Restaurant Design Trends: Incorporating Melamine into Your Aesthetic
Consumer preferences evolve, and business owners must recognize this. They may fall behind the competition if they fail to cater to these preferences. People often assume that restaurant design is static, but it isn’t. It also follows trends that business owners must monitor.
Diners have preferences when it comes to aesthetic trends and materials. They may want black and white plates rather than colorful dishes, so the focus remains on the colors of the foods they have selected. People are aware of the importance of eating the rainbow and neutral-colored dishes make it easy to ensure they are. The colors of the foods stand out against the plain backdrop. Many upscale casual dining venues have plates of these colors, and more will likely follow suit.
Why Melamine Dinnerware?
Melamine dinnerware has existed since the early 20th century. This material resists heat and was initially used for countertops and electrical socket insulation. Manufacturers began exploring other uses for melamine and found it ideal for tableware. Many households had this dinnerware in the 1950s and 1960s because it was stylish and affordable.
Melamine can look and feel like other materials, including ceramic and porcelain. Manufacturers offer various colors and patterns so every purchaser can find a style they love while complementing the different aesthetic elements of their dining space. Restaurant owners love that this tableware is lightweight, which reduces the risk of accidents or injuries. Wait staff can handle and transport the dishes with ease.
The dishes won’t chip, break, or scratch easily. Restaurants can use the plates for diners of all ages, knowing the risk of someone being harmed if a plate falls is significantly reduced. Owners love investing in visually appealing and durable tableware without spending a fortune.
What other design trends might they wish to incorporate into their restaurants?
Artwork
When a restaurant owner chooses black and white dishes, they should incorporate color into other elements of the decorating scheme. Artwork is an easy way to accomplish this goal. Adding one or more art pieces can transform the dining space quickly and easily.
Restaurant owners should consider branching out from paintings and prints. Sculptures are an excellent option because most restaurants don’t invest in this type of art. Adding one or more sculptures will help the restaurant stand out in a diner’s eyes.
This artwork should blend with other decorative elements in the restaurant. Art experts often recommend determining which color is least dominant in the restaurant and choosing artwork incorporating that color. Food themes are another option to be considered.
Consider featuring the works of local artists and changing them out regularly. Another option is to place photos of local celebrities around the restaurant. When choosing art pieces, avoid controversial topics and those featuring animals. Some diners may not prefer these pieces, so it is best to avoid them. Furthermore, don’t overdo it with black and white pieces. Allow the melamine tableware to serve as a neutral backdrop for the artwork selected.
Lighting
Diners want to see the people they are eating with, their tableware, and their food. The right lighting in a restaurant will ensure they can. This lighting helps set the ambiance for guests while improving the aesthetic appeal of the restaurant.
Ambient lighting sets the restaurant's mood, while task lighting is typically reserved for the food prep area. Accent lighting adds depth and dimension to the dining area. Restaurants should incorporate all three for the optimal guest experience.
Pendant lights are ideal for elegant and sophisticated restaurants and can provide a vibrant or intimate atmosphere. Chandeliers remain a classic for a good reason. They are the epitome of sophistication. Wall sconces are stylish and functional. They serve as indirect lighting to soften the atmosphere. Track lighting is flexible and can be altered for different purposes. Recessed lighting is sleek and discreet, making it ideal for upscale casual dining establishments. It provides the restaurant with ample lighting that isn’t overbearing.
Greenery
Adding greenery to a restaurant is always a wise idea. It helps offset the tableware's neutral tones and adds color so people don’t feel they are eating in a sterile environment. Certain species of indoor plants clean indoor air, making it fresh and clean for guests. Spider plants, snake plants, and Boston ferns are some options.
A restaurant owner can add color and style to their establishment without spending large sums of money by purchasing greenery. The plants calm diners so they can have a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Furthermore, properly placed plants can reduce the noise in a restaurant. The dining experience will be more intimate, and guests won’t need to talk loudly to hear one another.
Cleanliness
Research shows that interior colors in a restaurant help determine customers' experiences. These colors shape customers' perceptions of the dining establishment and influence their decisions. Whites are ideal for casual restaurants because they provide the space with an airy and spacious feel. People feel relaxed and welcome when they visit a restaurant where white is a prominent color. However, restaurant owners must not overdo white because doing so could suppress a guest’s appetite. White plates allow this color into the space without leading to unwanted consequences. Combine these plates with green shades on the walls and rich wood furnishings for an excellent atmosphere that diners will love. On the other hand, black adds a touch of sophistication to an upscale casual dining restaurant.
The Little Details
Restaurant owners should always pay attention to the little details. Napkins, for example, should complement the tableware and provide a coordinated look. Consider adding the logo to the napkin to brand the restaurant. This branded napkin will look outstanding on a black or white plate because it will stand out. The menu should also complement the tableware. While minor details such as these may seem insignificant, nothing is further from the truth. They help bring other elements of the restaurant decor together.
Every upscale casual dining restaurant should consider melamine tableware to enhance its establishment. With multiple styles, every restaurant can find a style that reflects its brand and highlights its values. Learn more about the options today to find the right one for any restaurant.
