Autumn is in full swing, and it won’t be long until Jack Frost is knocking on our doors. As the temperatures start to drop, it’s only natural that we feel drawn towards warmth and comfort.
If you’re a restauranteur or bar owner, the changing seasons may inspire you to overhaul your interiors to attract customers who are looking for a cosy and welcoming space to while away the evening over a delicious dinner and a bottle of Merlot. To get your establishment winter-ready, here are our suggestions for some seasonal interior upgrades:
1. Earthy tones
During autumn and winter, the sun is lower on the horizon, resulting in a longer ray of light, causing the golden glow that we associate with this time of year. Embrace this warmth by bringing earthy tones into your establishment’s interior. For instance, lampshades can be switched for warm colours, and curtains can be changed for an autumnal alternative.
2. Seasonal decorations
Another way to update your interior for the change in seasons is by bringing in some seasonal décor. Throughout autumn, embrace the season with some decorative pumpkin arrangements. When winter arrives, wrap winter foliage around bannisters and scatter pinecones along fireplaces. You could also swap fresh flowers for a bouquet of dried foliage, which tends to have more muted tones, perfect for autumn. These small changes can bring a nice, wintry element.
3. Lighting
Nothing adds to a warm and welcoming atmosphere quite like candlelight. When the evening rolls around during the winter months, dim the overhead lights and light some candles. Consider ornate candelabras as table centrepieces and chunkier pillar candles on sideboards and mantlepieces. A few carefully positioned lamps will also go a long way in fostering a cosy, autumnal feel.
4. Seasonal scents
When creating a seasonal interior, you needn’t limit yourself to aesthetics. Add to the overall experience by diffusing warm and inviting scents throughout your establishment. For instance, you could use scented candles or oil diffusers in scents such as pine, cinnamon, or vanilla. Try not to go overboard, though, as you don’t want the scents to overpower the delicious smells wafting out of your kitchen!
5. Switch out the artwork
During the colder months, you might want to consider changing the artwork in your establishment for paintings and pictures that invoke feelings of cosiness and warmth. For example, consider wintry scenes or vintage posters in place of brighter, more summery artwork. Abstract patterns are also a good option, as a piece of abstract art painted in warm hues is a simple yet effective way to bring in an autumnal colour pallet.
6. Comfy nooks
If your establishment is a pub or bar, set up a comfy corner complete with a couple of armchairs and blankets. Consider arranging this cosy area by an open fire so your customers can warm themselves while enjoying a glass of wine and chatting with their companion for the evening.
7. Jazz up your outdoor area
Alfresco dining doesn’t have to end along with summer. Extend your outdoor eating season, and therefore your cover capabilities, by revamping your outdoor area so that it’s winter-ready. Consider investing in patio heaters and provide customers with warm-hued blankets and throws so that they can keep warm in outdoor spaces.
Are you looking for some assistance in revamping your establishment ahead of the colder months? Here at Dawnvale, we’re experts in restaurant and bar interiors. If you’ve got a vision in mind for transforming your space into a winter wonderland, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to help.
