Outdoor living room - merging indoor and outdoor areas for your guests
Unique atmosphere in the outdoor area - the key to success
The first step in setting up an outdoor dining area is to have a clear plan for the style of your outdoor area. Only when you have a concrete idea of what this area should look like - especially in combination with your indoor area - can the necessary purchases such as furniture and decorations be specifically selected.
Finding a vision for your outdoor space can take some time and thought. But in the end, this preliminary planning will help you create the ideal outdoor space for your guests and your business. You should consider these points when designing your concept:
Designing an outdoor living room
Would you like to turn your outdoor area into something really special? Then you should see it not just as another place to stand and sit in the open air, but as an extension of your indoor dining area. A special ambience that extends beyond your doors into your outdoor area makes it unmistakable and ensures that guests enjoy spending time in your restaurant, café or hotel and are happy to return. This is where the idea of the outdoor living room comes into play again. The more homely the outdoor area looks, the more comfortable your guests will feel - comfortable cushions, fairy lights or lanterns create a relaxed atmosphere. Music can also make a decisive contribution to the ambience. Go for a coordinated playlist that underlines your overall concept. Unique elements, such as a special theme or seasonal decorations, make your outdoor catering even more homely.
Another plus: An appealing, cozy atmosphere not only appeals to guests who are already in your restaurant. The ambience also looks good in photos that you can share on your social media channel, for example on Instagram. Online images of lovingly designed terraces or seasonal events appeal to potential guests and are a cost-effective way to increase your reach. This will turn your outdoor area into a culinary highlight that will also be remembered for its coziness and pleasant aesthetics.
Your target group
In order to have the right instinct when setting up your outdoor dining area, you need to know your target group. Who do you want to attract to your establishment, what look do they prefer, what food and drink do they expect and how long do they want to stay in your outdoor area? Think about the contrast between a café that is only open during the day and serves coffee and cake, an elegant hotel restaurant with a roof terrace and a trendy rooftop bar where party people dance late into the night. There are clear differences here in terms of the crockery, furniture, decoration, lighting and much more.
Requirements for your outdoor area
The furnishing and decorative style of your outdoor area also depends on what conditions it has. Is it a terrace, a beer garden or a balcony? Depending on this, you will have more or less space for furniture and decorations.
Balconies in particular are often neglected when it comes to furnishing outdoor areas. Yet balconies are an important advertisement for your establishment, especially for hotel rooms. A clean impression with high-quality furniture, well-kept outdoor textiles, decorations and plants helps to make the balcony look like an extension of the hotel room, where your guests will enjoy spending time.
Hybrid furniture - the basis for unified indoor and outdoor dining
The current trend towards the outdoor living room means that the style of indoor furnishings is also being adopted outside to create a seamless transition. In contrast to the classic beer garden set, the trend is towards a living room atmosphere in the open air. Outdoor furniture is therefore becoming more and more similar to indoor furniture, both in terms of look and feel. Generally speaking, the more comfortable and cozy your guests are seated, the longer they will linger in your outdoor area - and sales will increase.
Materials for weatherproof outdoor catering furniture
Year-round use places great demands on your outdoor furniture. Whether sun, rain, ice or snow: the effects of the weather attack your furniture in the long term. The consequences are brittle chairs and tables or faded colors. This is why it is particularly important to use weatherproof outdoor furniture when furnishing outdoor catering areas. This furniture is made of certain materials or has different coatings so that it can withstand precipitation and UV radiation in the long term. You can find more important information on this topic in our detailed material guide for outdoor furniture.
Sun and weather protection for guests and furniture
If you have an outdoor area and have designed it beautifully, you will want to offer your guests this extra all year round. However, the equipment on your patio needs to be adapted accordingly depending on the season.
Sunshades for hot days
On hot days, large horeca sunshades are an absolute must to create a shady spot outdoors for guests in your outdoor restaurant. It's a great place to linger in the pleasant twilight - while enjoying ice-cold drinks, of course. In addition to sun protection for your guests, the umbrellas also offer UV protection for your furniture, which protects its colors from fading in the long term. Catering umbrellas are available in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. So you are sure to find a model that suits your requirements exactly. You can find all the important information on choosing the right sunshade in our sunshade guide.
Protection from rainfall
If you want to make your outdoor area usable in the colder months, you can use waterproof covers or awnings to protect your guests and furniture from precipitation. Gastro tents are a good solution for wind, snow or rain. Thanks to the roof and closed sides, they ensure pleasant conditions - even in fall and winter. With a completely weatherproof outdoor area, up to 80 additional patio days can be gained. The investment in good equipment therefore pays for itself within a short time.
Outdoor clothing for your staff
Uniform clothing for your service staff ensures a coherent look in your outdoor restaurant or on your hotel terrace. The uniform also helps guests to distinguish staff from other visitors to your establishment more quickly. Especially when the temperatures drop, you should offer your employees special outdoor clothing. This will keep them nice and warm and make a smart impression on your guests.
Stylishly furnish your outdoor dining area with decorations
The design options for your outdoor dining area are just as unique as your business. With different furniture, accessories, plants and colors, you can create a cozy atmosphere in the warm season. Other clever equipment will also help you to extend your outdoor catering into the winter. Design cozy corners that invite you to linger, chic bar areas and much more.
Lighting for your outdoor area
When furnishing your outdoor area, never underestimate the effect of your lighting - the right light can increase the comfort factor as well as the functionality of your outdoor dining area. Warm, indirect light creates an inviting atmosphere that invites guests to linger. Fairy lights, lanterns or LED candles create charming accents and give the outdoor area a homely character. However, functional lighting should not be neglected either: Paths, entrances and stairs should be sufficiently illuminated to ensure the safety of your guests and staff. Flexibly used solar lights or battery-powered lamps offer a sustainable and practical solution here. An atmospheric lighting concept can also be perfectly showcased on social media and emphasizes the uniqueness of your outdoor gastronomy, especially in the evening hours.
Green oasis with plants
Plants are more than just a pretty decoration in outdoor catering - they create a natural and inviting atmosphere. Whether large potted plants, colorful flower arrangements or small herb pots on the tables: The greenery looks fresh, lively and creates a harmonious ambience. Larger plants or decorative hedges can also serve as practical privacy screens that separate individual areas and offer your guests more privacy. At the same time, plants improve the microclimate, provide shade on hot days and contribute to air quality. With the right choice of plants, you can transform your patio into a green oasis of well-being that blends in perfectly with your overall concept and delights guests time and time again.
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor textiles
With the right outdoor textiles such as cushions, blankets and rugs, you can transform your outdoor area into an inviting feel-good zone. Outdoor rugs bring the flair of the living room outside and create a harmonious overall look. Combined with decorative cushions and cozy blankets, they create a warm, cozy atmosphere - regardless of the season. At the same time, textiles offer the opportunity to set stylish accents that are perfectly color-coordinated with your restaurant concept. Practical and stylish at the same time: textiles have a noise-absorbing effect and ensure a pleasant background noise, even with many guests. With this small but effective design idea, you can create an outdoor area where your guests feel at home.
Your outdoor area as a success factor
Nowadays, an attractively designed outdoor area is far more than just an additional offering - it is an essential part of a successful catering concept. When designing it, you should ensure that the style and furnishings in the indoor and outdoor areas harmonize with each other. In the LUSINI range, you will find high-quality, hybrid outdoor furniture, attractive outdoor textiles and beautiful decorative elements with which you can give your outdoor catering a personal touch - for incomparable moments in the open air.
Are you in the process of establishing or redesigning your outdoor area? Our practical outdoor catering guide will help you with your planning. You can also get personal advice and experience the latest catering trends up close - in the LUSINI showroom in Wertingen.