Welcome to the second installment in our three-part series on bar and restaurant patio spaces! In the first installment, we covered the basics of creating a patio space for your establishment.
The buzz on innovative food and drink is not the only thing that draws new and old customers to a recently opened restaurant or an old favorite that’s reinventing itself. People are also looking for new ways to enjoy food and beverage, and restaurants and bars out of necessity need to keep word of mouth going. While there’s always the argument that enduring looks and good materials will outlast anything that may be considered trendy (looking at you, industrial design patios!), it is always good to keep an open mind about what’s new.
On the other hand, creating a visual bridge between indoors and outdoors will always be a great first step. And according to Paul Bishop of Bishop Design, whose U.S. base is Miami, lighting is as important outside as it is inside. “I often say that lighting is 90% of the design and outdoor spaces are no exception. Make sure that you use diverse light sources which create a comfortable atmosphere, combine table top lamps, standing lamps (if needed they can be combined with heat sources), as well as landscape lighting. The layers of light will also provide versatility for change in illumination throughout the day.”
“More outdoor furniture, fabrics and lighting are designed to look like indoor pieces,” says Christy Eckert, Associate at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in Atlanta, expanding on the specifics of what her clients are requesting. “Many vendors now make very soft fabrics and fully upholstered chairs that are suitable for uncovered outdoor use but are designed to look like they could be in your living room. Another big trend we are seeing with outdoor spaces is a huge emphasis on textures and mixing materials. Some of the most popular outdoor fabrics right now are boucle textures, or thick, chunky weaves. These fabrics paired with a resin rattan, woven rope, stone pavers, and layers of landscaping help create a luxe outdoor environment.”
“The fun part about patios is that you can get away with going a little bit more modern,” says Robert Midyette, vice president of Food & Beverage at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, MD, who has extensive experience leading the redesign of restaurant patios and who led the renovation of the hotel’s The Prime Rib Patio. “The mid-century modern building where our restaurant was built dates to 1963, but as the patio is a new addition, we can go for something more up to date as long as there is consistency not only between inside and outside décor, but also the expectation of your clients. It should hold up on its own yet not feel like a different restaurant and, of course, be designed to have sufficient protection from the elements.”
Nicole Alexander, founder and principal designer of Chicago-based Siren Betty Design, observes an uptick in the use of natural materials (woods, stones, terracotta) as well as colors found in nature (rosy browns, soft greens, creamy grays). Clients still express interest in European cafe-style patios (striped umbrellas, rattan chairs, bistro tables, etc.), though industrial-looking patio styles are very much on their way out. Plants are built into the design with intention rather than just being sprinkled in as afterthoughts. Murals by local artists are commissioned to add personality to large walls.
Architect Frank Mataipule and Interior Designer Megan Freckelton, co-founders of Denver's FAM Design, point out that based on some of their recent commissions at Improper City, Henley, and the soon-to-open Nobus, during and just after the pandemic period, unique outdoor structures such as yurts or sheds provide other interesting options that allow groups to gather during the cold months while still staying warm and comfy in style.
“Classic awning stripes in fun colors are popping up everywhere,” says Freckelton. “From cushions to umbrellas, they provide a way to incorporate a pop of pattern and transport patrons to vacation destinations like the south of France or coastal Italy. Incorporating a more “living room”-like experience is something we're seeing more and more. Having an indoor experience outside is the best of both worlds.”
Pergola-style structures with horizontal slats providing shading is one of the biggest trends according to many of the designers we spoke with. However, Mataipule also notes that his team has used a tight metal mesh material on permanent structures that helps provide some filtered sun protection, in addition to trees and shrubs. Cesar Garcia, CEO of Veritas Buyers, meanwhile, goes into specifics of what his clientele is requesting. Earthy beiges, taupes, and greens that blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Pops of color from flowers, accent pillows, or table linens are now in fashion, especially when those pops and upholstery are rendered in durable weather resistant fabrics that are easy to clean and resist mildew. He also recommends adding attractive storage for extra chairs, cushions, and blankets such as ottomans with built-in storage or waterproof containers.
However, these trends “naturally” give way to a bigger trend many designers are putting into play. “Biophilic design is a big trend, a focus on natural elements,” states Garcia. “Use hanging planters, potted plants, and even vertical gardens to create a lush and inviting atmosphere. Woven baskets, lanterns, and fire pits add warmth and ambiance. String lights, fairy lights, and strategically placed lanterns can [add to the] magical atmosphere, and you can add dimmers to create a more intimate setting in the evenings.”
Awnings and pergolas are a great way to introduce the indoor/outdoor atmosphere in hospitality spaces,” says Ashley Smith, president and managing director of German awning manufacturer markilux USA, whose offices are in New York City and Los Angeles. “[It’s a look] similar to European coffee shops, where the covered seating becomes part of the space and experience. Awnings can help extend the interiors outdoors, while pergolas help define spaces once already outside.”
Smith also points to innovative fabrics offered by her company, including awning covers made of Sunsilk, Sunvas, and acrylic, which offers the highest possible UV protection for textiles with UPF 50+. Both she and Garcia also like furnishings that blur the indoor/outdoor lines. These include ergonomic chairs with good back support, woven wicker, sling chairs, and even outdoor sofas. Mixing and matching these different styles can create a relaxed vibe.
Kinney, meanwhile, notes The Fort management decided to replace heavy, hard-to-stack metal outdoor chairs that impeded server movement with sturdy dark brown outdoor chairs with a woven seat and backing, which elevated their patio look, stack easily, clean easily, and are popular among guests. This year, a better drainage system for water/rain solutions on the red brick patio, including French drains, are being installed to keep water from pooling in guest areas.
“Small details like adding artwork and extending the color and design cues used inside of the building into the back patio were a main consideration,” says Kevin Vickers, project manager for The Mission in Scottsdale, AZ. The team spent well over a year to transform its back patio into a fully climate controlled, plant-filled outdoor oasis that could be used year-round thanks in part to a soaring, multi-million dollar white steel canopy and state-of the art cooling systems. Another goal was to make the space feel cohesive, yet still be new and exciting enough for people to book a table. Furniture was another consideration as The Mission hosts events and large party buyouts in that space. Modular design with the booths and tables was a top priority, and the designers took a lot of time to find chairs that matched the indoor aesthetic but also collapsed down for storage when not in use.
“You must have continuity between inside and outside, but enough stylistic elements that differ to keep both interesting in their own ways,” insists Vickers. “Our goal was to make (the patio) its own experience, and we wanted it to be a place that you requested to sit there over the inside. We had the challenge of taking a somewhat sterile outdoor space and transforming it into something that feels inviting, yet also mitigating the Arizona summer temperatures. Knowing we will never get an outdoor space to be 100% usable in the 115 degree weather that we experience here in the summer, we also wanted to increase our seating capacity for one month longer into summer and one month sooner as we transition to fall.”
Vickers adds that the team prefers to source locally for cool, unique and different pieces that will fit the aesthetics of the design. In the most recent remodel, reclaimed and refinished hardwood tabletops were used. “Any outside tables here need to be sealed very well because they are prone to drying out and cracking, so we opted for a specialized finish that will better stand up to the harsh desert conditions,” he says. “Even with that being said, owners in this climate should expect to replace most furnishings within five to six years.”
Although the sands of time shift, if the patio or rooftop is able to be adaptable and ready for what lies ahead, the forecast for its outdoors will always be good.
Look for part three of our patio series next week, in which we cover design trends!
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