How To Decorate Your Edinburgh Restaurant: Local Style Tips

Decorating a restaurant in a city as unique as Edinburgh can be an exciting yet daunting task. With its rich history and seamless blend of Gothic, Georgian, and contemporary architectural styles, creating the right ambiance is key to attracting customers. This article will provide tips on understanding Edinburgh's design aesthetic, integrating local influences, and working with professionals to make your restaurant décor stand out.

Introduction

The décor and atmosphere of a restaurant play a huge role in shaping the overall dining experience. From the moment customers walk through the doors, the lighting, furnishings, artwork, and decorative accents set the tone. 

When done right, restaurant design has the power to delight the senses and make customers feel comfortable, relaxed, and even transported.

In a city like Edinburgh, with its iconic skyline and vibrant food scene, the possibilities for one-of-a-kind restaurant décor are endless. Old Town exudes history from mediaeval buildings and cobblestone streets, while New Town ushers in neoclassical Georgian architecture and gardens.

The two 'towns' seamlessly converge in a way that perfectly balances old and new – and this unique blend can inspire truly special dining spaces.

From cosy neighbourhood bistros to Michelin-starred eateries, Edinburgh restaurants have an opportunity to weave in design elements that celebrate both the past and present. Doing so creates an ambiance deeply rooted in the heritage of the city, helping connect customers to centuries of culture with every visit.

Understanding Edinburgh's Design Aesthetic

Edinburgh's architecture and décor is influenced by styles from various eras, with Gothic, Georgian, and contemporary elements coming together in perfect harmony.

Gothic Inspirations

The Old Town boasts remnants of Edinburgh's mediaeval Gothic past, from the 12th century Edinburgh Castle to narrow alleyways traversing ancient buildings. Restaurants can embrace Gothic style with:

• Vaulted ceilings with stone arches
• Intricate black wrought iron accents
• Dark wood furnishing with ornamental details
• Textured stone walls or exposed brick
• Dim mood lighting such as lanterns or sconces
• Tartan patterns and richly coloured fabrics

This creates a cosy, romantic ambiance perfect for intimate neighbourhood eateries.

Georgian Elegance

In the 18th century New Town, Neoclassical Georgian architecture emerged as the city expanded. Georgian style strikes a balance between simplicity and refinement. Restaurants can infuse its elegance with:

• Tall sash windows welcoming natural light
• Column accents and decorative moulding
• Crystal chandeliers illuminating ornate ceilings
• Tufted leather booth seating
• Bold geometric floor tiles
• Art featuring natural scenery

The resulting vibe exudes sophistication - ideal for upscale bistros and wine bars.

Modern Minimalism

Over the centuries, Edinburgh has also welcomed contemporary design influences. The best restaurant décor often seamlessly blends old and new architectural details through clever repurposing. Modern touches like:

• Sleek pendant lighting above antique table settings
• Mid-century lounge seating near stone archways
• Abstract artworks displayed on textured walls

This harmonious fusion creates a dining room full of visual intrigue and contrast

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The Role of Local Artisans and Commercial Design

When designing restaurant décor, engaging local Edinburgh artisans and designers is a rewarding investment. Not only does it support local businesses and talent, it infuses spaces with personal touches connecting diners to the community.

Local Artisans Bring Custom Touches

Edinburgh is home to a thriving community of artists and craftspeople specialising in woodworking, ironwork, textiles, ceramics, and more. Commissioning custom pieces is a way to make décor truly one-of-a-kind while also supporting the local creative economy.

Statement light fixtures, intricate tilework, displays of hand-blown glassware - collaborating with artisans allows restaurants to integrate local influences through specialty detailing and functional art. Make sure craftspeople source regional construction materials as well to reduce environmental impact.

Commercial Design Unites Functionality and Style

While local artisans provide those special touches, partnering with qualified commercial interior designers is crucial for tightly orchestrating the overall vision. From laying out floor plans, furniture placement, and kitchen ergonomics to handling lighting design, acoustics, and traffic flow - commercial designers keep functionality and ambiance aligned.

For Edinburgh restaurants dealing with older architectural elements, experienced designers know how to enhance centuries-old assets through strategic and thoughtful adaptive reuse. They also manage vital details like:

• Permitting and building codes
• Sourcing durable, sustainable furniture and materials
• Project management of construction and tradespeople

This alleviates headaches so owners can focus on day-to-day restaurant operations.

Integrating Edinburgh's Heritage into Your Décor

The close proximity of Old and New Town provides ample opportunities to incorporate Edinburgh's cultural heritage into restaurant spaces in crafty ways:

Weave in Stone, Ironwork, and Wood Details

As a nod to mediaeval architecture, exposed stone, iron, and wood can feel both historical and modern:

• Incorporate salvaged wooden ceiling beams or an antique stone archway
• Display wrought iron wall sconces or candle holders resembling ancient torch fixtures
• Add an accent wall showcasing stacked stone or reclaimed wood
• Frame artwork and menus in old whiskey barrel staves

Display Vintage Maps and Historical Imagery

Vintage maps, landscape artwork, and black and white photography of Edinburgh's iconic architecture and historical figures educates diners on heritage:

• Line an accent wall with framed antique maps of Old Town and New Town
• Intersperse artwork depicting Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, or Calton Hill around the space
• Blow up historical photos of local streets and architecture as wall art
• Project vintage Edinburgh imagery on blank walls as décor

Add Tartan and Tweed Fabrics

The iconic patterns represent Scottish textile tradition. Use touches of tartan or tweed to link back to Edinburgh heritage via:

• Tartan upholstery on banquettes or dining chairs
• Tweed pillows adding comfort to bench seating
• Tartan table runners down rustic wood tables
• Window treatments in traditional patterns like Royal Stewart or Black Watch

Sustainable Design and Eco-Friendly Practices

Alongside aesthetics, restaurants have an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact through conscientious design choices. Sourcing local and sustainable materials supports both Edinburgh artisans and the planet. Some ideas include:

• Repurposed and Reclaimed Materials: Using salvaged wood, reused bricks, and antique lighting gives waste new life while preserving history.
• Sustainable Textiles: Choose FSC-certified timber, table linens/upholstery made from organic cotton or wool, and recycled polyester.
• Eco-Friendly Flooring: Opt for wood from responsibly managed forests. Other options – bamboo, natural linoleum, recycled glass tiles, reclaimed oak wine barrel staves.
• Energy Efficient Equipment and Lighting: Install LED fixtures, occupancy sensor switches, insulated low-E windows/Doors, ENERGY STAR commercial appliances.
  
  

Professional Painting and Decorating Services in Edinburgh

Once the vision is defined and major construction details finalised, executing finishes and fine details relies upon the refined sensibilities of professional painters and decorators in Edinburgh. Their seasoned handiwork actualizes design schemes with polish and panache.

Achieving an Elegant, Cohesive Aesthetic

From initial concept to opening night, multiple players contribute to creating restaurant interiors. Pros understand how lighting, colour schemes, textures, and architectural finishes come together for a unified aesthetic. They know how to translate inspiration from initial mood boards into flawlessly painted walls, faux finishes, and artwork setup. 

Long-Lasting, High Quality Results

Seasoned pros also have aesthetic vision paired with technical know-how for durable finishes that withstand commercial demands without sacrificing beauty. They prepare surfaces meticulously and use top-grade commercial paints to achieve stunning looks with exceptional resistance. Whether gracefully distressed textures or vibrant accent walls, their techniques create show stopping style built to last.

Compliance with Safety Standards

Painting commercial spaces requires knowledge of building codes, environmental regulations, and accessibility standards for businesses open to public patrons. Qualified professionals ensure decor ticks all boxes so restaurateurs avoid liability or violations. 

Final Thoughts

Edinburgh restaurant décor requires marrying preservation and innovation. Old Town exudes history; New Town balances tradition and progress. Infuse your space with tartans, textures, and other cultural symbols while also mixing in modern minimalism through creative reuse and sleek lines. 

Supporting local artisans and sourcing ethically respects Edinburgh's roots yet keeps the city at culinary's forefront. 

With authentic nods to heritage thoughtfully threaded throughout your dining room's fabric, you craft a uniquely Scottish style sure to charm customers for generations to come.