September, 2004 vol.3 #9

Focus on Design
by Randi Prager

Lighting – Another Key Element in Restaurant Design

Color and lighting are an integral part of mood, activity and responses that will have a marked effect on the success of your operation. The color rendering properties of a lamp, finishes on walls, floors, and furnishings, and the intensity level of lighting in the presence of daylight in the room are all factors to be considered in selecting the appropriate light source.

You know you have a lighting problem in your restaurant if:

· Customers are sitting at a table and can't see each other
· You look out into the dining area and you can't see your customers
· You have to feel the walls to Ode you to the bathrooms
· Your customer can't read the menus and can't see the food and they have their glasses on
· Your customers are drowsy and nodding off

These problems might be slightly exaggerated, but actually can and do exist! Correct lighting will eliminate any of the above problems.

Your restaurant and food always have to look appealing and this depends on your lighting source. Light produced by lamps you choose can determine how objects look.

The decor of the room is a critical consideration in selecting a light source. Warm colors require a warm light source, cool colors use cool lamps, and mixed cool and warm elements or where neutral colors dominate, an intermediate color source would be used. Remember, dark surfaces (if used on walls and floors) absorb light. Focus should be on people and the food. By focusing brightness on the table, the food and people are featured. This can be done by using a white cloth and correct lighting. An up-light creates a reflection from the tablecloth which helps to diminish lines and wrinkles from diner's faces! Wouldn't your clientele love that?

There is an amazing assortment of lighting fixtures, and finishes from which to choose. Some of the finishes that are available are copper, aluminum, stiffened nylon, metal, bamboo, opaque glass, and blown glass sculptures. These are also available in an assortment of colors. Your lighting fixtures can also be custom designed so that they work specifically tailored to your design scheme.

Here are just a few types of lighting from which to choose:

Low Voltage: A clean recessed down-lighting scheme that can cast gentle pools of light over tables provides a good source for a clean white look. Halogen strips tucked into columns can up-light decorative column tops

Track Lighting: Can be used to down-light and is an excellent way to accent art work, floral arrangements, fireplaces and murals. Used on ceiling beams, it can provide both up-lighting and down-lighting. It’s also a way to keep a ceiling free of fixtures – use under a soffit for a soft, indirect approach.

Wall Washers and Adjustable Eye-Ball Fixtures: These can illuminate art work and architectural elements.

Cold Cathode: These tubes curve to fit a variety of ceiling shapes. They come in many colors; are energy savers and are great to use over a bar

Sconces: Add a decorative element – this can create a visual decorative rhythm along a corridor

In addition to the many types of luminaries that are available, unobtrusive architectural lighting systems provide both accent and general illumination.

All lighting fixtures can be controlled by a computerized dimming system. This enables you to create a variety of scenes throughout the day as well as dimming and color changes to suit different functions in your restaurant. Dimming also saves dollars because your lamp life is increased.

Speaking of saving $$$, you can save 15 percent to 40 percent on electric bills with careful planning for your lighting. Because restaurants are high energy users, designs using low energy lighting, taking advantage of the day-lighting and proper insulation can accrue big savings.

When planning your restaurant, remember that choosing the correct lighting is extremely important for yourself, and your clientele.

Please contact me with any questions you might have and that I can feature in this column. Call us at 410-337-3688 or e-mail rgdesigner@aol.com. Please reference Foodservice Monthly in the subject line. Randi Prager Interior Design Associates, LLC is located in Towson, Md. The firm specializes in contract design work and high-end residential design.

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