A well-designed space can change how your restaurant is perceived. Good design draws people in and makes them want to stay. Designing the right outdoor patio for your restaurant requires understanding what kind of experience your customer wants. How does your outdoor dining space reflect the needs of your patrons? Are they here for a quick brunch or a long evening under the stars?
This guide explores design trends tailored to restaurants but can work for any commercial space you want to transform. With the right elements, you can create distinctive outdoor dining experiences that are sure to please.
Here are 8 design trends crafted to inspire restaurant patio spaces that resonate with your customers.
1. Coastal Restaurant Design
A coastal design embraces the breeze and open spaces. Picture light, airy layouts with soft blues and whites that mimic the sea. Choose weather-resistant furniture that can handle the elements. Durable wood materials like Thermally Modified Hardwood make an excellent choice for outdoor dining tables. Choose bold planters with coastal greenery or a pergola for shade. A well-placed outdoor fountain can create a relaxing retreat by the water.
2. Rustic Minimalist Patio Design
Warm and neutral color schemes using raw materials like wood and stone are key elements of this design aesthetic. It creates an inviting space that feels honest and simple. Opt for sturdy wooden tables and seating. Soft lighting from string lights or lanterns adds warmth, and planters with trellises provide privacy and a backdrop of greenery and natural textures. This outdoor dining experience is perfect for diners who appreciate an earthy ambiance.
3. Modern Urban Patio Design
Sleek sophistication sums up modern urban design and fits city settings. Think clean lines, metal accents, minimalist furniture and weathering steel planters that create a contemporary vibe. Add string lights or LED accents on a green wall that softens and highlights the space during evening hours. This design is ideal for attracting a crowd that appreciates modern aesthetics and a vibrant, urban atmosphere.
4. Mediterranean Courtyard Design
This design is warm, inviting, and inspired by the sun-drenched patios of Southern Europe. Use terracotta tiles, wrought iron furniture, and rich, earthly colors to set the scene. Incorporate planters filled with fragrant herbs like rosemary and lavender. A central fountain or fire pit can be a focal point, encouraging guests to linger. This design creates a relaxed, al fresco dining experience perfect for enjoying long meals in the fresh air.
5. Industrial Chic Patio Design
Industrial chic blends raw, unfinished elements with modern comfort. Exposed brick walls, metal furnishings, and reclaimed wood tables define this look. Add outdoor heaters to extend patio season, making the space usable year-round. Consider using large concrete planters with tall grasses or evergreens to soften the edges and add privacy. This design is perfect for urban settings, offering a stylish, yet unpretentious environment for dining.
6. Garden Oasis Patio Design
Lush greenery among outdoor furnishings in natural tones bends perfectly in a garden oasis design scheme. Use planters with screens to create a sense of enclosure and privacy. Incorporate elements like water features or a pergola covered in climbing plants to enhance the serene atmosphere. This design caters to customers seeking a peaceful retreat from city hustle and bustle.
7. Vintage Bistro Design
Bring a touch of old-world charm to your patio by incorporating site furnishings in antique wrought iron or powder-coated steel. Tables with classic bistro umbrellas, string lights, and lanterns create a cozy, intimate effect. Small pots and planters with ornamental herbs add a visual and sensory experience and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels timeless.
8. Rooftop Escape Design
Elevate the dining experience with a rooftop escape. Use modern site furnishings that are lightweight and easy to move and arrange. Consider incorporating a rooftop bar with contemporary tables and benches that draw crowds and create a social focal point. String lights or a fire pit can add warmth as the evening cools down. Bioretenton planters in lightweight aluminum add greenery and valuable stormwater management to rooftop spaces.
FAQs
How do you choose the right outdoor furniture for your patio?
Consider your space and climate first. Look for high-quality outdoor furniture that is durable and weather-resistant. Durable materials made of wood and metal perform well in various conditions. Comfort is key, so choose seating that invites people to stay. Always match your furniture to the style and ambiance you want to create.
What's the best way to add shade to an outdoor patio area?
Umbrellas and canopies are simple solutions for adding shade. Consider an overhead trellising solution like a pergola or arbor for a more permanent option. Awnings can also provide shade while adding a touch of elegance. The goal is to keep your guests comfortable, so choose options that blend function with style.
How can you make an outdoor patio usable year-round?
Outdoor heaters and fire pits warm during cooler months and can be an appealing focal point. For protection from the elements, think about adding awnings or canopies. Durable furniture and all-weather seating options will also ensure the outdoor dining space is welcoming, regardless of the season.
How important is lighting in an outdoor restaurant patio?
Lighting sets the mood. String lights and site furnishings with product options like accessory pockets for integrated lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lighting should enhance the dining experience, making the space feel cozy and safe after dark.
What's the role of greenery in commercial patio design?
Greenery softens the patio space and connects guests to nature. Planters and Greenscreen trellis can add privacy and the benefits of biophilic design. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and complement and refresh the space.
Connect With an Advisor Today
Designing outdoor space begins with a vision. Careful and mindful planning and the right resources help make that vision a reality. Tournesol can help you create a patio with site furnishings that aligns with your brand and meets your customer's needs.
If you're ready to transform your outdoor dining area, request a quote or contact an Advisor for a design review. Make your restaurant stand out with the right team on your side