EMBRACING A NEW NORMAL THROUGH DESIGN
Let’s face it, the world is never going “back to normal”. We’ve been called to embrace this change in how we live our everyday lives and find inspiration and peace in it. Sure, there are a few things that aren’t convenient like wearing a mask across your face 24/7 or waiting in a Trader Joe’s line for 40 mins just to get your groceries. We get it, and we’re with you, but we do believe there are some positives that have come from all of this. For one, we all look at the world a little differently now and perhaps this time has given you a new perspective on your everyday tasks. Maybe your commute isn’t as long into the office these days. Maybe you’re spending more time outside than you usually do. Maybe you’re making social distancing plans with your best friends because you appreciate the time you can spend together more. As designers we’ve had to embrace this shift in everything we do. For our commercial design projects, we have been forced to rethink the way we design these public spaces. We’re elevating the overall design of our spaces by bringing the inside outside.
Waverly, our latest creation, is a perfect example of this. The entire space was designed to be an extension of it’s outside surroundings. The sea, the beach and the warm air - we wanted to bring these elements into the restaurant interior and overall experience of the space. One of our favorite features in this restaurant is the large floor to ceiling doors that can slide open to allow air to flow through the entire space. We designed this seaside restaurant so 50% of it could be opened up to create the perfect indoor outdoor vibe. This feature is a bonus especially during this time.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE BRAND EXPERIENCE FOR THE CUSTOMER
When it comes to commercial design, it’s always been important to enhance the customer experience throughout the entire space. Now more than ever we have to get creative with that experience. The interiors now require more intentional thought so people can be separate without feeling separate and the outside is just as important as the inside. For our project Waverly we wanted the exterior to essentially be an extension of the interior. All the materials you see inside the restaurant are also found out on the patio. Creating the same visual experience outside is an important design detail to maintain. Bring plants and pillows from inside outside. Mimic the visual details from your interior to your exterior, like chairs, tables and accessories. The more details the better the experience.
HOW TO MAINTAIN SEPARATION WITHOUT FEELING SEPARATED
As a whole we probably didn’t think about what 6 feet even looked like before COVID 19. Maintaining separation from each other doesn’t need to mean separating the experience from the customer, especially in commercial spaces where the entire experience matters. Waverly has several different dining areas that maintain social distancing including separated booths, high and low tables, lounge sofas and outdoor patio seating. Other restaurants around the world are creating separation by building separate small greenhouses with dining (here) while others are making their guests wear inflatable tube tables (here) to maintain social distancing. This is the time to get creative with your brand! This is the time to think outside the box, literally. How can you bring your brand to a new level by simply separating the people, not the experience?
LOCALS THAT ARE DOING IT RIGHT…
This French getaway restaurant has out done themselves. They’re elevating the outdoor dining experience to a whole new level. Not only have they created a beautiful outdoor dining space, complete with giant olive trees and market lights but they’ve created a separate menu as well that changes seasonly. As soon as you walk into their patio dining space you’re immediately transported to France, an experience we are all craving I’m sure!
The Juneshine location in North Park has brought their boutique dining vibe outside. They’ve parked their custom camper in the parking lot and created an inviting park like atmosphere at the entrance with palm trees and picnic tables.
Kettner Exchange, a space known for their outdoor roof top patio is expanding this experience to their parking lot. They’ve created an outdoor oasis in the parking lot next to the restaurant calling it Al Fresco. A space that translates the same indoor experience outside.
As 2020 comes to an end we can all agree that there’s no end in sight to this pandemic. This is our new normal and we HAVE to embrace it or better yet, celebrate it! Get inspired by how others are welcoming these changes!
If you haven’t already, make your reservation at Waverly, it’s a vibe - a special one - and a space you can enjoy even now! We’re so excited to share this space, a space that North County hasn’t experienced yet. If you do visit Waverly let us know your thoughts - we are always curious about your experiences.
Love, The Sisters