Tag Archive for: Restaurants

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Using Antique Furniture to Add Personality

Whether you’re planning to refurbish your reception area, restaurant or staff meeting rooms, it’s important to make the space attractive, workable and memorable. One of the best ways this can be done is by introducing a few interesting pieces of antique furniture. This can help create an intriguing combination of contemporary and vintage designs, using textures, shapes and styles.

Say Goodbye to Bland

Much of today’s modern furniture is practical but can sometimes be bland. However, you can greatly enhance them with the inclusion of a few special pieces of antique furniture. These additions will introduce a sense of warmth and grandeur. Antique furniture oozes history and character and its style portrays the high levels of craftsmanship of the past. 

Remember, a few carefully chosen pieces are all you need to transform an area and give it personality. Interior designers advise that the ratio of antique to contemporary furnishings is 20% old and 80% new. If you want to emphasise the furniture styles perfectly, it’s best to choose a neutral colour for the walls such as ivory or silver grey.

You may consider a large wooden antique coffee table for a reception area. Include a couple of antique armchairs with beautifully turned legs. If the armchairs need reupholstering, the fabric can be chosen in your company colours to complement the company logo. The rest of the seating can be in a modern design as the two styles will blend remarkably well. Have both the modern and antique upholstery in similar tones to unite. To combat the antique furniture looking heavy – opt for lighter colours. 

Other pieces of furniture that can look good are:

  • Antique wall clocks, ornate gilt-edged mirrors and large period paintings.
  • An antique cloak rack or umbrella stands which can be a fun and quirky additions too.
  • Shelves with a series of interesting antique curios on display can add interest.
  • Vintage textiles can be used to add warmth to a room, including beautiful hand-knotted Persian rugs which make spectacular wall hangings.

5 Clever Antique Additions

  1. In restaurants, vintage oak writing desks and dressers can look stylish and be used for storage.
  2. Lighting is the easy way to introduce other antiques and traditionally styled brass lanterns. Tiffany lamps and sparkling crystal chandeliers can all be used to create lovely lighting effects.
  3. If there is room, you can always create a ‘talking point’ by having an old postbox or telephone box on display in one corner – the latter can be cleverly converted into a wine fridge!
  4.  Give cloakrooms a warm antique character with the introduction of a round antique pub table. Decorate it with a plant arrangement, a basket with small rolled hand towels and a couple of period prints hung on the wall above.

If you cannot find the piece of furniture that you have in mind in your local antique shops, don’t forget to look in furniture auction rooms and charity furniture warehouses as both of these are like treasure troves. There are various craftsmen around the country that make brand new furniture in traditional styles too.

Floresy- Antique shop

Using Plants to Develop the Theme

It is fun to complement antique furniture with plant displays that mirror that particular period. If you have Victorian furniture, it is fun to accentuate the character with the addition of some of the ‘parlour plants’ that the Victorians loved! These included all types of palms, various ferns, fragrant jasmine and potted citrus trees. In Victorian homes, the palms and ferns were often sizeable so this is the ideal way to create interest and decorate an empty corner. You can fill porcelain washing bowl and matching pitchers with house plants. You can also do the same with an old teapot and a  pretty maidenhair fern. For easy care plants, choose top quality faux plants as they look incredibly realistic but require nothing more than a regular dust.

The clever introduction of antique furniture will definitely enhance your commercial space, introducing warmth and character that your customers will both notice and appreciate. 

 

 

 

Floresy - Antique chandeliers

 

 

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Creating the Perfect Reception Area

The reception area is the first room your customers see, so it’s important it looks exceptional. After all ‒ first impressions really do count! This crucial area is often given no thought or attention and yet they are like ‘the window of your company’s soul’. However, with careful thought, you can create an impressive space that not only reflects your organisation but can be used as a valuable marketing tool.

So, is it time for an upgrade?

Start With the Walls and Floor

Ensure your flooring is practical as well as hardwearing ‒ there will be plenty of traffic, so it must always look clean and in good condition. Wood looks homely, whilst tiles look smart and efficient. Whatever you decide, choose a neutral shade, but don’t be tempted to add a rug as these can be a trip hazard. 

Think neutral colours for the walls too, for example, white is crisp and clean looking but can look stark. Softening the colour with an ivory or cream works well and you can always break this up by having one ‘statement wall’ in your company’s colours. 

Choose Great Artwork…

More than anything else, the artwork you hang on the walls will define the character of your reception area. Many companies use artwork to enhance their branding by incorporating either the colours or a large framed picture of the company logo. In restaurants and hotels, the artwork can be bright and contemporary or classic in style. This all depends on the character and ambience you are trying to create.

Floresy - Hotel reception art

…and stylish Furniture

The reception area is where people first arrive, meet company representatives, wait for meetings or their table reservation. It is really important to ensure that this area is attractively furnished and has comfortable seating. There are a variety of styles to consider; the clean minimalistic lines of Nordic furniture and the beautifully curved shapes of classic styles – plus all those in between!

It’s important to remember that the furniture should be good quality and well made as it will be constantly in use. It’s also very important to have furniture that can be easily cleaned as mud and split drinks will be common occurrences. A large central coffee style table will prove very useful too!

Assess Your Lighting Needs

Lighting is an aspect of interior design that frequently gets forgotten but is so important from a practical point of view. Carefully placed lamps and spotlights can create pools of light helping to develop the room’s ambience. Adequate lighting in a reception area is vital, as many customers will want to read whilst they wait and staff will need to carry out duties such as taking payments etc.   

Other Points to Consider

  1. Do you need somewhere for people to hang coats and jackets? An enclosed wall cupboard with plenty of hanging space looks smart.
  2. Do you need a stand for rain-drenched umbrellas?
  3.  If you are welcoming visitors to your company, consider investing in a coffee machine.  A complimentary coffee whilst they wait can be a popular addition.  Pay careful consideration to dirty spoons and condiments left around, especially in these times of COVID.
  4. Would customers enjoy reading a magazine? But only keep a few fresh copies available rather than a huge pile of tatty old ones!

The Final Touches

By now your new reception area will be looking very stylish but may feel as though it is missing something important – and it is, but this can easily be put right. 

Include Plants!

…better yet artificial plants.

 A single large plant in a corner can look dramatic, or a large planter with a variety of different houseplants should do the trick! If the reception desk or coffee table looks dull, a beautiful plant arrangement in a stylish container will definitely make all the difference. Trailing plants can be cleverly used to add interest to a plain section of wall or to disguise an ugly staircase.

Meyer Davis designed hotel lounge

Hotel lounge uses low planting to offer seated privacy.

Divide seating areas with colourful climbing plants can work well as light can still pass through. When it comes to artificial plants you don’t have to worry about high maintenance, and they’ll look great all year round.

Creating a smart new reception area will pay dividends as customers will feel warmly welcomed and it won’t be long before they return again!

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Retro Style

Retro style never really loses its popularity and once again it is amongst the most trending interior design styles today.  Retro style brings together an eclectic mixture of furniture styles from the 1950s, 60s and 70s and gives them a fun modern twist with the addition of trendy wall art, cushions and throws.  

The retro-style features such wonderful furniture such as side tables, cabinets and beautiful chandeliers and is the perfect way to incorporate a family heirloom into the modern home or to bring a new lease of life to pieces of furniture that would otherwise be considered as dated – Retro is the perfect way to recycle and upcycle quality made pieces that are both stylish and functional and incorporate them in a fresh new look for any space. 

Go Retro With Colour

One of the key points to consider when creating this style is to play with bold and strong colours that were popular in the past. The most popular shades were avocado green, orange and mustard yellow and these can be cleverly combined and contrasted with brown, black, white, aqua blue and reds. 

Since retro colours are bold and strong, spaces can have a neutral background to be used like a blank canvas, as this will accentuate the styles of the furniture and the colour will be provided by the soft furnishings. For example, an all-white restaurant with boldly coloured furniture certainly makes a statement, as too will a single statement wall. The colours can be emphasised perfectly using modern touches such as coloured picture frames,  throws and table runners.

Floresy- retro interior design  

And Stylish Materials

Beautiful wood was the most popular material in these eras. Woods with a red-tint including cherry, walnut, oak and beech -the most fashionable being attractively grained teakwood. These woods can be found in classic pieces of furniture, as flooring options and in a variety of accessories such as fruit bowls and lamp bases. For fun, look out for retro styles that combine grained wood with chrome metal and leather. To complete the retro look add a large colourful shaggy rug. An alternative flooring that sets the tone perfectly, is large black and white tiles in a checkerboard pattern  

Lighting 

Lighting is a clever way to enhance the old fashioned mood of these eras. It is worth hunting for such typical retro styles as wall sconces. Industrial styled glass shades and stainless steel pendant lamps look great suspend above the dining table. Beautiful chandeliers are so stylish and will cast colourful spangles of light around the room. Why not check out charity shops for spare light fittings? You just don’t know what they have lurking in a forgotten corner!  If you are given any lights, getting them PAP tested by an electrician to ensure they are safe, is essential.

Sleek Furniture

Retro furniture is easily recognised by its free form, simple curves, abstract shapes which all have no fancy details. The furniture has its origin in the classic Bauhaus style. The focus for the designs of these eras was on functionality, minimalism and lightness rather than more elaborate designs. Chairs usually had lower backrests, at shoulder height, with no padded armrests. So these could well need the modern additions of cushions and a throw for comfort! Sofas were sizeable; broad, long and easily seating three people. The sofas were often decorated with multi-coloured cushions in orange, gold and avocado and in tactile fabrics such as velvet, silk and even leather. 

Retro furniture design often combined several different materials. Wood and metal and wooden topped tables with metal legs were popular. When bar stools first appeared, they were a sell-out and inspired the first designs of much-loved breakfast bar. Wooden sideboards with pencil-thin legs were popular as were Ottomans covered in a jigsaw made from offcuts of soft velvet.

Floresy- retro sofa

Prints, Patterns and accessories

When it comes to achieving the perfect retro feel, the correct use of patterns and prints is essential. Patterns were mostly geometric and used for tiling, flooring, wallpapers and upholstery. Curtains were often patterned with geometric or ornamental designs and psychedelic wallpaper prints were popular – although in modern retro-styled homes, maybe one feature wall would be preferable to all four!

Add some Retro houseplants.

The 1950s/60s/70s were a time when everyone loved houseplants!  You will need to look out for the ultimate in your local charity shop – a macramé hanging basket – to fill with a huge trailing ivy!  Other popular plants were large Swiss Cheese plants, Rubber plants and hard to kill Spider plants. Many polished teak sideboards were decorated with pink and purple flowered African violets displayed in textured ceramic pots or wicker baskets. Whereas in the past, many would share coffee and ponder why their Swiss Cheese plant leaves were not growing with the current splits, now you can buy gorgeous faux plants that will make your life more carefree!

Creating a retro interior design is great fun and a clever way to pull together different older styles of furniture.  Using quality pieces of older furniture makes sense as they are beautifully made and built to last. Cleverly combining them with modern touches in retro colours will create a warm, welcoming room – but beware,  Granny might just claim her furniture back!

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6 Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Restaurant

In the last few years, eco-friendly restaurant designs have become game-changers in the commercial interior industry. More consumers are opting for restaurants that offer healthy food and a sustainable, eco-friendly atmosphere. Restaurant designers are having to meet new generation standards for more environmental friendly restaurants.

So let us discuss exactly what we mean when we say ‘eco-friendly restaurant design.’ Along with healthy food, the space should be environmentally friendly too. Eco-friendly design focuses on minimum adverse impact on nature by choosing the right materials and techniques.

A recent survey showed that 65-70% of consumers are willing to spend more on green restaurants and dining that causes less harm to our environment. Restaurateurs and interior designers are becoming more conscious of the eco-friendly benefits such as reduced energy consumption, low maintenance cost, reduced usage of toxic material and better air quality. With this in mind, let us take a look at how we can create green, eco-friendly restaurant spaces.

6 Ways to Create an Eco- Friendly Restaurant

Reducing water wastage

The amount of water that is wasted can add up to millions of gallons. From dishwashing stations to bathrooms, from cooking to serving customers. With the amount of water depleting, it is of utmost importance to conserve it. This can be achieved by using low flow faucets, sensor-activated faucets, energy star appliances and equipping restrooms with water-saving toilets and urinals.

If the restaurant has landscapes and greenery, then use sprinklers with timers or opt for artificial plants as this requires no water at all.

Using energy star appliances

Energy star appliances reduce the consumption of water and electricity. Smart investment in these appliances will reduce the costs in the long run.

Lighting and electricity usage

When it comes to light fixtures and decorative elements in a restaurant these play a significant role. Maximum natural lighting and ventilation is a winner, with lots of open spaces and large windows. But in terms of artificial lighting, energy-efficient light fixtures such as LED, Halogen and CFL’s can be used. Energy star light fixtures can be installed as they reduce the heat by 75% and are considered as more sustainable options. Incorporating sensor-operated lights that switch on only when spaces (restrooms, refrigerators) are in use, and on spot air conditioners are great alternatives.

Performing thermostat check

Indoor temperatures should be kept moderate. It is always wise to use a programmable thermostat. 

Floresy -thermostat

Using sustainable materials

The roofing material should be energy star compliant. Include a special coating or glazing to windows that can prevent extreme temperatures and provide thermal comfort. Smart awnings can be installed on windows to reduce solar heat. Paints should be heat reflective and non-hazardous such as low volatile organic compound paints. Painting the walls in lighter shades can reflect 80% of solar radiation.

Also walls, furniture and floorings can be adorned with sustainable materials such as wood, cork and bamboo. Concrete and brick are apt in terms of eco-friendliness and in creating a beautiful ambience.  Using cotton and wool for upholstery is a great alternative to man-made synthetics.

Effective waste management

Industrial waste should be recycled properly, if not discarded appropriately. Nowadays most of the restaurants are becoming ‘zero waste’. This means they do not produce any food waste or rubbish in order to reduce their carbon footprint on the world.

Aiming to make your restaurant eco friendly is definitely a challenge on its own. But by implementing the above and going by the eco-friendly design concepts, designers and restaurateurs will surely create a positive impact on society and the environment at large.

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Nordic Design Ideas

The distinctive interior style known as ‘Nordic Design’ has been around since the 1950s, flourishing in the five Nordic countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. 

This style embraces three keywords:

  • Minimalism 
  • Simplicity
  • Functionality. 

Nordic design is currently proving extremely popular in private homes, restaurants and in the corporate environment because it is a look that is fresh, very functional whilst also welcoming. To execute this look, always create with an eco-friendly and sustainable approach in mind.

Having said that, there is no single Nordic Design.  Rather it is more of a state of mind and lifestyle choice that oozes understated elegance. It is best described by the Danish word Hygge; feeling of warmth, cosiness and well-being.

The nordic design definitely preceded minimalism and in fact championed it! The ethos of this style is that the space should look light and airy and that the focus should be on the simple lines of the furniture. Both light and air should be able to flow freely through the room.

Materials

Natural elements such as wood, stone and plants are really important. Wood is very popular and is used for cladding walls and ceilings to add warmth and texture. Instead of carpets, natural or painted wooden floors are much preferred. 

Colour 

The colour palette focuses on soft hues and plenty of natural shades such as white, creams, coffee shades and cool greys. Other colours used include the softest shades of pink and blue.

Furnishing

Furniture designs are very important as the piece must be stylish with clean lines and made with great craftsmanship. Shape is vital and each item of furniture should have a beautiful silhouette. In Nordic-style rooms, ‘a little is definitely more’ with few ornaments and absolutely no clutter. 

Soft furnishings are also in mellow tones, but texture is really important for cushions, rugs and throws. Introduce colourful accents with these items too – rich gold or strong turquoise being popular choices. 

Nordic Lighting

Light is an essential consideration as the room must be light and bright to achieve a livable finish. Windows are large and bare with no dressings to maximise the amount of daylight coming in. 

Artificial Nature 

One of the easiest ways to introduce a natural splash of colour – and one that is regularly used by Nordic designers – is to introduce indoor plants. Some types of indoor plants are perfect to use to complement this style as they soften the lines in a lovely natural way. Strategically place one or two plants, including a large dramatic plant with lush green foliage. 

Amongst the popular varieties to use for Nordic designs are:

  • Large orchids
  • Philodendrons 
  • Rubber Plants (Ficus Robusta).
  • Pots of Sansevieria Trifasciata – more commonly known as ‘snake plants’ or ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’.

These can help mirror the clean clear-cut lines of a Nordic style room perfectly. To create some interest in a corner or on top of a wall unit, Golden Pottos (Scindapsus Aureus) is a lovely leafy trailing plant that will do the job perfectly! 

You can accommodate these with the perfect planters.  Choose those in natural materials such as terracotta or wicker.

To complete the look in true Nordic style, add a couple of pieces of high-quality ceramics and some candles. After that, relax in this perfectly curated Nordic style room and enjoy the Hygge…

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    How to prepare your hotel for winter

    Winter is most definitely on its way, but if you are a hotelier the show must go on. So how can you prepare your hotel for winter? 

    According to Eurostat: Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy and Austria were the most popular EU destinations for EU tourists travelling outside their own country in the 2018-2019 winter season. 

    So if you haven’t already, it’s time to prepare your hotel for the winter months to ensure your business is running smoothly during this season.

    Extra Exterior/ Interior Effort

    Cold weather generally keeps travellers indoors for longer periods of the time, so make sure your business is a visual delight for the festive season. Play around with wreaths, dry scented fruit and even pine cones. You can even explore outside of seasonal foliage on hand by garnishing your rooms with artificial plants. 

    No watering …no problem!

    Yes,  it may be cold, but there are plenty of ways to bring the cosy to your outdoor space.  Consider adding external heating, you can even explore a cosy fire pit. Couple this with super warm blankets, ambient lighting and voile!  A perfect space to drink your mulled wine underneath the stars.

    Stockpile 

    Floresy prepare hotel for winter toiletries

    Bad weather can ultimately lead to issues on the road. And that can lead to delayed or cancelled deliveries to your hotel. You don’t want to be caught out, so it’s time to put your forward-thinking, preparational hat on. 

    Over the weeks start to stockpile:

    • Toiletries 
    • Linens 
    • Stationary
    • Food 
    • Shovels 
    • Rock salt 

    And in case of a power outage:

    • Torches 
    • Batteries

    Keeping a stash of inexpensive umbrellas for the guests can also be a nice touch. 

    Safety First

    Flooring should be one of your top considerations for many reasons. The carpeting inside public spaces are a heavy expense and need to be maintained as customers trudge snow and mud inside and out.  A non-carpeted or tiled floor can be a slippering accident waiting to happen. Lay down heavy-duty rubber mats with large grooves in them at the entrance to catch the moisture and salt before it’s brought into the hotel. In addition, place longer walk-off mats at some of the entrances to ensure guests can wipe off slush, snow and salt.

    Utility Check 

    Floresy prepare hotel for winter - utility check

    If your utility providers have not contacted you to carry out their checks – then it’s time to contact them. Especially in terms of heating facilities like boilers and thermostats. It’s especially great to take advantage of these visits if your utility contract includes a free maintenance check and if it doesn’t, it may be time to revisit your utility contract. 

    On top of this, consider the preventative measures you can take to ensure guests have a delightful mid-winter stay free from disruption. For example gutter cleaning, checking for drafty windows. As the for the exterior, do your lightbulbs need replacing and it might be time for car parking and pavement repairs. 

    Change to the Food and Beverage Menu 

    It’s the moment you have all been waiting for… Your team have been busy developing an exciting menu with tastes and colours to comfort and brighten the darker days of winter.  Time to release your new hearty winter menu!

    Winter can be magical as long as you are prepared. 

    It is imperative that you are operationally running during this season as it’s a competitive market out there. So make sure you don’t lose your customers to another hotel around the corner because you weren’t prepared.

    Planning now will help ensure that you and your guests experience a great cold-weather travel season without a hitch.

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    Why your hotel should open its doors to remote workers

    Open your hotel to remote workers and reap the benefits

    The number of remote workers is increasing. The Office of National Statistics predicts that 50% of UK employees will be remotely working to some degree by 2020. London alone already has more than a million people who regularly work from cafes, restaurants and other public spaces. D&D London is catering to the coworking market when it opens five of their restaurants to remote workers in June.

    As the number of remote workers increases so too does demand for quality remote workspaces. A Guestline survey states that 1 in 4 remote workers feel there aren’t enough hotels that cater to the remote working market.

    So, how can your hospitality business benefit from this shift in how we work and encourage digital nomads into your premises?

    What is remote working?

    A remote worker is someone who works outside a traditional office environment or in a different location to their employer/client.

    Remote workers include freelancers and the self-employed who may not have dedicated business premises other than their home. But also includes employed staff who can choose to “work from home” either full-time or part-time aka a remote employee.

    Why is remote working increasing?

    Being able to work remotely has been empowered by both technology and attitude. Laptops, mobile devices and wifi have given workers the freedom to move away from a desk and therefore also out of the office. Cloud technology allows access to central information from anywhere. Plus video calling and collaboration software such as Slack negates the need for face-to-face communication.

    The types of roles have also changed with an increase in tech- or service-orientated jobs. Plus there’s been a cultural shift in our understanding the importance of a good work/life balance that has helped facilitate the shift towards remote working.

    What remote workspaces do remote workers choose to work from?

    Remote workers are resourceful and creative in where they choose to work:

    • Work from home: not everyone has a study or home office so this can often be on the sofa, at the kitchen table or even in bed.
    • Use a coworking office: remote workers can hire deskspace in a shared office that includes shared office equipment plus other people to chat or network with.
    • Coffee shops and libraries: many public spaces offer free wifi to their patrons. Coffee shops also offer refreshments whereas libraries offer peace and quiet.
    • Your hotel lobby or restaurant: hospitality businesses are beginning to tap into the remote worker market. Read on to find out more.

    Remote workers workspace

    Remote worker finds a quiet spot to work.

    What are the benefits of remote working?

    The benefits to the worker and their employee are significant:

    • Workers have a better work/life balance
    • Environment benefits from less commuting and travel
    • Remote working means happier and less stressed employees
    • Remote workers are outperforming office workers with increases in productivity
    • Cost savings for the employer in operating overheads including needing smaller offices.

    Is coworking and remote working the same thing?

    Not always. A coworking space, where individuals can rent a desk or office space to suit their needs, could be viewed as a regular or traditional place of work – it’s still an office after all. Freelancers and self-employed people are more likely to use a coworking space than a remote employee.

    The shared amenities and opportunities to meet and chat with other workers are much like a typical office with similar distractions of the open plan office. However, not all coworking spaces are equal. The rise of the remote worker has also led to the rise in the choice of coworker spaces.

    Benefits of opening your hotel to remote workers

    Many hotels and restaurants struggle to fill their premises during the day. Tapping into the remote worker market can help boost many aspects of your hospitality business:

    • Increase footfall during quieter times of the day
    • Existing guests will benefit from the workspaces too
    • Encourages contractors and business travellers to your hotel
    • Brings new people into your business who may not have otherwise visited
    • Promotes the use of your function rooms for business purposes
    • Creates a vibrant ambience: your establishment is a popular venue!
    • More sales of beverages, snacks and lunches. How about a remote worker “lunchtime special”?
    • Benefit from word of mouth recommendations.

    empty hotel lobby remote workers

    An empty lobby during the day isn’t earning you anything.

    How to encourage remote workers into your business

    Wifi and Connectivity

    The biggest factor that will attract remote workers into your lobby is the quality of the internet connection. It needs to be fast, reliable and secure. Show that you welcome remote workers by displaying the information about your free wifi and how to connect to it.

    Ambient noise levels

    Most remote workers will opt for a quieter workspace (but there are those who thrive in busier environments). So, ambient and background noise is acceptable whereas loud voices are less desirable. Consider how close the coworking space is to the kitchen, front desk, toilets or other areas that are noisier and busier.

    Comfort

    Your hotel lobby or lounge is probably already a comfortable space. Think about keeping seating in smaller groups and add side or coffee tables. Natural light is best but bear in mind that harsh lighting can increase screen glare.

    Privacy

    Feeling you have your own space within which to work is true for remote workers as much as it for those confined to a traditional office desk. A sense of workspace privacy is vital:

    • Use plants as room dividers and screens to create privacy.
    • Experiment with different seating and table heights to define zones and options for the remote worker.
    • Create smaller working spaces and a larger meeting room area with your furniture layouts.
    • Keep furniture lower level if you’re tight on space to create a better feeling of space.

    Facilities

    Are you able to offer device charging facilities or provide access to a printer? Some devices are power hungry so access to sockets is likely to be a dealbreaker for most remote workers. Consider offering free tea, coffee and water as well.

    Free vs Paid Coworking space

    If you’re are considering a paid coworking space you’ll need to ensure you can consistently offer all of the above. So the decision to offer a rentable space will depend on how much space you can dedicate to coworking. Plus both your location and existing infrastructure. If you’re not in an area of higher-demand – such as a city or large town – then you might not attract enough remote workers to make it viable.

    The benefits listed above still apply to a free remote workspace. If encouraging remote workers into your premises helps your business feel vibrant and sells a few more covers and coffees each day, then what do you have to lose?

    Floresy is a supplier of artificial plants and trees to hotels, restaurants and commercial businesses in London and across the UK.

    Our most popular artificial plants and trees from Floresy

    Our Most Popular Artificial Plants and Trees

    Floresy stock a great choice of artificial plants and trees. But which are our most popular? Here is a rundown of our most popular artificial plants and trees for hotels, restaurants and other commercial interiors.

    Artificial Ficus Tree

    The Ficus or Fig Tree is a very popular product because of the different leaf patterns and sizes. From large glossy leaves to smaller, variegated leaves as shown in the gallery below, there is an artificial fig for every interior. As a result, they are popular plants for restaurants, offices and also hotels. Part of their popularity is their price. The range of artificial ficus trees at Floresy starts at only £79 for a 120cm tree. Each fig tree comes in a choice of heights and hence is the perfect solution for any situation.

    Artificial Grasses

    Grasses are liked because of their simplicity and tactile qualities. So for that reason, we stock a good variety of styles, sizes and price points. Grasses are a great choice for commercial interiors because they can be used in any type of design. Their upright nature is architectural and contemporary while their simplicity is neutral. Above all, it’s their association with peace and tranquillity that makes them such a popular choice. Our Bundled Carex doesn’t require pots, therefore, you avoid an additional spend. Many of the grasses also come ready to display in pots such as the zebra grass and riviera beach grasses featured below. In contrast, many of Floresy’s artificial grasses can be placed into a container of your choice to match your existing designs.

    Artificial Bamboo

    Ok, so bamboo is technically a grass. But it is still one of the most popular choices across the Floresy range of artificial plants and trees. Bamboos, probably even more than other grasses, bring a sense of calm to their setting. They are probably less formal in appearance than the more upright grasses and therefore have a relaxing and peaceful quality. Of course, artificial bamboo is certainly a good choice for any Asian restaurant. But likewise, they are ideal for any health or therapy business. Artificial plants and trees have the added bonus of being more hygienic than real plants. This is because you can clean them plus they are are non-allergenic. You can read more about bamboo and it’s sustainability as a wood alternative on our blog. 

    Artificial Sansevieria

    Artificial sansevierias, real or fake, are one of the most popular plants for interiors. They have a striking, pointy leaf shape with a subtle stripe for interest while their upright shape makes them a good space-saving option. They are particularly popular in large containers as a plant room divider. Maybe it’s because of their sword-like leaf shape? Whether you use them free-standing or on a reception or office desk, you can’t go wrong with these snake plants.

    Zamioculcas

    While this plant’s name may not be known by many, it’s a common sight as an artificial office plant. Like the all the most popular artificial plants and trees choices, it’s another great foliage plant. It has thick, rubbery leaves and is a native of East Africa.  Zamioculcus look great with other plants that have contrasting leaf shapes and patterns. Try choosing plants with different heights to add interest. The Floresy product ranges in size from 70cm up to 130cm in height that, therefore, make your design choices easier.

     

    artificial plant zamioculcas

    Zamioculcas plant by artificial plant supplier, Floresy.

     

    Artificial Schefflera

    A bit like the fig tree, Schefflera are a popular choice for any room. This is because of their bushy shape and rich green leaves. If you need an instant green impact, try adding a Schefflera! They add a lot of greenery for their price and size. Floresy offers Schefflera in white display pots but also as products that are ready to be added to a planter of your choice.

    Artificial Dracaena

    Dracaena comes in different types such as the bigger-leaved Cordyline and contrasting finer-leaved Reflexa. These plants will add a lush tropical feel to your interiors. Therefore, they are great for spas, pools or restaurants that cater to tropical cuisine. Some types even have a leaf with a red outline which is also very exotic and dramatic.

    As well as all of our ready-to-buy products in our shop, Floresy offer bespoke artificial plants and trees design service. Here, we can create plants or trees to your exact dimension and colour that will therefore perfectly fit your interiors. Get in contact with us today to find out more about how Floresy can help with your interior design.

     

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    Choosing artificial flowers for restaurant tables

    Plants for restaurant tables can be that finishing touch that really completes the customer experience. Whether you prefer foliage over flowers, a considered table display can complete the branding you’ve worked hard to establish.

    Things to consider when choosing a plant include:

    • Size of the plant. You don’t want the display to interfere with your guests being able to see each other. Also, a larger display takes up valuable table space.
    • Cost is an important factor for plants or flowers for restaurant tables because of the number required, especially for medium or larger sized establishments.
    • Maintenance is another cost. Using fresh flowers quickly adds up either in the cost of cut blooms or the labour required for watering and keeping the plants looking healthy.
    • Repeatability is an important factor for controlling the customer experience at every table in your restaurant. Seating guests at a table with a drooping plant or a flower that is passed it’s best does not make that guest feel valued.

    If you are looking for plants to add character to your restaurant tables but that are also cost-effective, artificial plants are an option worth exploring. Here is a hand-picked list of suggestions from the Floresy product range.

    Succulents as plants for restaurant tables

    Succulents are a fabulous choice for a restaurant table plants. They are a popular and trendy plant plus because they are low-growing won’t interrupt the diner’s view across the table. They are also relatively neutral in their appeal so they can fit in with most interiors.

    These succulents in dark grey pots are great for either a moodier or more masculine theme. With four plants for only £45, they are great for your budget too.

    artificial succulents mix in dark grey pot

    Artificial succulent mix in contemporary dark grey pots will suit a masculine or even an oriental-styled interior

     For a restaurant with a more organic or rustic feel, these succulents in glass jars (complete with hemp string) are a good match.

    succulents as plants for restaurant tables

    Succulents in glass jars are a perfect match to a rustic interior.

    Miniature individual artificial succulents as plants for restaurant tables

    Miniature individual artificial succulents – they are just too cute!

    These are mini individual succulents in white pots and come in a set of six are super-budget friendly working out at just £4.50 per plant. In addition, they are a great choice if space is a premium on your table. You can use them individually but you can also cluster them in groups of threes.

    If you want to continue with succulents in your restaurant interior, Floresy has many more artificial succulents to choose from. They are a great cost-effective plant to choose and because of their size, also a really flexible option for any business. Plus they are on trend! Why not visit our shop to see what else we can offer your business’ decor.

    Flowers for restaurant tables

    These sweet and elegant displays of grape hyacinths would be a welcome addition to both a traditional French restaurant or a farmhouse-style gastropub. Whilst a taller offering at 46cm in height, they are slender and the delicate hyacinth won’t intrude on the view of your guests.

    Grape hyacinth in tall glass table display

    Let’s get blooming grape hyacinth in tall display glass

    A good choice if you want a sunnier flower are these kalanchoes in shallow pots. Choose from white, yellow or pink, the combination of flowers at different stages of blooming really add to their delightful and sunny appeal.

    Artificial kalanchoe flowers in pots

    Kalanchoes are in a shallow pots making them perfect flowers for restaurant tables or as summer bedding plants on a patio.

    These mini anthuriums have a striking flower and come in a set of three in a choice of pink, red or white/cream flower. Additionally, they come unpotted. This means that by using a pot or container of your choice, you can create an individual look. Add your own flavour to truly match the decor of your business. The flowers have an architectural quality so lend themselves to more modern or contemporary settings.

    Artificial anthurium plant

    Artificial mini anthuriums come in a set of three in a colour of your choice.

    How about some lavender flowers for restaurant tables? Both a flower and a herb, these would be at home in any kitchen-restaurant. Equally, they suit French cuisine and conversely a traditional English pub. The rustic appeal of the pots would also suit a tea room or country cafe. As these lavenders come in four different sizes you can choose them to fit your table sizes. Or use them in other places on your premises to compliment the design such as any waiting stations.

    Lavender in galvanised tin pots by Floresy

    Artificial lavender from Floresy comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

    Benefits of using artificial plants for restaurant tables

    One of the key benefits of using artificial plants for restaurant tables is that they are storable. This gives your business’ decor flexibility to adapt with the seasons or with layout changes. This is especially useful if you hold events or private functions at your restaurant. Frequently changes the number of tables in use means displays become can become redundant. Your artificial plant won’t fade or die whilst in storage. They will be in perfect condition when you take them out of storage to use them again.

    You can find more information on how Floresy can help your hospitality business by reading our artificial plants for restaurants page.

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    Benefits of Artificial plants in commercial spaces

    Benefits of Artificial Plants in commercial interiors

    For some, the concept of artificial or faux plants in their interiors seems counter-intuitive. Others may think of them as cheap or obviously fake. Apart from the high-quality and near-identical appearance of modern artificial plants to real plants, there are many benefits of artificial plants as well.

    In addition to these benefits, plant maintenance can be a significant overhead for many hospitality businesses – especially those who opt for botanically themed interiors. Water accounts for 10% of utility bills for most hotels and that’s without the labour costs associated with plant maintenance.

    Low Maintenance

    Artificial plants are very nearly zero-maintenance. They do not require pruning, watering, feeding or pesticides. In fact, all you need to do is occasionally dust you artificial plants. But you need to dust natural plants too, especially big-leaved varieties.

    There are no dead flowers or leaves to remove or sweep up and neither is there any soil to be spilt. Plus there is no risk of any water accidentally causing a slip hazard.

    • Low maintenance means you can reduce your overheads.

    Suitable for any location

    Artificial plants will tolerate any condition. Low light levels that would otherwise see off natural plants like fig trees and palms pose no issue to an artificial or faux plant.

    ficus liana exotica tree

    Artificial Ficus liana exotica tree from Floresy will not droop or lose its leaves.

    Indoors real plants also need to be able to tolerate central heating and air conditioning which can quickly dry them out. You can place an artificial plant next to a radiator and be reassured that it will not wilt.

    The benefits of artificial plants also include being able to place them in relatively inaccessible places. Such as suspending them from a ceiling or even just on a particularly high shelf. Because you do not need to water them, you can place an artificial plant where they are out of reach without making maintaining them problematic.

    • Suitability means you do not have to compromise on achieving the desired ambience for your customers.

    Storable

    Don’t need that artificial plant at the moment? Pop it in the cupboard until you do. Unlike their natural counterparts, you can put an artificial plant into storage until when it is needed next. Just like a Christmas tree.

    This is a great benefit for venues who host events or weddings and need to be able to conveniently change layout and decor of a room for each booking.

    • Storable means the artificial plant is an asset that can be reused again and again.

    Condition

    Artifical plants will not shed their leaves. Their flowers will not fade. When you purchase an artificial plant from Floresy it will stay looking exactly the same all year round. It will not outgrow it’s pot not need pruning to maintain its shape.

    • Condition means that you will not have to reinvest in your plant solutions.

    Flexibility

    It’s much easier to move artificial plants than real ones. Artificial plants are more robust than real plants. They are also generally lighter in weight due to the planter or pot not containing soil. This portability is another one of the benefits of artificial plants.

    • Flexibility means you can more readily adapt your interiors to suit your needs.

    Non-Allergenic

    Whilst there are many benefits from having real plants in your spaces, it’s important to remember real plant negatives too. Some plants are triggers for allergy sufferers. Sometimes the plants themselves or the pollen their produce is the irritant. But for some people, it is the use of chemicals in the maintenance of real plants that cause the reaction.

    Artificial plants are hypoallergenic. You can also sanitise them using cleanings products that you could do use on an organic plant. Because they do not require maintenance, there is no need for pesticides or insecticides either.

    • Non-allergenic means happier customers and happier employees.

    artificial flower arrangements work

    One of the benefits of artificial plants means no allergic reactions to flowers or pollen.

    Artificial plants offer real solutions for businesses. This is either in the form of lowering their overheads or in the flexibility of using faux plants. You use them on their own to create permanent displays. Or combine them with real plants to achieve the right balance between cost, benefits and style. For more information on how artificial plants can help with your business’s interiors, please give Floresy a call on 0208 0770891