IEco-Friendly Interior Design Ideas For Modern Cafes
As cafes are now being increasingly utilized as study spaces, meeting areas, and gathering spots, business owners are thinking of ways to improve the coffee shop experience by making them more welcoming and sustainable.
According to a study from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, 43 percent of coffee consumers say that they prefer ethical, environmentally friendly, or socially responsible coffee options. This is likely why more cafes are offering plant-based alternatives to their standard offerings, along with coffee made from ethically sourced beans.
Apart from including vegan options and ethical coffee in their menu, cafes should also make it a point to green their interiors. Doing so will not only help lower energy costs, but it will also attract eco-conscious customers while enhancing the business’s brand image. Here are some sustainable and eco-friendly interior design ideas for modern cafes.
Use Earth-Friendly Materials
Thinking of ways to make your coffee shop more inviting? Consider using earth-friendly materials, like reclaimed wood, to decorate your cafe. Adding furniture made from reclaimed wood to your business premises can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it also helps to reduce waste by lowering the demand for new logging.
If you’d rather have tables and chairs made from new wood, check to see if the material was sourced from a sustainable forest, or choose a renewable material like bamboo, which regenerates within a short period.
To add some texture to your interiors, choose natural fabrics like hemp or unbleached, organic cotton for upholstery, cushions, and curtains. If you plan to repaint your walls, choose paints with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to prevent harmful toxins from polluting your indoor air. You may also want to consider painting your walls in a light neutral color like white, beige, or gray.
You’ll have an easier time making the color work with the rest of your decor should you choose to redecorate again in a few years. Don’t want to repaint? Enhance your walls by displaying poster-sized artwork or prints in wooden A2 frames, then switch out the paintings or photos every few months to refresh your space.
Incorporate Energy Efficiency Solutions
One of the most pressing problems that coffee shop owners face today is the skyrocketing cost of energy prices. A previous study has shown that cafes typically use five to seven times more energy per square foot than most other commercial businesses, so keeping electricity costs down should be a priority for cafe owners and employees.
To make your coffee shop more energy efficient, think about switching to LED lighting, which consumes less electricity and lasts longer than conventional light bulbs. You may also want to install a smart light control so you can adjust the brightness of your lighting. This way, you can create different ambiances within your premises and achieve the desired atmosphere in your coffee shop.
To maximize natural light, consider installing a skylight or replacing existing windows with wide picture windows. Be sure to check first with your landlord before doing major renovations to avoid hassles or disagreements down the line. For projects like these, hire professionals to do the job, as skylights and windows require proper weatherproofing and insulation.
Green Your Interiors
The presence of greenery can have a soothing and relaxing effect on your customers, so why not integrate some biophilic design elements into your interiors? Add a touch of nature to your cafe with a few hanging plants and potted indoor plants, and choose low-maintenance, visually appealing plants for your premises.
A medium-sized fiddle leaf fig plant, for instance, with its large, glossy leaves can be a statement piece in your coffee shop, while displaying pothos on shelves or hanging baskets can give your cafe a lush and fresh feel.
You may also want to consider placing a mini succulent on each table to add personality without taking up valuable table space. All of these plants will thrive indoors as they prefer low light conditions, and they’re easy to care for since they only need to be watered every 10 to 14 days.
This year, transform your coffee shop into a green haven. Integrate eco-friendly interior design elements into your premises, and see how putting sustainability first can help to lower overhead costs and attract more customers to your coffee shop.