Standards for creating a restaurant design that is both beautiful and in harmony with Feng Shui

A restaurant design is considered beautiful when it not only adheres to strict standards in geometry, aesthetics, color, and visual appeal but also meets the criteria for numerology and Feng Shui principles.

This article will share some fundamental standards in designing specific areas within a restaurant, aiming to leave a sophisticated impression on diners while ensuring Feng Shui harmony for enhanced prosperity for the restaurant owner. Feel free to explore!

General standards for restaurant design

1. Designing the dining area

The dining service section is where the restaurant generates revenue. Therefore, invest in the design of this area without hesitation. Find ways to maximize the space here. Consider optimizing space in other areas, but not in this section.

When designing the dining area, architects should focus on the space for movement and the seating area for diners. Customers need a spacious and comfortable environment, ensuring privacy and coziness for dining. In addition, service staff also need sufficient space to work, such as around the dining tables.

Design standards serve as a measure to evaluate beautiful restaurant models, not only for high-end or budget restaurants. However, for luxury restaurants, these standards are even more crucial. In upscale restaurant design, seating standards are typically 1.5 – 1.8m² per diner. Depending on the restaurant space, it can be narrowed down, but should not go below 1.2 – 1.4m² per diner.

Consider the convenience of cooking and mobility for kitchen staff. Alongside optimizing space for receiving, storing, food preparation, cooking, dishwashing, etc. The width of the area depends on the scale of your restaurant. This is one of the minimum standards for creating an appealing restaurant kitchen model.

In particular, when designing the kitchen area, architects will also calculate options for peak times to serve customers best. Additionally, a small office space for managing this area is indispensable.

b. Designing ventilation, air circulation, and lighting systems

The kitchen is the most concentrated area for smells, heat, and smoke in a restaurant. Therefore, careful consideration is needed in the design for a reasonable layout of kitchen furniture, exhaust systems, air circulation, etc., ensuring both safety and workspaces for kitchen staff and not compromising the aesthetic space for customers outside.

Lighting in the kitchen is also a crucial factor to consider in the construction and design. Since the kitchen space is not as large as the dining service area, lighting in the kitchen needs to be scientifically and harmoniously arranged. Avoid intricate and space-consuming lights like floor lamps, decorative lamps, or chandeliers. Minimalist lighting is the optimal choice in the kitchen, with a synchronized lighting system placed in central kitchen positions for sufficient light and cost efficiency.

3. Standards for designing the Bar Counter - Cashier

The bar counter - cashier area needs sufficient space to perform its function of payment for customers. In addition to being compact and convenient, the design of the bar counter - cashier also needs to ensure professionalism and elegance to leave a positive impression on customers when they leave.

This is an area where you can save space. Usually, the bar counter and payment counter are combined into one.

The height of the bar counter, cashier counter should not be too high or too low, usually at chest level of the average height of Vietnamese people, about 110cm to 120cm. This height is convenient and safe for both the payment staff and customers.

In addition, the distance between the 2 tiers of the counter should be at least 25cm to have enough space for arranging items. The length of the bar counter can be long or short, depending on the space and scale of the restaurant, but the width of the bar counter usually ranges from 40 – 60cm.

Pay attention to incorporating Feng Shui elements when designing the bar counter - cashier to bring luck and prosperity to your restaurant business.

4. Other spatial areas to consider

When engaging a design firm for your restaurant, consider standards for additional spaces like hygiene zones and decorative areas, depending on your restaurant's style, scale, and location.

Restaurant interior design.

There is no universal standard for restaurant interior design. However, there are general guidelines such as ensuring elegance, maintaining a moderate amount of furniture, and selecting items that complement the color and lighting of the room to create a comfortable and attractive ambiance for diners.

Although the initial business capacity may not be high, you can expand the space and optimize seating arrangements after 3 to 6 months, once the restaurant has a steady customer base.

The interior design of a restaurant is a crucial aspect that determines whether your brand leaves a lasting impression on diners. Imagine the delight of customers relaxing in a restaurant with a harmonious blend of delicious food and elegant, luxurious interior design, right?

Feng Shui-compliant design standards.

For Vietnam and the East in general, Feng Shui is a paramount factor in business, with the belief that aligning with the forces of nature, location, and humanity ensures entrepreneurial success.

With such a mindset, a restaurant design is considered beautiful not only when it meets strict standards of geometry, aesthetics, color, and artistry but also when it adheres to numerological Feng Shui standards. Below are some Feng Shui-compliant design standards for restaurants, inviting you to explore:

- Location: A restaurant location is considered appealing when it not only attracts a dense population but also serves as a place frequented by the target customers and offers convenient stopping points. Avoid locations with wide but difficult-to-stop roads, no parking allowed, or obscured visibility.

- Restaurant height should be designed between 2.8 to 3m. This standard ensures both aesthetic appeal and good fortune for the restaurant.

- The interior color of the restaurant should be in the Earth or Fire element, creating a warm atmosphere. Bright furniture activates positive energy for the space.

- Feng Shui in restaurant kitchen design:

• Avoid wind traps to gather energy, following the principle of 'blocking wind to accumulate energy.' Additionally, steer clear of the North direction, windows, sanitation areas, or a direct view of the door. Besides adhering to Feng Shui principles, gas odors and smoke can be harmful, leading to increased fuel consumption and even the risk of fire.
• The suitable orientation for a standard kitchen design is either East or South.
• In the kitchen space, avoid intricate decorations; simplicity creates a sense of cleanliness and openness, inspiring chefs to unleash their creativity.

Key considerations for a beautiful restaurant design

1. Target customers and restaurant location

The target customer demographic and location are two factors that determine the style of restaurant design. These are the primary factors influencing the success or failure of your restaurant business.

Analyzing the target customer demographics—age, gender, income level, dining habits, whether domestic or international visitors—provides ample information for selecting an appropriate restaurant location. Simultaneously, this forms the foundation for determining the style to be embraced in restaurant design, ensuring alignment with the needs of the target audience.

2. Balancing space, seating, and investment budget

A captivating restaurant design achieves an overall harmonious balance among different spatial zones, especially between the welcoming area and dining space.

For smaller establishments like noodle shops or casual eateries, emphasis is on maximizing seating. Conversely, for specialized culinary styles or luxurious fine dining, more attention is given to space to enhance the overall dining experience, including waiting areas, seating zones, and tea party spaces. It should be a beautiful space with its own aesthetic, providing comfort and complete relaxation.

However, regardless of scale or criteria, restaurant design must adhere to certain standards for space allocation, with approximately 50–60% of the area dedicated to serving guests, 30% for kitchen space, and the remaining portion for storage, office, and other areas.

In summary, achieving a beautifully designed restaurant is no simple task, is it? Take a little extra time to explore and select reputable firms for restaurant design and construction. Hopefully, this article will assist you in obtaining information to choose a unique design style for your restaurant or eatery.

Wishing you success in your restaurant business,

Best regards,