Monday, July 28, 2008

Size Matters


A caveat of good design, "When working in a large space, the introduction a few large, select pieces, are always better than filling a large space with small pieces". This becomes even more evident in the large space of a restaurant. Unlike residential design, where the separate areas serve distinctly different purposes, the common guest areas of a restaurant should share a cohesive unity.
Visual comfort, puts the guest at ease, producing a state of relaxation that sets the tone for the dining experience to follow. In a large space, design should seek balance. Common areas should exhibit an equal sense of importance and comfort.
Upon entering the restaurant, the guest, (with the exception of a smoking area), should not feel the need to request one area of the dining room as more desirable than another. The room, regardless it's size should appear as a singular area.
Utilizing larger artwork on walls, large lighting arrays and reoccurring motifs, gives the observer a sense of spacial openness, which in turn adds to the aire of comfort. If a guest can appreciate the visual touches from across the room as easily as from where they are seated, they are, in effect, sitting everywhere. Each and every seat is the best seat in the house.

These design decisions should be made early on during the initial design process. enabling the electrician to provide necessary connections for larger lighting arrays and proper illumination of the larger art pieces. I have experienced, time after time, restaurants that missed the importance of these simple design tips, instead, considering the process as a simple matter of decoration, and then attempt to fill the large area as an afterthought, the overall look being cluttered, disjointed and confusing. Not an environment for a pleasurable dining experience.
Great design considers all at once, all as one. From the eye of the viewer, inside looking out, as well as the view from the outside looking in. When all variables are considered, there can never be the unfortunate outcome of afterthought.

2 comments:

Neo-Nel-Interior Specialist said...

Always consider what you’re working with when thinking about an interior designer. If you have inherited an old house along with old furniture and drapes then I may think about sticking to a Victorian-themed interior. The dark colors associated with the Victorian era are romantic and classy. So if you’re thinking of a different style interior it may not work well with what you’ve already got.

Unknown said...

Thanks for this info, it is really helpful. I'm looking for some help with restaurant design and construction in Northern Virginia. It's always been my dream to open a restaurant, but I don't think I can do it alone. Your blog is full of great info though.