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Reno on a budget
By Glen Peloso
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Where to start if you need to make some changes but don’t have the money to do it all at once
Restaurateurs often say to me, “We want to renovate a little, but we have a limited budget.” The idea of a facelift is always thought of as an expense; however, if done well, it’s actually an investment that can reap real rewards.
The first step is to determine what isn’t working for you – literally. If something no longer functions properly and is affecting your ability to make money, you have to address it first. In any renovation, the point is to be able to generate more revenue from the revitalized space than you were generating before.
Dispose of things that are taking up space and not being used; if something on the floor serves no great purpose, you’re potentially losing a seat that could produce income. Once that’s done, address what’s left of your investment, and don’t bite off more than your budget can chew. Remember, things done poorly only serve to make things look worse, not better. Create a realistic budget and withhold 10 per cent for unexpected expenses that will inevitably crop up.
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Focusing on Impact
Presuming there’s enough money to move forward, focus on those elements that will have the biggest impact. With limited funds, it’s likely a good idea to address wall colour first, as colour creates mood.
A clean white is stark and often gives the feeling of cleanliness but can also feel clinical. Red, on the other hand, can be very romantic, warm and luxurious. As long as the colour change is in keeping with your identity, it will make a dramatic difference in the way your establishment is perceived.
Address the lighting throughout. Changing fluorescent tube lighting to track or pot lighting, for example, gives you the ability to affect mood because you can play with light intensity. As well, installing drop lighting over specific tables can create visual interest, resulting in “special” (that is, more desirable) seating areas.
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Spot lighting can also be used to highlight art or create wall washes. If your space has an exposed brick wall, you may want to draw focus to that texture and beauty, guiding viewers’ eyes when they first enter the space and producing visual interest and depth.
Keeping It Clean
Washrooms are often addressed last, but they shouldn’t be. Many patrons believe the state of the washroom reflects that of the kitchen, and every customer will visit your restroom at some point. The area doesn’t have to be done with fine finishes, but it does have to be clean and reasonably well appointed.
The basics: a clean functioning toilet, a sink and vanity, a decent mirror for female makeup touchups, a clean garbage can, a toilet paper holder that works, and lighting that goes beyond a bare bulb. It’s often best to tile this space with a neutral tile that’s easily cleaned and maintained. Depending on the type of restaurant, partially covering the walls in tile will also help with maintenance. Also be sure the colour in the space suits those in the restaurant to avoid a harsh transition.
Bolstering the Upholstering
Finally, address the upholstery. Depending on the kind of space you are working with, select either a fabric or good quality vinyl. If choosing fabric, check to see what the rub count is and make sure it will work for commercial applications. If not, such things as rivets in jeans will destroy it, and your investment won’t last long enough to be worthwhile.
If your budget is large enough, you may want to replace the tables and chairs, but this can be a serious expense. Depending on the state they’re in, you may want to refinish or refurbish them to make them look new.
If you’re planning on a bigger renovation but can’t currently afford it, come up with a plan that can be followed through in time and look natural as it progresses. Remember the design is part of the marketing and branding of the space – from the handles on the front door to the menu covers. Investing wisely in the renovations should up your customer base and give you the ability to increase the value of your menu, ultimately leading to greater revenues.
Glen Peloso, Principal Designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, Inc., has been designing spaces for a diverse range of commercial, corporate and residential clients for almost 15 years and hosts such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover on the Food Network. For more information, visit www.glenpelosointeriors.com.
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