The Importance of Décor and Ambience in a Restaurant
Décor and ambience are fundamental aspects of any business, as they represent the essence and personality of the venue. Unconsciously, when we enter a new place, we observe its appearance and decide whether to stay or leave based on the impression it gives us.
At My Way, before its reopening, a thorough introspection was carried out to define its concept and stand out as an innovative restaurant in Barcelona. In a city with such a variety of styles, being original and pioneering is essential. This article offers 8 key points for anyone looking to set up a restaurant or similar business, with ideas to optimize décor and ambience.
Key Points
1. Clientele
The first step is understanding the customer profile you want to target. Conducting a buyer persona study is essential to identify your audience’s interests, motivations, fears, and preferences. Additionally, consider whether your diner values the experience over the food, as this will increase the expectations for your venue. Define the purchasing power and interests of your ideal customer before deciding on the restaurant design.
2. Follow Trends or Break Away from Them
As Sun Tzu said, to know yourself, you must know your enemy. Observing other restaurants or bars with a similar concept can help you understand their strategies. Rather than copying, the goal is to find a unique concept that highlights your strengths. Styles like “vintage” are trending, but the key is to find an original style and adapt it.
Example: Watch this video of a themed restaurant: Vintage Style.
3. The Importance of Theme and Personality
In hospitality, there are various popular styles like rustic, vintage, lounge, and more. If your restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, you may want a calm, cozy style. For bars, comfort and intimacy are key, avoiding overly cluttered spaces. At My Way, the theme is inspired by Frank Sinatra and lounge music.
4. Space Distribution
Once the concept is defined, the next step is planning the space distribution. Divide the venue into service areas and staff areas, ensuring smooth and comfortable flow for everyone. The layout of tables and chairs should be functional, with clear signage to prevent accidents and optimize service.
Techniques like feng shui recommend spacious and symmetrical layouts for better circulation.
5. Comfort vs. Splendor
The environment should be attractive but also comfortable. Décor should avoid limiting space that could make clients feel uneasy. At My Way, for example, lounge furniture, Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings, and a dark-toned ambiance evoke a 1960s New York style.
6. Lighting and Colors
Lighting and colors greatly influence the atmosphere of a venue. Depending on your choices, you can create a romantic, casual, tranquil, or lively environment. Lighting can also vary throughout the day to create different effects. Experiment with various combinations to see how they impact the perception of the space.
Tip: Consider how lighting and colors will affect the customer’s experience while waiting, chatting, or eating.
7. Acoustics and Décor
Music is an art that influences the restaurant's ambiance, evoking emotions depending on the type of melody used. If your venue has a festive vibe, upbeat music may be ideal. Conversely, if you want a casual environment, chill-out music will create a relaxing atmosphere.
Example: See how the music in this video sets a specific mood: Lounge Music.
8. The Overall Experience
This is the most important point: evaluate the overall experience the client has from the moment they enter until they leave. Review every detail, from service to décor, to ensure the environment is appealing. Remember, the goal is for the client to enjoy a pleasant experience while dining or relaxing.
Final Tip: Loyalty is key. If you want to stand out, it’s important to build a strong relationship with your clients and offer an experience they’ll want to repeat. Book your table at My Way!