Commercial interior design, especially in bars and restaurants, moves at a rapid pace.  Some of the newest establishments that are appearing would warrant deep pockets to achieve the inspirational interiors delivered.  Yet some of the most talked about and Instagram worthy, are born out of constrained budget limitations, and not limitless spending.  An example would be the much talked about McKenna’s Bar in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, designed and fitted out by Studio Eunan Byrne

When a client comes to Studio Eunan Byrne with a wild and brilliant project vision, but with a constrained budget, we don’t see that as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity to focus our design proposals more, be more aware of the constraints in place. We think sharper, work smarter and focus more on what will absolutely impact and enhance the guest experience. When you can’t rely and largescale structural interventions or expensive finishes, every decision that our studio makes must deliver maximum value.

Here's a brief look at how Studio Eunan Byrne approaches such projects, how we turn a constrained budget into a project that will stand head and shoulders above all others with much larger budgets.

Materials

When you think of high-end hospitality projects you automatically think of high cost materials and finishes.

·        We can achieve a high-end decorative plaster finish by using a textured paint effect to the same appearance.

·        Reclaimed and salvaged materials offer a cost effective approach whilst in themselves providing an aesthetic and uniqueness all of their own.

·        We look at key spends.  Items that we spend a little more but will have maximum impact on the overall scheme, such as a decorative bar and back bar, feature lighting or finishes in a reception lobby, all providing that essential wow factor and Instagram grabbing moment.

What we are aiming to achieve here is a focusing of the spend towards the most important elements that guests will notice and be memorable – furniture, surfaces on counters, accent walls and such like – all the while keeping the background elements cost-effective yet still memorable in their own right.

Space Efficiency – Maximise Flexibility and Revenue

Every bit of space in a bar or restaurant must be generating revenue, especially in urban locations where space is at a premium.  Studio Eunan Byrne not only looks at space planning as not only being about fitting in as many seats as possible, but we look at maximising functionality, adaptability, and most importantly, revenue.

Some of the approaches we use:

Adaptability of furniture – bar counters that can drop-down counters enabling standing drinks by night and dining during the day.  Fixed seating with storage under where storage is at a premium.

Modular furniture – stackable furniture, lightweight tables and mobile screens that can be moved to redefine lounge zones or private function areas.

Service V Public Bar – less revenue need to spent on the service only section of the bar with more spend going on the public facing part of the bar, providing maximum impact.

Vertical Optimisation

Storage – high level and strategic placement of shelving and hanging racks within the scheme can provide much needed storage whilst blending into the overall aesthetic.

Folding shelves & tables –detailed into the wall panelling, these can be dropped down during dining hours and raised providing more floor space flexibility during busy hours.

Mezzanines – where possible providing mezzanines within the scheme can provide storage or private / VIP areas.

Revenue Driving Zones

We examine and discuss with the client the key revenue driving zones within the premises and look to focus the spend in these areas.

Bar area as a social hub – a well-designed bar with plenty of high stools and ample standing room encourages more drinking spend than an all seated bar. (NeuroLaunch, n.d.)

Unobstructed access to the bar –the first thing the guest should see is the bar counter and back bar.  We focus on designing a functioning space that creates zones whilst also leading the guest directly to the bar, the key revenue generator.

Dead space – we look to make use of dead space.  We enhance it with some quirky, economically considered accents, to create an Instagrammable zone.

Lighting Magic:  Setting the Mood on a Budget

Lighting transforms the ambiance, and as a result the overall aesthetic of the space.  A budget friendly way of achieving a complete change without expensive architectural interventions.

We look to use concealed LED strips under bar counter tops and along shelves to create depth and warmth.  The use of dimmers and warm lighting help make food and drink appear more inviting.

We engage with long partnered specialists who assist with zoning and controls to achieve maximum effect and efficiency with the latest technology.

We look to use vintage or salvaged statement pieces which will add character and charm cost effectively.

The backbar commands a lot of our attention when we look at lighting, as this is the guest draw and revenue generator.

Statement second-hand fixtures—vintage chandeliers or industrial pendants add character without custom costs.

Storytelling

Studio Eunan Byrne will work with our client at our briefing meeting to see if there is a story behind the vision. We will help our client curate and weave a journey and accent that within the budget by way of clever use of graphics and branding.

It could be the case that we use striking wall murals to describe the story.

We work closely with the branding team to create custom menus and table top branding and signage to reinforce the identity within renovation.

We look to use themed memorabilia such as old books, vintage posters and other such affordable salvage items and bric-a-brac to add layering and enhance the storytelling.

Conclusion

Some of best and most favoured projects have been designed and thrive on ingenuity and focus on design thinking with regard to the  project economics.  A tight budget sharpens our creativity, ensuring that every detail and every design decision is focused on generating memories for the guests and most importantly, revenue for our clients.

We would love to put our design ingenuity into practice with you on your next project.

Why not book a cost-control design consultation today.

Drop us a line at hello@studioeunanbyrne.com

We look forward to hearing from you and to joining you on your project journey.

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