Restaurant Interior Design and Refit

Before I began working on the new interior design scheme for the refurbishment of Josh Macs It was important to make sure that the structural changes were going to comply with building control regulations. I had plans to remove the suspended ceiling and other structures. 

The restaurant was dark, tired and in desperate need of a complete refurb. The raised section towards the rear of the restaurant added no value and the upholstered pews were old and worn. The toilets were uninviting and needed a complete overhaul. 

My brief was simple - I could do what I liked but the new seating must be in the form of pews. The owner felt that the existing seating was important to the overall dining experience at Josh Macs. I wasn’t overly happy with this instruction but as always I followed the client’s brief and was actually able to persuade the client that new pews, painted grey, would be a compromise. My furniture maker manufactured the new pews and I had the seats upholstered to add comfort. 

The biggest challenge during the project was the new ceiling. I wanted to make the ceiling a feature so after the new metal structure was installed and the ceiling plaster boarded I asked my joiner to install battens thus creating large squares. The inside edge of each batten was tediously painted in the same blue as the new wall panelling. Not a job the decorators wish to repeat!!!

We manufactured new dining tables with copper tops to coordinate with other copper elements in the new interior design. The back wall was tiled with rustic stone tiles and the floor was tiled with two different tiles which, when laid, formed the walkways between the pews. 

I designed the lighting in order to achieve accent lighting around the perimeter of the restaurant and task lighting for the main restaurant. The addition of copper and glass wall lights added ambience. 

The front of house was also refurbished and the seated waiting area to the entrance of the restaurant was completely decorated. 

The new interior was very well received by diners and staff alike. Josh Macs was always well supported and with the new interior design the restaurant has built upon its success.