3 Trends in Restaurant Bar Design – Food & Beverage Magazine
When a customer goes to a restaurant, one of the first things they notice is the restaurant bar design and ambiance. While the taste and service quality will convince customers to return, your layout will persuade them to try your place for the first time.
Updating your bar design is the key to expanding your business. However, there are many design possibilities, so what should you go for? Expert bar designers like I-5 Design Build can help you determine which design suits your place. Here are some of the trendiest bar designs that you can choose from:
1. Biophilic Design
People long for a connection to nature, so biophilic designs, which incorporate natural elements like wood, stones, and plants, are popular among customers. The use of living plants, in particular, has become a hallmark of biophilic design in bars. From potted plants on countertops to elaborate living walls, greenery adds a touch of nature, creating a visually appealing and vibrant atmosphere.
Similarly, you should use natural materials in your bar. Wood, stone, and bamboo connect the built environment and the natural world. Similarly, you should maximize exposure to natural light to create a welcoming environment. Strategic placement of windows or skylights allows daylight to flood the space, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
Using a biophilic lighting scheme that incorporates maximum sunlight and reduces dependance on artificial lighting helps reduce stress. Artificial lighting is known to overwhelm people, which would worsen your customers’ experience. Instead, a biophilic design can freshen up your customers and staff and make them feel distressed.
2. Tech-Infused Design
As the digital world expands and technologies like VR and AI become mainstream, a futuristic, hi-tech design can appeal to customers. Hi-tech bars can leverage interactive displays to showcase the drink-making process, the history behind signature cocktails, and more. Some bars use interactive displays for gamification, creating interactive experiences like trivia games or interactive drink-making challenges.
AR and VR can provide for an immersive design. AR applications can overlay digital information onto the physical bar environment, providing customers with additional details about the drinks, bar history, or entertainment options. Similarly, you can leverage VR to offer virtual tours of your establishments, allowing potential customers to explore the ambiance before visiting.
3. Artisanal Design
There is a growing trend in bar design to return to the roots of craftsmanship and artisanal design. This trend not only brings a touch of authenticity but also celebrates the artistry and uniqueness of each bar.
There’s a cultural shift toward recognizing the value of time, skill, and dedication artisans invest in creating bespoke features, whether custom furniture, handmade decorations, or unique bar fixtures. Consider getting handmade barstools, tables, and fixtures crafted by skilled artisans. The imperfections and unique details that come with handmade pieces add to the charm and character of the bar. You can also opt for locally sourced materials for construction, contributing to sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Endnote
Bar design is fundamental to having a successful hospitality business. If you keep up with the new trends in bar layout, you can expand your business by a lot. Biophilic designs that use natural elements and decorations are popular in bar design. On the other end of the spectrum, hi-tech bars integrating VR and AR are also gaining ground. Similarly, an artisan aesthetic also fares well with customers and supports your local artisans too. Which design suits your bar better depends upon your menu and location.
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