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Do’s and don’ts to consider while designing for the f&b sector

Merino Laminates, December 30, 2024 Updated On : May 21, 2025

Designing for the f&b sector can be fun and exciting as it gives us a chance to express our ideas in the most creative ways. Be it a restaurant, a pub, a cafe or a brewery, we can exercise our creative freedom keeping in mind the budget and the concept that the client desires. We see many unique concepts like cafes inspired by beach side shacks, work friendly cafes, restaurants inspired by different cuisines or geographies but there are some basic parameters that we must bear in mind, irrespective of the scale, style or the cuisine that the space caters to. Some of them are listed below: 

1. Let the theme be the highlight 

Almost every restaurant or an f&b space has a theme to it and it must be at the core of all your design decisions. While you can use colours, patterns and textures that further enhance the theme, it is ideal to pair some elements with neutral colours and simple wall finishes to give the space a balanced, elegant appeal. Simple white, off white, black or grey wall finishes and laminates can be used for back end offices, work areas, storage etc. as it creates a more peaceful and serene atmosphere where one can focus on their tasks at hand.

2. Create focal points 

As mentioned above, refrain from having too many design elements, colours and patterns as it can make the space look cluttered and messy. Instead, you can create niches, focal points and create a break in the design to make it more welcoming and peaceful. Having focal points in wall treatments is also a great way to segregate spaces, create photo friendly space or to simply showcase decor elements that you wish to showcase. 

As a restaurant has a floating crowd, it can get really crowded on some days, which can only make the space look more chaotic if the design too is overpowering and cluttered. You can create niches for couple diners, dining booths and kiosks for group dinners etc. Not only does this give your space a unique look, but it also gives the diners an opportunity to try a different kind of seating every time. 

3. Accentuate smartly 

Irrespective of the cuisine served, accessories can be a gamechanger for you. While a pub may have a setup that is more on the cozy side, a Mediterranean themed restaurant would demand a design that is airy, open and seamless. Hence, the lighting, door handles, furniture etc., would be much different for a pub as compared to an open air restaurant. Choosing the accessories that would enhance the theme and bring the design together is crucial to create a pleasant design that would make diners feel welcome and comfortable. 

4. Maintenance and ease of replacement 

As an f&b space sees a lot of customers throughout the day, it is important to not only prioritise comfort when it comes to the spacing and seating, but the maintenance and ease of replacement must also be considered. Walls and surfaces must be easy to clean and maintain with minimal effort without compromising on the look or the feel of the space. You can opt for finishes like the Gloss Meister from Merino Laminates as they come in a wide range of colours in highly glossy, scratch resistant finish that is easy to clean. 

It is also advisable to go for laminate as a wall finish compared to wallpapers or paint as it is beautiful to look at, comes in a wide range of options and is easy to replace and extremely sturdy. 

Similarly, it is ideal to go for furniture that is comfortable, easy to clean and easy to replace if the need arises. Choose upholstery and finishes that do not stain easily and are sturdy enough to withstand heavy usage. 

5. Layering of different design elements  to get the desired outcome 

Lastly, it is most important to bring your vision together by creating continuity and balance in your design. Not only do you have to keep the theme or the spatial planning in mind, but you have to bear in mind the outcome that your client desires. Whether it is a budget eatery or a fine dining one, the finishes have to create the desired effect on the diners. For instance, you may have a small space to work with, and you might be able to accommodate the same number of diners, but the kind layering of finishes, lights, upholstery etc., that you use can change the atmosphere and the ambiance of the place completely. 

We hope that these simple yet significant pointers help you create a well balanced, elegant space that will not only make your end users feel at ease but will entice them to come back again and again, due to the enjoyable ambiance that you create. 

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