First of All, Why Should You Include Gardens in the Design of Cafes and Restaurants?
The gardens in cafes and restaurants serve many purposes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the green spaces offer a refreshing escape from urban life, providing a calm environment for customers to enjoy their meals. A garden-filled space can create a sense of tranquility that encourages longer stays and can benefit business. Customers are attracted to natural beauty, and a well-designed garden adds layers of texture and warmth, making the place feel more welcoming and vibrant.
Moreover, cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating and garden areas have become quite attractive, especially in the post-pandemic world. Now many customers prefer to eat outdoors, and a lush environment offers them a safe but stylish space to do so.
Design Elements for the Garden Area
When integrating gardening applications into a cafe or restaurant, it is important to take into account both form and function. Each area offers different opportunities, but there are key elements to keep in mind to ensure that the garden improves the overall design.
Plant Selection
The type of plant you choose should be compatible with the climate, care requirements, and general aesthetics of the restaurant or cafe. Low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants are ideal for dense urban environments. On the other hand, vibrant flowers, shrubs, or trees can create a lush atmosphere for larger areas. Consider incorporating a mix of potted plants, vertical gardens, and hanging greenery to maximize space usage without overcrowding.
Seating and Layout
A garden area should blend seamlessly with the overall seating layout of a cafe or restaurant. Whether it's cozy outdoor corners, communal benches surrounded by greenery, or a stylish patio with a floral pattern, the living area should feel integrated with the landscape. Thoughtful spaced seating allows customers to enjoy the garden without feeling cramped or disconnected from the natural surroundings.
Lighting
Lighting plays a very important role in determining the mood, especially in outdoor garden areas. String lights, lanterns, and subtle ground lighting can illuminate the paths and create a magical atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of the garden at night. The right lighting can extend the use of the outdoor garden area until the evening, making it a functional part of the cafe or restaurant throughout the day.
Seasonal Considerations
When designing a garden for a cafe or restaurant, it is essential to plan for every season. Shade structures, retractable canopies, and heaters make the outdoor spaces available year-round, protecting customers from extreme weather conditions while at the same time allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the garden.
Contributions to Garden Applications in Cafe and Restaurant Design
1. Enhanced Customer Experience
The gardens offer a refreshing environment that elevates the dining experience. People naturally feel more comfortable in green spaces, making them more likely to stay longer and return.
2. Increase Visual Appeal
A beautifully designed garden distinguishes a cafe or restaurant from each other. It contributes to the visual identity of the organization and can be an important selling point, especially in competitive urban areas where first impressions are important.
3. Environmentally Friendly Branding
Sustainability and eco-consciousness are important for many customers in today's Sunday market. A gardening app deconstructs businesses' commitment to green living by helping them build a positive reputation among environmentally conscious consumers.
4. Increased Income
With more seating areas, outdoor spaces encourage customers to stay longer, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and higher sales. Cafes and restaurants with attractive garden areas often become the preferred spots for brunches, evening gatherings, or events, which leads to an expansion of the customer base.
As Riva Ankara Interior Architecture, we create both visually fascinating and functional spaces by blending nature with architecture. Whether you want to create a small urban garden or a spacious outdoor dining area, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life and transform your space into an inviting, green oasis for your customers. Contact us today to discover how we can integrate a garden into your cafe or restaurant design!
You can check out our other blogs to explore many more topics in the field of design.