External Furniture - a Good Investment for Your Business

Even though the summer season is coming to an end, there seems to be no end to people's desire to enjoy the outdoors. Sitting outside is increasingly popular even in the later days of autumn. Why does the outdoors have the potential to become a sought-after part of your establishment?

Above all, people feel that they are closer to nature and away from the noise of the kitchen or coffee machine. It's also a kind of feeling of uniqueness, as not every establishment has an outdoor dining area. Nowadays, there are many roofing, glazing or heating solutions available to provide your guests with comfort even on colder days.

Five Steps to Design Your Patio

Step 1: First, answer the question, who is your customer and what are they looking for? Then take a good look at your outdoor space and analyse its potential. Are people coming to you to lounge, are they looking for romance, or are they more likely to be looking for a work space? Do you need space for a band, have an outdoor pool, or a nice view? Once you've defined who will be using the space and what they'll be using it for, you can focus on the elements that will help you create a memorable experience for your guests.

Step 2: Define your own style. The current trend is to go for different pieces of furniture and furnishings that are more commonly found indoors. For example, cushions, rugs, lamps, chairs and other furnishings. Outdoor light chains, fire pits, lanterns and extravagant chandeliers that you hang on the pergola beams are very popular. Think about lighting also in terms of the pictures your guests will want to take and possibly share on social media.

Step 3: Colour is a powerful tool. It can improve mood, influence thinking, increase appetite, and affect the overall energy in a space. Think about how you want your guests to feel. Bright colors like yellow and orange can lift the mood and make your customers feel happier. People tend to indulge more when they feel happy than when they are too calm or sad.

Consider the color red. Red can increase appetite because it raises blood pressure and increases heart rate. Try using it on large pieces of furniture or artwork. Also consider red umbrellas, shade sails or awnings. Red is an eye-catching color, so try to use it in style if you can.

Green is a colour associated with health, wealth and abundance. Tropical plants paired with a hint of turquoise can evoke a holiday feeling of carefree.

When it comes to colour, however, darker and earthier shades, or combinations thereof, are still the order of the day. This is especially because pale colours turn yellow due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Step 4: In the gastro segment, overall variety is starting to play a role, not only in terms of colour but also in terms of seating typology. The more diverse combinations of furnishings you have in your establishment, the better. Try dividing your space into several smaller "rooms" with different types of seating. Choose from low, medium and high or lounge seating. This will suit a number of people - those who prefer a classic dining set-up because they have stopped in "only" for lunch, but also customers who have come to relax and are more comfortable with low seating.

Step 5: You'll need to consider all-weather comfort. Your customers will need shade from the sun during the day, warmth from the cold during the evening or night, and protection from the rain at any time. You'd better invest in shades, canopies and similar installations. Any outdoor furniture should be resistant, especially when it comes to upholstery - this should be made of special fabrics that do not let water through and dry quickly. 

Outdoor dining and entertainment areas are the best way to create a new or additional and reliable source of income for your business. In the hospitality industry, these spaces are always the first to fill up, even on cold days. People are attracted by the smell of fresh air mixed with the aroma of your delicacies. It's all about the experience for your customers.

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