When it comes to designing a space in a hotel or restaurant, layout and design are not simply aesthetic choices: they directly influence emotions, behaviour and the customer experience. Space psychology analyses how a well-designed environment can influence the decisions and well-being of users.
The impact of colours and materials
The colours, textures and materials used in a hotel or restaurant can create a variety of moods and provoke different psychological reactions. Bright, colourful tones should be mixed with warm tones such as beige or ochre to create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a hotel where guests are looking for comfort and relaxation. In a restaurant, orange or yellow colours encourage conviviality and stimulate the appetite.
Natural materials such as wood or stone reinforce a sense of calm and authenticity, offering an immersive and soothing experience, highly sought after by establishments wishing to offer a unique customer experience.
The layout of spaces for fluid circulation
The layout of the space in a hotel or restaurant has a direct impact on customer behaviour, influencing their experience from the moment they arrive. A well-designed lobby should be airy, bright and welcoming for both individuals and groups. A fluid design, with no visual barriers, allows customers to navigate the space easily, creating a reassuring first impression. A study conducted by Cornell University has shown that well-lit reception areas can increase the perception of service quality and even influence customers’ purchasing decisions.
In a restaurant, the organisation of tables is just as important for the comfort of guests. If tables are too close together, particularly in brasseries or lower-end restaurants, this can create a feeling of unease and impact on the overall experience.
Upscale restaurants need to be airy with tables spaced out to ensure customer privacy. Customers may feel watched or disturbed by ambient noise if tables are too close together. Conversely, a well-balanced layout, with enough space between tables, encourages conversation and relaxation. A study in the American Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that customers prefer restaurants where they feel physically comfortable, which can influence their length of stay and their propensity to return.
The sensory experience, reinforced by the layout of the space, also contributes to the overall atmosphere of the establishment. For example, background music, the smell of food and natural light can be harmonised with the design to enrich the customer’s experience. In this way, a well-designed space can not only improve customer comfort, but also stimulate positive emotions, fostering a lasting relationship with the establishment.
The importance of lighting in a restaurant
Lighting is a fundamental element in creating an atmosphere that enhances the customer experience, whether in a restaurant or a hotel. In a restaurant, subdued lighting helps to create a warm, intimate atmosphere, ideal for convivial meals with friends and family. According to a study by Ohio State University, lighting plays a crucial role in the perception of the quality of meals and services. Soft lighting can not only improve the aesthetics of dishes, but also encourage customers to take their time, fostering a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
Conversely, lighting that is too cold and bright can alter the customer experience. Lights that are too bright can create a cold and uncomfortable atmosphere, leading to a feeling of stress and irritation, which may cause customers to leave the restaurant more quickly. Warm colours should be used. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, lighting levels influence not only the mood of customers, but also their consumption behaviour.
The importance of lighting in a hotel
In a hotel, lighting must be carefully thought out to enhance the feeling of comfort and relaxation. Subdued lighting in communal areas and bedrooms creates a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation. For example, the use of dimmable lamps means that lighting can be adapted to suit different times of day, creating a personalised experience. Research by the University of California found that hotel rooms with well-designed lighting are perceived as more welcoming, which can increase guest satisfaction and encourage them to return.
By incorporating natural lighting elements, such as daylight, and combining different types of lighting (direct, indirect, decorative), establishments can also enrich customers’ sensory experience. In short, a well thought-out lighting strategy contributes not only to the aesthetics of the premises, but also to improved well-being. And a better customer experience.
Comfort as a priority
Customer comfort is a determining factor that directly influences customer satisfaction and loyalty. In a restaurant, ergonomic seating and sufficient space between tables contribute to a pleasant experience. An outstanding example of this approach is the design of chairs for the Le Baudelaire restaurant by Making-of Studio. To ensure that the customer is seated comfortably, a number of elements were incorporated into the design of the seating:
- Ergonomics: the design of the chairs aims to encourage a variety of postures while adapting to the typical morphology of customers. This ensures optimum comfort during meals.
- Functionality: the cushion is slightly tilted backwards (9 to 12°), which supports the lower back and encourages a natural posture. What’s more, the chair’s legs are designed with rounded glides to make it easier to glide over a variety of surfaces, such as carpet or tiles, reducing the effort required when moving around.
- Durability: when updating furniture, it’s essential to opt for quality materials, such as firm foam cushions, which limit sagging over time and ensure greater longevity.
The details of these chairs illustrate the attention paid to quality: the Teflon glides also make it easier to glide over the carpet, making daily use smoother, and the armrests have been designed so that only elbows can rest on them and so that hands do not dirty the fabrics. In short, every detail of this chair has been carefully thought out to offer undeniable comfort while making it easy for staff to maintain, enhancing the overall customer experience in a refined and welcoming environment.
By integrating these principles of spatial psychology, Making-of-Studio helps hotels and restaurants to create functional and aesthetic spaces where customers feel comfortable, happy and encouraged to return. Because interior design is more than just aesthetics, it transforms the customer experience and profoundly influences the perception of establishments. Contact us to find out how we can help you optimise your space and enrich your customers’ experience.
