Selecting a Colour Palette for a Restaurant

Colors and patterns play an important part in creating the ambience of a place and have the potential to make or break it. Here are some tips and resources to help you choose the right colors for your client’s café, bar, restaurant or bakery. Images via Pinterest.
BY S.Ag on AprApr ThuThu, 2021202120212021

I was talking to a friend the other day who happens to be an interior designer and he confessed that selecting color palettes for residences and restaurants is an exhausting process. Colors and patterns play an important part in creating the ambience of a place and have the potential to make or break it. 

Have you ever wondered why we end up going to the same place every time we go out? What makes us feel comfortable there? The soft lights, wooden furniture that radiates warmth, lux upholstery and delicious coffee all come together to create your perfect coffee shop. Here are some tips and resources to help you choose the right colors for your client’s café, bar, restaurant or bakery. Read on, my friend.

  • Gather some descriptive words : First and foremost, ask your client to use words that would describe the place aptly. Some might want a fun, chill vibe while others would say that they want a classy, chic place. Pester them for some more keywords. Aim for at least 5-6. Let’s say he/she selected - friendly, classy, stylish, warm, regal.
  • Color Selection: Select a color for each word. For example I chose orange for friendly, burgundy for regal, pink for warm, teal for classy and sage green for stylish. Think about how the colours are going to feel. Don't focus on furniture or interiors at the moment. If you are not sure then you can do some research on what colours represent what emotions. This is what our color palette looks like right now.
Kernig Krafts 1 colors furniture custom bespoke
Colors for each keyword

Not quite there, are we? Now, we will tweak the shades a bit so that all the colors go with each other and also look good together. Orange could a little muted, pink could be more warm, maybe salmon and teal could be a little less intense so that there is variation in the saturation of teal and burgundy. Rearrange the colors according to their intensity. Looks better, right! We have more clarity now in terms of color range and saturation.

Kernig Krafts 2 colors furniture custom bespoke
After rearranging the colors
  • Add, tweak, delete: Keeping these keywords in mind, make a few color palettes that include at least one metal and one accent color. It’s not necessary that your client might want metal, but trust me and keep one in the palette, it can always be eliminated later or can be used as an accent color. I added gold because the client wants a warm vibe and it also has a regal feel. You can use various methods to make a suitable palette. Look at some reference images on Pinterest or try websites like : https://coolors.co and http://colormind.io. I tried many color palette generators and liked these two the most. They are easy to use and quite helpful. Here is a sample color palette I made by adding a metal. We also need neutral colors, but I am going to add those later. 
Kernig Krafts 3 colors furniture custom bespoke
Always add a metal
  • Patterns and wood stains : Now we need to find the right wood stains and patterns. To add patterns, first think of places where you might want to use them for example upholstery, flooring, ceiling, walls, rugs etc. For patterns we can again refer to the keywords. Friendly, classy, stylish, warm and regal. I think it’s best to pick geometric or contemporary patterns for this palette as the client wants both friendly and regal, so overtly intricate or ornate patterns are a no no. You can also discuss this with your client and find out if they have a preference. Below you can see some reference pictures I collected that have interiors done in similar colors. I added a dark toned wood stain because I want the restaurant to look classy and royal. The upholstery pattern can be used on the cushions and ottomans. Gold can be used on metal fixtures and also as an accent. The floor pattern can be restricted to the bar area, or spread over the entire restaurant as per client's choice.
restaurant design kernig krafts teal burgundy furniture
Images for reference sourced from Pinterest

pattern design wood furniture kernig krafts colours bespoke gold
Our final color and material palette!

You now have something to start with. You can edit this palette according to the practicality of the material available locally, your client’s taste and your expertise. For more information on how to order furniture using these color and material palettes drop me an email at nandita@kernigkrafts.com, I’d be happy to help! 

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the article about selecting a color palette for a restaurant:

  1. 1. Why is selecting the right color palette important for a restaurant?


    Colors and patterns set the mood of a space, influencing both the customer experience and the ambiance. The right palette can make a restaurant feel welcoming, stylish, or luxurious, which in turn attracts the right clientele and boosts business.

  2. 2. How do I start the color selection process for a restaurant?


    Start by asking your client for descriptive keywords that reflect the desired atmosphere. For example, words like “friendly,” “classy,” or “warm” can guide the selection of colors. Aim for at least 5-6 adjectives to define the space’s vibe.

  3. 3. Can you give me an example of how to assign colors to keywords?


    Sure! For a warm and regal atmosphere, you might assign:
    Friendly = Orange
    Regal = Burgundy
    Warm = Pink (or Salmon)
    Classy = Teal
    Stylish = Sage Green
    Each color should reflect the emotional tone of the keyword.

  4. 4. Should I focus only on the colors when selecting a palette?


    No, while colors are crucial, consider how they work with patterns, materials, and textures. You’ll also want to incorporate metals and neutral tones, which help balance and complement the primary color palette.

  5. 5. What tools can help me generate a color palette?


    Online tools like Coolors and Colormind are useful for generating color palettes. They offer easy-to-use interfaces and help create cohesive palettes based on your chosen color criteria.

  6. 6. What role do metals play in a restaurant color palette?


    Adding metals like gold or silver can elevate the space and enhance the regal or luxurious feel. Even if your client isn't keen on using metal extensively, it can always be used as an accent color.

  7. 7. How do I select patterns for the restaurant’s interior?


    Patterns should align with your client's desired vibe. For example, if the keywords suggest a classy and friendly atmosphere, opt for contemporary or geometric patterns instead of overly ornate designs. Patterns can be used on upholstery, walls, rugs, or even ceilings.

  8. 8. Can I make changes to the palette during the process?


    Yes, the palette should evolve as you refine the design. You may need to adjust shades, saturation, or even materials based on practicality, client preferences, or the available local materials.

  9. 9. Where can I find inspiration for restaurant design and color palettes?


    Pinterest is a great platform for finding interior design inspiration. You can search for color palettes or specific themes that match your keywords. It’s also helpful to visit design-focused websites for ideas.

  10. 10. How do I finalize the color palette and materials?

    After assembling your palette, you can add neutral tones, test out the chosen materials locally, and consider the client's specific needs. You can also adjust based on your experience and the practicalities of the design.

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3 comments on “Selecting a Colour Palette for a Restaurant”

  1. The diverse world of home decor and furniture offers endless options for every type of home. Apkainterior.com stands out as a top website, providing a wide range of furniture and home decor items at affordable prices. Visit Apkainterior.com to explore an extensive collection of high-quality products to enhance your living space.

  2. It was a pleasure reading this blog. As you explained in your article, color plays a significant role in the design of interiors and restaurants. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their space with the right color palette.

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