Designing a Restaurant

Atmosphere

Contents

Designing a Restaurant
Atmosphere
Importance of a Good
Atmosphere
Sight, Smell & Hearing
Temperature, Tempo &
Landscaping
Exterior Design
Signs
Exterior Lighting
Entrance Way
Lighting
Colors

Tables & Chairs

Table Settings
Curtains and Window
Shades
Plants and Flowers
Walls, Ceilings, Floors
Acoustics, Music
Human Factors
Restaurant Design
Guidelines
Size & Shape of Dining
Rooms

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Importance of a Good Atmosphere

People are attracted to a restaurant by more than just
good food. It is a place to see and be seen, not just a place
to eat. Equally important is the way people feel while in the
restaurant .
Atmosphere is made up of everything that makes an
impression on people. The building design, decor,
interior color scheme, texture of the walls, service, and
the food create the atmosphere.
People want a dining experience, an escape from problems
and everyday routine. The atmosphere should project a
feeling of friendliness and comfort, be attractive and
interestingly different. The atmosphere is remembered long
after the meal is finished. For the restaurant owner this
means repeat customers and, hopefully, a profitable
operation .

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Importance of a Good Atmosphere

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Sight, Smell & Hearing

The perception of sight is a question of acceptability to
the eye. Sight perception involves color, lighting,
harmony, contrast, order, and space. A waitress with a dirty
uniform and grease smears on the menu are sights
unacceptable to the customer's eye .
Smell involves both pleasant and unpleasant odors. Smells
can positively contribute to the atmosphere. The aroma of
fresh brewed coffee, oven-baked bread, fresh cut flowers,
and a pine scented breeze can heighten the appetite.
Negative smells involve kitchen odors, body odor, garbage.
The noise level of conversations, serving staff, kitchen
sounds, and music affect the atmosphere. The level of
noise acceptable to the ears is a function of age. The
older the age group, the less the intensity of noise
which is acceptable.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Sight, Smell & Hearing

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Temperature, Tempo & Landscaping

A comfortably warm room and hot food portrays a feeling of
high quality, elegance and a slow leisurely meal. Fast-food
restaurants needing high turnover to earn a profit usually
keep the dining room temperatures cooler in the winter to
encourage people to eat faster.
Atmosphere is affected by the tempo of service, length of
time to produce the meal, and the time given to eat the
meal. The tempo of the dining experience should
correspond to the image of the restaurant. Normally, the
tempo in a luxury restaurant is more leisurely than the
tempo in a fast-food restaurant .
Landscaping helps provide the setting and atmosphere for
the total dining experience. A well maintained and
landscaped exterior attracts customers.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Temperature, Tempo & Landscaping

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Exterior Design
The function of the exterior design is to attract customers
and invite them in to eat. The exterior design should reflect
the character of the locality, but be different enough to
attract attention.
People are naturally suspicious and hesitant upon entering
a new restaurant. They are looking for some indication,
either positive or negative, as to the quality of the restaurant
before they enter.
Signs, parking area, landscaping, design and color of the
building, windows, curtains, view of the inside, lighting,
flowers or plants, and type of door will all be closely
scrutinized.

to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Exterior Design
Fine Dining Exterior: May suggest exclusiveness with a
traditional faade and a modest sign. The emphasis is on
elegance and good taste. Windows should be usually
draped to provide privacy. The main feature of awareness is
an impressive entrance and a sophisticated menu display
and may be, staff in attendance.
Caf Exterior: Large windows to show the style.
Restaurants catering to children and young families often
use bright colors on the exterior to attract attention. Bright
colors reflect a happy, friendly, comfortable feeling, and
indicate that families are welcome.
Quick Service (fast food) Exterior: Entrance should be large
and open, as well as the windows to create a visual link
between the exterior and the counter. (because chain
restaurants rely on brand identification).

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Exterior Design

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Signs
A good sign should indicate at least four things. First, it
should indicate "this is a restaurant.
Second, a good sign should indicate the type of food and
service that is being offered.
A third piece of needed information is the price range. The
sign should not necessarily specify an exact Turkish Liras or
dollar price range, but by means of its style, color, size, and
shape, it should indicate an approximate price range. The
use of the words "cafe," kebap," "restaurant" each project a
different image and price range.
Families often eat together. The fourth item a sign
should indicate is the type of customer the restaurant
caters to. Families need to know if children are welcome.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Signs
The sign should be chosen carefully. The style, design,
and color of the sign should follow the same theme as the
interior and exterior of the restaurant. Signs should be
simple with a minimal amount of wording. The letters
should be large enough to be read from at least 50 m. The
most effective signs are simple and brief.
In locations where many signs are competing for viewer
attention, the design becomes even more important. Signs
should be eye catching, and unique.
If there are eight rectangular signs in a 200 m. stretch of
road, the chances are small that any one of them will be
read. But one oval sign among seven rectangular ones will
draw attention to the oval sign. Attention can be drawn
to a sign by varying the size, shape, color, construction
material, height, lighting, or style of printing.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Signs

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Exterior Lighting
Proper outside lighting can add texture, charm, and beauty
to a building and landscape, can make the restaurant more
eye-catching and can invite customers in.
The intensity and style of light fixtures must also harmonize
with the desired atmosphere. Its placement needs careful
consideration.
Signs, architectural highlights, entrance ways, and parking
areas need to be especially well lighted. At night lighting
should provide safety by illuminating steps, sidewalks, and
other hazards. It should also provide a sense of security.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Exterior Lighting

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Entrance Way
The entrance to the restaurant should be unmistakably
visible to even the casual passerby. There should be
absolutely no doubt as to where the entrance door is
located.
The entrance area is the customer's first and last view
of the interior. People will naturally be critical on entering the
restaurant for the first time. They will notice the type of
decor, the windows, walls, floor covering, lights, pictures,
and the inside view.
When the dining room is full, the entrance area serves as a
waiting area, so carefully plan and maintain the entrance
area.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Entrance Way

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Lighting
The use of natural light during the day is always preferable: This
saves money, has psychological benefits and allows color
discernment.
Artificial lighting is usually the least planned element of the
atmosphere A restaurant needs varying levels of light intensity.
Bright lights are needed by the staff for cleaning the dining area.
The breakfast trade desires a moderately high level of lighting to
keep them awake and allow for the reading of the morning
newspaper.
A moderate level of lighting is needed at noon to stimulate a fast
turnover of customers.
A low intensity of light creates a leisurely, intimate atmosphere
conducive to evening dining. To create these atmospheres, use a
rheostat to control the lighting.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Lighting
Young people are attracted by low levels of lighting. As people
grow older, their eyesight generally deteriorates and brighter
lighting is required.
Low levels of lighting are generally associated with higher prices
and high quality service. Candlelight develops an excellent mood
and intense atmosphere. The red flame enhances and flatters
people's appearances, and makes most foods appear more
appetizing
Lighting can create the mood of a space. Direct lighting
(halogen bulbs) is effective for food display areas such as salad
bars and sea food. Indirect lighting (reflection to wall or ceiling)
creates small shadow patterns that feel friendly. When people
look good and feel attractive, they tend to return for repeat visit.
Effective lighting most crucial element is balance. If a room is too
bright, too soft, too deeply shadowed, or too homogeneously lit, it
wont feel comfortable.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Lighting

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Colors
Dining room color combinations can make people hungry,
depressed, happy, agitated, eat fast, or eat leisurely. Changing
the color scheme of a dining room can noticeably increase (or
decrease) business. Color can be used to change the shape
and add interest to the rooms.
Green & Blue: Cool colors. Calms and relaxes excited people.
Makes time seem to pass quickly. Tends to encourage
conversation, most suitable for small areas, hot climate and
daytime use. Sometimes negative affects on food display.
Red: Suggests passion, excites, stimulates, can be used for
food display, enhances the skin. Should be used in small areas
because makes the room smaller. Red & Black is a classical
combination. Enhances the appetite. Makes time seem to pass
more slowly .
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Colors
Yellow: Cheerful. Feeling of warmth. Boosts morale. Suggests
sunlight, particularly appropriated for breakfast areas.
White: White walls in fine dining areas are psychologically
negative and uninviting, but colored walls stimulate food sales.
White is very effective when harmonized with other colors. White
walls encourages turnover in fast food units .
Violet & Purple: Tends to lend elegance and sophistication. Royal.
Orange: Friendly, Brown: Relaxing, Gray: Depressing
A single solid color in a room is monotonous and boring. Use a
mixture of warm and cool colors. Two opposite colors on the color
wheel, such as green and red or yellow and violet results in a very
pleasing combination.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Colors

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Tables & Chairs

Round Tables are very popular for fine dining room because it
allows guests to converse with all other guests seated at the table
without difficulty. Square & Rectangular tables can accommodate
groups, when the tables are pushed together. Fixed banquette
seating gives a sense of privacy. Type of seating used depends
upon your needs and space optimization (see the graph below) :
Type of Dining Room Tables for 2

Tables for 4 or more

Schools Cafeteria

30 %

70 %

Business Restaurant

60 %

40 %

Family Restaurant

25 %

75 %

Hotel Restaurant

60 %

40 %

Cafe, Tearoom

80 %

20 %

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Tables & Chairs

Since they are the first things noticed by the customer upon
entering the front door, tables & chairs must reflect the desired
theme and atmosphere. The customer also expects comfort,
quality, and beauty in furnishings. At the same time, the
restaurant owner wants furnishings that are durable, reflective of
the restaurant's character and theme, low cost, and space saving.
The type of seating and the layout of the tables and chairs are
just as important in creating the proper atmosphere as the
softness of the seats.
Proper positioning of tables can mean more efficient use
of dining room space. By positioning the tables in diagonal rather
than square formation, more seating per square foot can be
obtained .
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Tables & Chairs

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Table Settings
The silverware, dishes, glasses, napkins, tablecloths, and
salt and pepper shakers must enhance the dining room
atmosphere and show the overall quality of the operation.
(Napkins Linen can still give the feel of fine dining without
the extra expense of table cloth).
An old fashioned silverware pattern would destroy the
atmosphere created by modern decor. The silverware
should feel and look right when held in the hand.
Remember, while sitting at the table the customer comes
into the closest contact with the feel of the atmosphere.
Remember, while sitting at the table the customer comes
into the closest contact with the feel of the atmosphere.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Table Settings

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Curtains and Window Shades

Curtains and window shades are both functional and
decorative. They offer a sense of privacy and protection
from the sun. Available in many textures, patterns, and
colors, window treatments combine to give a feeling of
warmth and coziness.
Fit large windows with insulating curtains to conserve heat
in the winter and lower the cost of air conditioning in
summer.
They should complement the architectural style and theme
of the restaurant and can relieve the monotony of the shape
of the room. The color, style, and material of curtains must
enhance the atmosphere, but not draw undue attention.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Curtains and Window Shades

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Plants and Flowers

Flowers and plants used as decoration in restaurants can
add color and variation. Fresh-cut flower arrangements
used to be commonly placed on tables as decoration. They
are seldom used now, but can bring a personal touch of
freshness if the flowers are simply arranged and regularly
replaced before wilting.
Large potted plants are becoming increasingly popular both as
decoration and as a screen to divide a room into smaller,
intimate areas. They also absorb sound to quiet a noisy room.
By careful selection and arrangement, flowers can blend into
the decor and add to the total feeling of the room without
becoming the center of interest. The most tasteful
arrangements use only two or three bold colors and either
blend or contrast them with the color scheme of the room.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Plants and Flowers

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Walls
Wall accessories (pictures, prints, photographs, sculpture,
mirrors, clocks, antiques) and other accessories can contribute
and enhance the overall atmosphere of a restaurant. When
acquiring accessories, the shape of the accessory, in relation to
the wall or area in which they will be displayed, must be
considered. A cluster of small accessories would be more
favorable on a small wall than one or two large decorative pieces.
The accessories should not call attention to themselves, but
relate and contribute to the general theme of the restaurant. They
can successfully add to the general atmosphere if they contain
the color, pattern, and subject of the total design scheme.
The number of accessories to use depends on the type of
atmosphere desired. To reduce theft, securely bolt down all
pictures and decor items.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Walls
Painting is the cheapest way to decorate walls, but the surface
must be in good condition before painting. When painting, several
different wall finishes are available (tippling, scumbling).
Wallpaper can liven up a room and change its proportions. It is
also a good way to cover rough, cracked walls. It can also unify
the theme of the restaurant. Large rooms appear at their best
when using wallpaper with large patterns. Small patterns should
be used in small rooms. A room with heavily patterned wallpaper
will appear more crowded and less intimate than one with solid
color walls. For this reason often only one wall is papered while
the remaining walls are painted.
Wall coverings: Wood is an extremely versatile and varied wall
covering material. The inherent beauty of wood creates a
luxurious, warm atmosphere. Tile, cork, terrazzo, draperies, brick,
stone, and plaster are other wall coverings that can change the
feeling of a room and set the desired atmosphere.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Walls

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Ceilings
Historically ceilings were very ornately decorated with intricate
patterns and designs. Today ceilings are often neglected, large
blank surfaces. However, much can be done with ceilings to
complement the theme and decor of a restaurant. The previous
discussion on wall treatments equally applies to ceilings
Height: 2,5m (minimum), for small areas, creates sense of
oppression in large areas. Difficulties may arise in ventilation and
air distribution. 3m. Appropriate for small to average size room.
3,5m and more, produce impersonal space, may give a sense of
grandeur and occasion (banquet)
Create interest in the ceiling by painting patterns, ovals, and other
shapes on it. An especially effective technique is to repeat the
floor pattern on the ceiling. A simplified version of the carpet
design can be painted on the ceiling. This has a unifying effect
and strengthens the atmosphere.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Ceilings

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Floors
Everyone entering a restaurant has direct contact with the floor.
Customers consciously look at the floor to see how clean it is.
The color, texture, material, and design of the flooring must
complement the total atmosphere of the restaurant. It must blend
in with and add to the theme of the restaurant without calling
attention to itself.
Carpeting is widely used today in all types of restaurants. The
addition of carpeting tends to upgrade a restaurant and attract a
higher income clientele. It adds warmth and a sense of luxury as
well as deadening sound.
Carpeting will usually have a more comfortable feeling if it is of a
darker color than the surrounding walls. In general, the color of
the carpet and walls should be from the same color family.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Floors
Vinyl floor tiling is available in a myriad of styles, sizes. Advantages of
resilient tiles are its durability, economy, ease of installation, and
simple maintenance. Many fast-food hamburger chains use ceramic
tile flooring because of their easy maintenance and extreme durability.
The noise from walking on ceramic tile creates an exciting
atmosphere. The disadvantages of ceramic tile are its initial cost and
the commitment to one type of flooring for the life of the building.
Terrazzo is a flooring material made from chips of marble, onyx, or
other rock embedded in cement or certain chemical compounds. It is
usually poured in place and ground and polished to a uniformly
textured surface. A terrazzo floor is extremely durable and permanent.
It requires very little maintenance. Terrazzo is ideal for
heavy traffic areas and where customer turnover is high. Many fastfood restaurants have terrazzo floors.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Floors
The natural beauty of wood flooring offers many, variations in
color and pattern. Although wooden flooring requires more
maintenance and is noisier than other types of floor coverings, its
beauty can be a major contributor to developing the atmosphere.
Wood flooring is available in four forms: strip, plank, parquet, and
fabricated wood blocks. Wood flooring can be finished in different
ways. They can be stained, bleached, streaked, varnished,
waxed, or painted.
The durability of brick, slate, and stone makes their use as
flooring well suited for high traffic areas such as entrance ways.
The charm of such flooring materials can add measurably to the
atmosphere. As in tiling and terrazzo flooring, customers'
footsteps will be more noticeable than on carpeting. Also the
permanence and initial high cost must be considered.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Floors

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Acoustics
The sounds of a restaurant are part of its atmosphere. Kitchen
noises, customer voices (talking, laughing), traffic noises, and
dish bussing all add to the atmosphere.
Noise in a dining area is not always undesirable. People who
work in quiet places, or are lonely, may seek out noisy
restaurants. Business people will sometimes seek a noisy
restaurant to conduct business so they will not be overheard.
A noisy surrounding can create a special atmosphere which sets
people at ease and stimulates people and makes them eat faster.
However, before changing the sound patterns of your restaurant
know your customers' needs.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Acoustics

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Music
A good music system, proper musical selection and proper
volume have a positive effect on the success of a restaurant. An
inadequate sound system can be a major factor in the failure of a
restaurant .
The correct type of background music (slightly louder than the
ambient sound) puts customers in a good mood and helps make
the staff more relaxed and efficient.
Foreground music, loud enough to be easily heard over the
ambient sound of the room without interrupting conversation, is
used in most type of cafes. Recreational music, loud enough to
dominate the atmosphere of the room is used for bars and
discotheques. The higher alcohol sales in a restaurant, the
greater the customers toleration and need for louder music.

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Music

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Restaurant Design Guidelines

Existing Location: The key to designing this location on a budget
is to use existing features and avoid extensive remodeling. Do not
be concentrated about doing something unusual with every
surface of the dining room service.
Concentrate on one item or area that could be developed into a
focal point, spend some money there. Track lighting can be used
to emphasize the chosen local point. Focal points could be a
grouping of plants, a wall with various types of art, an exposed
kitchen.
A new location can be designed with a similar philosophy. The
difference is that the restaurant owner must create the feature
that will become the focal point.
to be continued

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Restaurant Design Guidelines

Avoid exaggerations: One problem encountered with overdone,
exaggerated theme designs and decors, is that they can detract
from the food and the customers dining experience with a visual
overload. The customer may be initially impressed with the decor,
but in the majority of case, this is not what will bring them back.
Emphasize activities over design: Customers today desire casual,
open restaurants that allow them to see, and to be seen, to be
part of something fun and exciting. Rather than making the design
the main emphasis, many operators today make the activities
taking place in the restaurant the attraction. For this reason,
exposed kitchens have become popular. Customers enjoy seeing
cooks preparing their food. It gives them something to talk about,
something to look at

DESIGNING A RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

Size & Shape of Dining Rooms

Type of
Restaurant

Restaurant
Seating
(m)

Servery
or Bar
(m)

Food
production &
storage (m)

Cloakroom
Toilets, etc
(m)

High standard,
Traditional Restaurant (80 seats)

2,0

1,2

0,9

0,3

Caf, Tea-Room
Mid-Market (100 seats)

1,6

0,2

0,6

0,2

Cafeteria, Counter,
Self Service (140 seats)

1,4

0,4

0,4

0,15

Popular family
Restaurants (100 seats)

1,2

0,4

0,2

Fast-Food unit
(50 seats)

0,8

0,8

0,3

0,6

Other Restaurant Sea tings:

Banquet: 0,90 m - 1,00 m
Bar (50% seated): 1,10 m - 1,40 m
Bar (25% seated): 0,60 m - 0,90 m
Close Seating (discotheques, clubs): 0,60 m - 0,90 m
Exercise: Calculate the number of seats in a caf (200 m)

THANK YOU.
Yamini Soni