnishing
The past
few years have seen a revolution in attitudes to restaurant interior
design and furnishings as restaurateurs began to realise the
tremendous advantages in the best use of space, available light and
promotion of concept. |
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With the lack
of ability or finance to radically change the food and service many
restaurants have turned to improving the décor and overall
dining experience with results that range from stunning to
disastrous. At its best, it cannot be over-emphasised how important
interior design is to business and, more importantly, profits. Most
diners nowadays are looking for more than just filling their stomachs
in their eating-out experience and décor and ambience play a
vital part. With careful and innovative design, the most inconvenient
room structure can be made to look adventurous, luxurious and
welcoming, the extent depending on the budget.
The impetus
for change has come with the opening of so many new restaurants, many
using the latest design techniques and technology such that existing
restaurants have had to re-furbish up to the same standard to remain
profitable. Interior design can play a huge part in the comfort of
diners and hence their spend. If they are on uncomfortable chairs in
shabby or oppressive surroundings they are likely to effect the
smallest spend possible and get out.
With economics
being what they are many single unit restaurants are forced to carry
out their own architectural design and decoration so as to achieve
the best effect with the smallest budget. However, if you can afford
to employ a professional it is certainly worth it as the effects can
be beyond your wildest hopes.
Design has
become a fine art in restaurants nowadays and very few new ones open
up without architectural support. Zuma in London was designed by
Tokyo's esteemed architect and design company 'super potato' headed
by designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu who created a layout 'to inspire indulgence'.
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The furniture
is as important as the design - especially the chairs which must be
sufficiently comfortable to induce the customer to stay as long as
you wish. Hence if it is fine dining, a high level of comfort will be
required and conversely, much less so if it is a fast turnaround
concept. Tables and chairs can be a high proportion of the
décor budget, especially the latter. High back leather chairs,
for instance, can cost from £45 to well over £200 a unit
whilst a two seater sofa for the reception can found from £159.
The choice and
cost range is considerable and it is advisable to take the time at
the outset to look carefully at what is on offer before taking the
plunge, For a start try some of these website to set you on the right
path : |
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Chairs etc:
www.chairsforless.co.uk
; www.dekordirect.co.uk ; www.thechaircontract.co.uk
; www.ultimacontractltd.com
; www.insideoutcontracts.com
; www.andythornton.com ; www.smartleatherfurniture.com
; www.ilfchairs.com ; www.primofurniture.com
Interior
Design :
www.bentheim.co.uk
; www.ignitemarketing.co.uk
(clients Yum Yum & Zen Satori) ; www.mcnallydesign.com
; www.appleinterior.co.uk
; www.barondesign.co.uk ; www.alchemy-designs.com
; www.indigoconcepts.co.uk
; www.buildinsolutionscorporation.com
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