One of the biggest trends in dining these days is the outdoor space. It seems like every bar or restaurant has some kind of dining patio—and why not? Most of us spend our whole day inside, working, so sitting outside for coffee, a bite to eat, or drinks invites us to slow down and watch the world go by while giving us a sense of community, and a bit of an urban vibe to boot. A restaurant is so much more than just how the food tastes! If your outdoor space isn’t really that cool, it’s outdated, or maybe you do not even have one, then we have some great patio design ideas to get you started:
Gimme Shelter
While we want to be outside, sitting under the blazing sun is generally not conducive to lingering or relaxing. Offer your guests some protection, either through an awning, large umbrellas, or a pergola. Awnings can be found in many colors and patterns to suit your décor, as can umbrellas. Remember that a few large umbrellas will look less cluttered and provide more coverage than several smaller ones. Pergolas can be made even more attractive and create more shade when you train a vine to grow on them.
Light up the Night
Nobody wants to sit outside in darkness, unable to see their friends or read their menus. Nor do they want an overly-lit outside area that detracts from the nighttime feel. Balance is key. Add some bistro string lights, twinkle lights in the trees, and some good quality landscape lighting fixtures for safety and atmosphere. This will allow people to move around safely, but still enjoy the night.
Any Ol’ Barstool
Create some comfy areas to invite lounging. Cushioned seats on chairs, sectionals and love seats encourage your clients to linger and stay longer, because who wants to get up and leave when you’re comfortable?!
Days of Wine and Roses
Greenery softens your patio area, and makes it cozier. Add some beautiful blooms, and you’ve got impact! Additionally, large planters can hold trees to add vertical interest, offer privacy and screen unsightly views.
All that Jazz
Music provides the soundtrack to which we live our lives. It evokes memories, and can even change our mood. All the best places have great music. Don’t forget: loud enough to be heard, quiet enough to talk over without shouting.
Just Like Fire
Even in the summer we like to gather around a fire. Having a fire feature whenever possible creates a gathering place for people to relax, linger and spend more time.
Come to My Window
A growing trend is to have a carry out window where people can walk up, place and order (or call it in ahead) and get it to go. It allows your restaurant to serve more people without needing more space for them.
Your outdoor dining space can give you a solid upper hand in the industry but only if it showcases a great design and quality products installed properly. Features like these encourage customers to stay by creating an atmosphere that they enjoy and are comfortable in. They are more likely they are to come back and to recommend you to friends.
Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Exposure Landscape Management specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial projects throughout the Greensboro Triad Area (High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Summerfield). We are the premier Greensboro mulch installer. With over 20 years in business, Southern Exposure has the experience and knowledge to create beautiful garden features and flower beds in the landscape. Southern Exposure is the leading landscape management firm in Greensboro, NC. With attention to detail and a solid knowledge of design, Southern Lights, (a division of Southern Exposure) has installed hundreds of outdoor landscape lighting systems and carries more certifications than anyone in the state in the state of NC and beyond. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone (336.451.4969)
