The UK’s café culture is a growing sector of the UK’s economy, with more than 20,000 coffee shops across the country, and a market which is worth around £9 billion a year.
So, if you are moving into the market, or are having your coffee shop renovated, how can you make sure your café attracts its fair share of customers? Thames Contracts is a leading name in coffee shop design in London. Here is our guide to what’s hot in the world of cappuccinos and espressos.
Choice of Colours
You can use different colours in a coffee shop or café to create varied effects. Among the shades which are proving popular in 2017 are various shades of green, or kale, which contribute to an organic feel. Yellows are also popular, as they create a calming atmosphere, which is particularly useful for customers who want to relax there, possibly in their lunch hour. Alternatively, some coffee shops want to stand out, and so are opting for eye-catching bright blues.
Fluid Patterns
Many coffee shop owners are looking for fluidity, rather than one uniform colour right the way through. Different shades and textures of tiles, paint and fabric create a distinct look. They can also serve a useful purpose. For example, having floor tiles in different shades of colour can help mark out which are the customer areas and which are for the staff.
Frosted Glass
Glass is popular in coffee shop design this year, and not just because people like to look out on the street and see the world go by. Increasing numbers of coffee shops are choosing to use glass inside their premises, because it helps create different zones, creating an air of mystery. Frosted glass in particular can give customers a greater feeling of privacy.
Fixtures and Fittings
The industrial look which has been popular in kitchens has extended to coffee shops; this means cafes are using plenty of metals, for example in lamps or light fittings. Using so-called warm and cold metals, such as copper and silver respectively, in café design projects in London and elsewhere, can create a pleasant contrast.
Versatile Layouts
Some coffee shops cater for different sorts of clientele, even during the same day. For instance, it might have a lot of single customers during the day, while the evening might see a lot of large groups and parties. Coffee shop design in London has been particularly influenced by the current trend for serving alcohol. Many premises now sell other types of drinks as well.
All of this puts a premium on versatile layouts, so many coffee shops and cafes are now featuring items such as removable seats which can be tailored to fit the needs of their customers.
Whatever look you want to achieve in your coffee shop, Thames Contracts will be happy to provide a free initial consultation to discuss your requirements. We carry out café design and refurbishment, shopfitting and club design projects for leading companies and top brands throughout London, and our team of experienced fitters will look after all aspects of your design. Follow the link above to contact us.
