10 Most Sought-After F&B Interior Design Agencies in Singapore with Inspiring Designs and Decor

How to Pick an F&B Interior Design Firm That Guarantees Original and Functional Dining Spaces

Good interior design is important for business because it impacts both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a space. By paying attention to both, businesses can create an environment that is visually appealing and conducive to productivity and efficiency.

In today's competitive business landscape, the first impression is everything. Interior design in the F&B industry is crucial in branding strategy, especially for diners who like taking pictures of the restaurant and the food. Instagram-worthy ambience will positively affect your reputation online and by word-of-mouth. Clients and customers perceive a company based on their initial experience of the space. Therefore, it is important to ensure that a business's interior design conveys the right message. All areas should be professional and well-organised while also reflect the company's unique personality.

Beyond customer impression, interior design also impacts how employees work. For example, an open floor plan with plenty of natural light will promote creativity and collaboration. At the same time, design choices reflect the quality of your food and service and, more importantly, impact how diners feel about the place and whether they’ll recommend your business in their social circle. By considering the needs of both customers and employees, businesses can create an interior design that strikes the perfect balance between form and function.

How Food and Beverage Interior Design Affects Dining Experience

The restaurant interior design can have a significant impact on the dining experience. The right design can create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that encourages customers to stay longer and spend more money.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when designing for the food and beverage industry is that good dining isn’t just a transaction – it’s an experience. Customers want to enjoy their time at a restaurant, and your design choices play a critical role in making that happen. The following are keys to designing F&B establishments:

• The specific details of individual dishware and table settings can make a big difference in the dining experience.
• Customers want to feel like they are being cared for, so service should be a top priority.
• Creating a unique atmosphere can make customers feel more engaged with the restaurant and their dining experience.
• All design choices should always be made with the customer's experience in mind.

All the above should be considered when choosing or designing the major elements and components of the establishment, particularly the layout, lighting, furniture, and colours.

The layout should be designed to promote efficient movement throughout the space. It considers the different possible routes for moving of food items, storage, food preparation, and order pickup and service. It should also provide ample seating, privacy, comfort, and allow for easy access to the restrooms and kitchen. An ideal space planning should allocate 60% for the dining area and 40% for kitchen and storage.

Proper lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It also helps accent the décor, highlight important architectural elements, and distinguish different areas of the establishment. The primary types of lighting in F&B establishments are ambient lighting (used to illuminate the overall space), accent lighting (decorative light sources that creates visual interest), and task lighting (used to do specific functions, such as reading the menu and cooking).

Furniture is a crucial element in restaurant interior design. They should be comfortable, stylish, and have the exact correct size for the space. They should also be spaced far enough apart to allow for easy movement between them. Apply customer psychology in choosing your furniture; for example, in fast-food restaurants the seats are typically low-backed and hard so customers usually don’t stay for long, while the chairs in fine-dining restaurants are softer and upholstered to help clients relax, stay longer, and get more orders.

The colour scheme of a restaurant play an important role in the dining experience. The colours should be chosen to compliment the food and dining experience. They create subconscious reactions that impact feelings of hunger, thirst, and relaxation. For example, light or neutral colours, such as white and grey, create an airy, relaxed, and roomy feel to the design.

Types of Food and Beverage Service Outlets

The classification of food and beverage outlets is based on the following criteria: the target market, location, and budget. These are the most common types of F&B setups:

• Bistro: Offers a complete dining experience with a menu of moderately-priced meals and drinks. This type of service is also offered in hotels and resorts.
• Coffee Shop: These outlets focus on quick service and typically have a limited snacks and beverages menu. Some hotels have coffee shops that serve full meals.
• Café: Its menu consists of light snacks and drinks (mostly coffee and tea). Customers can order food from the table or directly at the counter.
• Self-Service Restaurant: This establishment allows customers to serve themselves from a buffet or counter. They are common in institutional settings, such as schools and hospitals.
• Fine Dining Restaurant: Its formal atmosphere sets it apart from other F&B establishments. The setup is always a sit-down restaurant with an elaborate menu of dishes, wines, and spirits.
• Specialty Restaurant: These businesses focus on a specific type of food or beverage, such as types of food or specific cuisine. The ambience and décor reflect its specialty.
• Bar: Most bars offer snacks but their specialty are liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. They are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Bars also have a lively ambience with live music and a dance floor.
• Fast Food: The menu consists of affordable food and drinks served within minutes of ordering. Most fast foods use bright and colourful interiors.
• Mobile Food Service: These outlets include food trucks, kiosks, and carts that sell food at festivals, sidewalks, open markets, and other public venues.

Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer

An interior designer can help you create a unique and inviting space that will appeal to your customers and help you stand out from the competition. Here are some other major benefits of working with an experienced interior designer: 

Create a unique space

A good interior designer will work with you to understand your vision for the space and then help you bring that vision to life. They have a keen eye for detail and can suggest creative ways to make your space look more prominent. Because interior designers often have a network of partner vendors, they can also give you access to exclusive fixtures, furniture, and décor that are trade-only.

Save time and money

A professional interior designer can save you time and money by helping you avoid mistakes in functional design that can be very costly to correct. They will highlight potential issues with the site before making any infrastructure changes. Having a clear and detailed drawing plan will give you an opportunity to spot things in the design that might have been overlooked.

Reduce shut-down time

Renovating interiors will take time, causing the restaurant to stop operations for a while. This will make you lose money and potential customers. However, an interior designer is conscious of the timeline and will work as smoothly and quickly as possible to let the operations resume. They will also handle all of the details and coordination so that you can focus on running your business.

Follow building regulations and restrictions

To avoid unnecessary delays in the building or renovating the interiors, the designer ensures that the layout, materials, and contractor sourcing are all within the laws and regulations. They also act as a liaison between architects, building owners, and suppliers. Possible issues are brought up before any construction is done.

Commercial Interior Design Phases

The design process for a commercial interior space can be divided into three phases: programming, schematic design, and design development.

Programming, the first phase of the design process, involves understanding the client's needs and setting the desired outcome for their space. During this phase, the designer will also conduct research on the building site and local code requirements. The designer takes into account the size of the space, built-in acoustics and lighting features, and installed accents or equipment that cannot be moved.

Schematic design is the second phase of the design process and focuses on developing a conceptual design for the space. The designer creates several design options for the client to choose from. The project is described three-dimensionally to the client as well as its timeline and design sourcing and procurement.

Design development is the third phase of the design process and involves refining the chosen concept from the schematic design phase. The designer will develop the space's floor plans, elevations, and finishes. Once approved by the client and finalised, the construction or renovation begins.

Components of F&B Design Scheme

Creating a cohesive, well-designed F&B scheme involves bringing together various elements and components to create a unified look and feel. These elements and components are:

Spacing and Layout

The layout must be functional and efficient, taking into account the flow of customers, staff, and kitchen operations involved. There must be enough space for each seated individual. Servers and other customers walking around should not be bumping into each other or crashing into tables.

Colour Scheme

Colours set the tone and atmosphere of any space, as well as influence the overall mood. For example, in customer psychology, the colours orange and red stimulate appetite, which is why they are frequently used restaurants as well as in food packaging. However, take care not to overdo the colours in your establishment as the usage of intense colours that can make the place feel claustrophobic.

Furniture and Seating

The type of furniture used in an F&B space can have a big impact on its overall look and feel. It is important to choose pieces that are both stylish and functional, and that will complement the rest of the design scheme. When choosing your furniture, determine the “character” that you want for your establishment and then create that atmosphere in a way that appeals to your target clients.

Lighting

It can create different moods and atmospheres, and can be used to highlight specific areas or features. Lighting includes the following types: ambient lights (defines the entire space and determines how bright or dimly lit it is), accent lights (are for decorative purposes and are mostly used for reinforcing colours) or task lights (used for specific purposes such as enabling servers to work and customers to read the menu).

Flooring

The flooring of an F&B space needs to be both practical and stylish. It should be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and spillages, and should complement the rest of the design scheme.

Décor

The décor in an F&B space can include items such as artwork, posters, plants, ornaments, and other accessories. It is important to carefully select pieces that will enhance the overall look and feel of the space. Décor also adds texture that complements the lighting and colours in the interior and help diners feel relaxed.

Sounds and Visuals

The audio and visual elements in an F&B space can include things like music, television, and projector screens. They can be used to create a certain ambiance or vibe, making the place feel fuller or give it a personality. For example, an upbeat tempo creates an energetic atmosphere in a fast food chain, while a classical piece playing in a fine dining restaurant evokes sophistication and relaxation.

Scent

Research shows that the right scent increases the food sales by 300%. This is why some restaurant designs accommodate an open kitchen that let smells float in from the kitchen. Scent, more than colours, create emotions and increases appetite.

Signage and Graphics

Graphics and signage not only tell your customers what your business is, but also tells its story. It also creates an expectation for first-time diners and associate the brand with what they have heard about it from previous customers. Make sure your signage is clear and easy to read. Use graphics to add visual appeal and help customers find their way around the space, too.

Trends in F&B Interior Design 

The hospitality industry is constantly changing and evolving. As such, the interior design of F&B establishments also needs to keep up with the latest trends in order to remain relevant and appealing to customers. Some of the latest trends in F&B interior design include:

Nature-Inspired

This growing trend uses materials such as wood, stone, leather upholstery, metallic accessories, and plants to create a refreshing atmosphere. It also uses a natural colour palette such as greens, greys, and earth tones. Nature-inspired designs are usually paired with rustic elements.

Open Kitchen

Traditional restaurant designs hid away the kitchen to highlight elements such as lighting, décor, and music. That is opposite to an open kitchen that creates an immersive dining experience by utilising mouth-watering sights, smells, and sounds.

Technology-Inspired

Another trend that is becoming more popular in F&B interior design is the incorporation of technology. This can include things like using digital menus, touch screens, interactive displays, music tables, contactless payments, QR code readers, restaurant chatbots, robot chefs, and futuristic-themed furniture and décor.

Experience-Oriented Dining

F&B establishments are now focused on creating a unique experience for their customers by adding features you would not normally find in most restaurants. This can be done through performances, interesting artwork on the walls or ceiling, interactive displays and gamified spaces, and unusual layouts in the seats.

Sustainable Theme

Sustainable design is also becoming more popular in the F&B industry. This type of design takes into account the environmental impact of the establishment and aims to use sustainable materials and practices. Common materials used in this theme include ceramic, reclaimed wood, eco-friendly tiles, and lumberyard stone.

Retro Design

Retro design is also making a comeback in the F&B industry. This type of design incorporates vintage elements and furniture to create a nostalgic feel. The layout is filled with pieces that evoke cosiness without sacrificing the conveniences of modern amenities.

Eclectic Design

This type of design uses a mix of different styles and elements to create a unique and individual look. For example, adding wall art, such as graffiti or digital art, is a common theme in fast food restaurants to create a street and grungy feel for young diners all while retaining its fast and busy ambience.

Challenges and Pain Points in F&B Interior Designing

One of the biggest challenges in F&B interior design is creating a space that is both visually appealing and functional. The layout of the restaurant needs to be carefully planned in order to create an efficient workflow. For example, the kitchen needs to be located in a spot that is easily accessible by the wait staff.

F&B interior designers also need to be able to work with existing infrastructure. This includes the building’s plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Designers also need to be aware of building code restrictions, including fire codes and food safety requirements.

Another challenge is finding furniture and fixtures that are both stylish and durable. Commercial-grade furniture is often a necessity in a busy restaurant environment, but it can be quite expensive. Designer furniture may be more aesthetically pleasing, but it may not be able to withstand the wear and tear of a busy restaurant.

Creating a unique and inviting atmosphere is also important in attracting customers. The restaurant's ambiance should be inviting and comfortable, yet stylish and modern. It should be a place where people want to spend time, not just eat and leave.

If you are looking for ways to improve your restaurant's interior design, there are a few things you can do. First, take a look at your current layout and see if there are any areas that could be improved.  Next, take a look at your furniture and fixtures. Are they commercial-grade and durable? If not, consider replacing them with higher-quality pieces. Finally, think about the ambiance of your restaurant. Is it inviting and comfortable? If not, consider making some changes to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

Overview of Food and Beverage Industry Regulations in Singapore

The F&B design landscape in Singapore is highly regulated to ensure public health and safety. Operators must ensure their F&B outlets are designed according to these guidelines:

Food Hygiene Regulations

The Singapore Food Hygiene Regulations stipulate the minimum standards for food production and serving establishments, including layout, ventilation and lighting requirements. Operators must ensure their premises meet these standards to maintain good food hygiene practices and prevent contamination.

Building Control Act

Under the Building Control Act, all new buildings and additions or alterations to existing ones must be designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Code of Singapore (BCS). The BCS contains technical requirements for the structural safety, fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency of buildings. 

Fire Code

The Singapore Fire Code specifies the minimum fire safety standards that all buildings must meet. F&B outlets must comply with the code’s requirements on the use, storage and disposal of flammable materials, as well as the installation of fire safety systems such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers.

Environmental Public Health Act

The Environmental Public Health Act sets out the general cleanliness standards that all food premises must maintain. Under the act, operators must keep their premises clean and free from nuisances such as offensive smells, rodents and insects. They are also required to dispose of garbage properly.

Health Act

The Health Act requires all F&B outlets to have a valid licence from the Singapore Food Agency. Operators must meet the SFA’s licensing conditions, which cover aspects such as food handling and preparation, staff training, and site cleanliness.

Productivity Solutions Grant

The Productivity Solutions Grant is a government funding scheme that helps businesses adopt pre-approved productivity solutions. F&B businesses can use the grant to defray up to 70% of the costs of adopting solutions, such as modern commercial kitchen equipment and automated order-taking systems.

Characteristics and Qualifications of a Commercial Interior Designer

When it comes to finding a one-stop solution to commercial interior designs, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Consider the following characteristics and qualifications:

Impressive Portfolio and Reputation

An experienced designer will have a strong portfolio of successful projects that they can show you. They should also be able to share stories about the challenges and successes of past projects. This will give you a good sense of their design process and how they work with clients and different business models. Their F&B industry knowledge is invaluable because they are capable of achieving any look or style. 

Creative Vision

An interior designer should be able to clearly articulate their ideas and show you examples of their work. They should also be open to hearing your ideas and incorporating them into the design. While the design is arguably influenced by personal preferences and the designers themselves specialise in certain themes, a good designer will also be able to suggest innovative solutions to common problems.

Design Packages or Pricing

It is important to find a designer who is a good fit for your budget. They should be able to work within your budget to create a design that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. When meeting with potential designers, be sure to ask about their fee structure and what services are included in their price. They should also have access to top-of-the-line products and the best contractors. 

Permits and Licenses

A commercial interior designer in Singapore should have the following licenses and permits:

• Occupancy permit and interior design permit from the Building and Construction Authority
• Business license from the Singapore Commercial Affairs Department
• Fire safety certificate from the Singapore Civil Defence Force
• Public liability insurance policy
• Professional indemnity insurance policy
• Approval from the Singapore Tourism Board for design services for hotels or restaurants or other commercial premises
• Fire Safety Manager certificate, and 
• Certificate of Registration of Contractors.

If you need any assistance in designing F&B spaces, be sure to consult with one of our top-rated professional designers in Singapore. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that everything is done properly.