When it comes to running a successful restaurant or cafe, details matter — and one of those critical details is the design of your restrooms. While food quality and service will get customers in the door, it’s often things like restrooms that help them decide if it’s worth coming back. A hygienic and stylish commercial bathroom design can be a factor in whether your patrons have a positive or negative overall experience.
As North Carolina’s premier custom builders, the team at VPC knows all the ins and outs of commercial bathroom design, whether it’s a ground-up project or an overdue renovation. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the factors that play into a truly successful design — and how you can leverage them for a more successful restaurant business.
Efficient, Compact Layouts — Make Every Square Foot Count
For most restaurants and cafes, space comes at a premium. It can be a real challenge to allocate enough space for a restroom to be functional without compromising room for the kitchen, dining area, storage, and other necessities. With a bit of strategic planning, however, even small restrooms can succeed.
Here’s how to make the most of your space:
Strategic placement — An ideal restroom should be readily accessible, yet comfortably tucked away from high-traffic zones. This preserves the flow of foot traffic and preserves the ambiance of each location by separating them.
Space-saving fixtures — Wall-mounted sinks, compact toilets, and minimalist hand dryers are all excellent ways to maximize space without sacrificing ergonomics. Ask your custom builder about the most spatially effective fixtures available to them.
Thoughtful flow — Whenever possible, design multi-person restrooms with separate entrances and exits. When not, work to ensure clear pathways that minimize congestion for occupants, especially during busy hours.
Hygiene First — Cleanliness and Elegant Maintenance
People only want to eat where they feel secure and comfortable. A spotless restroom is a non-negotiable for any dining establishment. The cleanliness of your facilities speaks to the character of your establishment and shows a customer they can trust the people preparing their meals.
Smart bathroom design can make maintaining hygiene standards virtually effortless:
Touchless technology — The popularity of motion-activated faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers is at an all-time high. These devices minimize the need for physical contact, which reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Easy-to-clean surfaces — Use waterproof materials like porcelain tiles, stainless steel, or sealed concrete for floors and walls. These surfaces are both durable and resistant to stains and odors, which makes maintenance easier and more effective.
Ventilation and lighting — Nobody likes a restroom that stinks throughout the day. Planning your design to incorporate ample ventilation can help to clear out odors. Meanwhile, bright and natural-looking light can help enhance the impression of cleanliness in the room.
Visual Style — Brand-Centric Commercial Bathroom Design
Try to think of your restroom as an extension of your business — it should carry over the same basic aesthetic of your brand’s identity. A generic or outdated commercial bathroom design can feel out of place, especially when the rest of an establishment is thoughtfully designed and visually pleasing. Guests will feel more comfortable in a restroom with an atmosphere they’re familiar with.
Here are a few ways to improve restroom aesthetics:
Consistent materials — Consider using finishes, colors, and textures that either match or complement the decor in the dining area. If yours is a rustic cafe, go for wood accents and natural tones. If it’s a more modern bistro, consider sleek and monochromatic tiling.
Unique details — There’s nothing like a personal touch to elevate a space. A custom builder can help you incorporate design elements that feel unique to your brand, like custom signage, decorative tiles, or mirrors with ornate frames. The possibilities are endless.
Lighting design — The lighting of a restroom depends heavily on the surrounding aesthetic. Bold, fluorescent lights may suit a modern aesthetic, while tungsten bulbs may feel more rustic. When in doubt, go with warm, natural lighting that creates a welcoming ambiance.
Build a Restroom Experience That Suits Your Brand
Though commercial bathroom design is often an afterthought for dining establishments, it carries significant potential to sway your target audience. Customers notice when a restroom falls short of their expectations — and it’s not uncommon to see the results in online reviews. A positive restroom experience, while not often paraded on Yelp, will still make an impact. If you do it right, you may not hear anything at all.
A positive restroom experience shows your customers that their needs are a priority. Investing in professional commercial bathroom design services is the perfect place to start, whether you’re renovating an old look or building something brand new.
How VPC Builders Elevates Commercial Bathroom Design
As a leader in custom commercial construction throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee, VPC Builders knows just how impactful the right bathroom design can be. Our team of skilled project managers and craftspeople — along with our extensive local connections — gives us access to the best subcontracting services in the region.
If your bathroom needs a brand-new look, VPC is the team for the job. Get in touch today to talk about your restaurant, its image, and its needs. We’ll create something one of a kind that your patrons will appreciate for years to come.
Let’s make those bathrooms shine. Contact VPC Builders today.