Owning a cafe is already a fantastic experience, but being a rooftop cafe owner takes it — quite literally — to the whole next level. And as a local business owner, you cannot underestimate the influence social media have in this day and age when it comes to promoting your place. People strive to find local gems that offer not only an exquisite menu or choice of beverages but also an interior that will look good on their Instagram feed.
As such, your rooftop’s stylisation and decoration become a top priority. However, when trying to achieve that Instagramable look, it is essential to add personality to your place. After all, it’s your cafe’s unique ambience that makes people want to recommend it to others.
Nowadays, you need to develop an extraordinary concept and reflect it even in the smallest details – for instance, here, you read about design for custom coffee sleeves. One of the best ways to create a unique look for your cafe is to combine old and new trends to make it an exciting place that will amplify your guests’ dining experience. For the same reason, a minimalistic, nearly sterile design might be a safe choice but a bit outdated for 2022. Here are some rooftop designs that will help you make a statement:
Open Terrace Design
If you’re looking for ways to make your rooftop cafe stand out, you should concentrate on its openness. An open-air terrace allows the natural light to enter your place, making it a truly eye-catching feature that will attract the attention of passers-by. After all, the ability to experience the golden hour overlooking the city followed by the sunset is one of the most remarkable features of your rooftop cafe. So why not emphasise it even more?
To organise the rooftop space, you can install several pergolas. This way, you will provide your guests with shade from direct sunlight during the day, protect them from unexpected weather changes, and increase their overall comfort. Additionally, it is worth looking into installing a custom-made glass balustrade for your terrace. It will serve as an attractive design element and a safety measure to keep your clients well protected from any potential accidents.
Embrace Eclectic Style
If you want to turn your rooftop into a place where people want to spend their time, you should consider going for an eclectic design. This style is characterised by various elements put together with no apparent logic. Yet, this is precisely what makes it so intriguing and charming at the same time.
One of the most significant advantages of choosing eclecticism is that you don’t have to settle for only one stylisation. The word “eclecticism” itself is derived from the Greek word “eklektikos”, which loosely means “to choose the best.” If you follow eclectic design principles, you can choose the most vibrant and attractive elements from multiple designs and combine them together! As a result, your rooftop will not only look unique but also will find its own character and soul.
If you’re looking for eclectic style ideas, don’t be afraid to make bold decisions about choosing decorations and design solutions. For example, if you have ellipse windows or doorways leading to the rooftop, you can install dome canopies to add a touch of European flair. The next step would be to choose your outdoor furniture. For instance, mismatched recycled furniture pieces will be a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing choice when it comes to adding a splash of personality and history to your rooftop.
You may also consider adding some vintage touches like a record player paired with a collection of old vinyls, and a set of turntable accessories to maintain them properly. You can even go as far as throwing some woven rugs. They will make the whole area look more inviting and provide a feeling of warmth and relaxation. Doing this will create a conducive environment for your guests to stay longer and order another round of drinks.
As you can see, there are no strict rules when it comes to eclecticism. It is especially beneficial if you aim to get a unique, eye-catching look. So, you can let your creativity flow and come up with peculiar design solutions that will make your guests feel curious and intrigued yet welcomed at the same time.
Greenhouse Inspiration
Another great way to make a statement with your rooftop design is to create a greenhouse-like setting. Deciding on such a design vector will provide your guests with a relaxing and comfortable place to sit. Furthermore, it will become an eye-catching decor feature your visitors won’t be able to ignore! Plants make almost every space look better and feel lively. So, if houseplants, gardening, or greenhouse aesthetics are things that inspire you daily, it is high time to show it.
You can get inspiration from various places to achieve a greenhouse-inspired look and transform the rooftop cafe into a charming urban retreat. For example, you can recreate the appearance of an old abandoned greenhouse by installing a vast metal construction on the rooftop and filling it with plants. In this case, you don’t have to worry about building a full-fledged greenhouse with glass walls, as you can leave the construction empty and arrange coffee tables and seats for your guests there.
Alternatively, you can look for urban jungle ideas on Pinterest, take a trip to one of the local gardening centres, and pick up small plants and trees. If the rooftop is already loft-like, ennobling it with plants and flowers is a great way to give it a more natural and organic feel.
If you decide to go for the latter option, remember that you don’t have to invest in expensive or high-maintenance plants or necessarily bring palmas to your rooftop. One of the most popular options among rooftop cafe owners is growing herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary, as well as tomatoes and hot peppers in large flower pots.
First of all, you don’t even have to buy them, as you can get them right from your garden! Secondly, they are nearly effortless to maintain, which can be done by your staff members. And as an added bonus, your guests will be amazed by the fact that you’re seasoning their meals with freshly cut herbs and veggies from the garden that’s right in front of them!
One possible drawback of creating the whole stylisation of your rooftop cafe based on greenery is that you need to take care of the plants during colder months if you operate in an area where temperatures change significantly. If you have an indoor cafe space, you can simply move all your plants inside. If not, you need to pay careful attention to the maintenance requirements when buying plants and choose those resistant to cold.
Alternatively, you can consider investing in blind heaters, which usually can be attached to restaurant awnings, umbrellas, pergolas, and even walls. First and foremost, these heaters can allow you to make your rooftop cafe function for guests during colder months. Moreover, they provide enough warmth to maintain a favourable environment for your greenery during this time.
In Conclusion
Being a rooftop cafe owner is a tricky endeavour. On the one hand, you have an exciting feature — a stunning view — that already outweighs the majority of land-based cafes and restaurants. On the other hand, you need to make the most out of this space to make sure that it will be visited not only by curious tourists but also loved by locals.
In this article, we’ve discussed only three stylisation options — an open terrace, an eclectic style, and a greenhouse aesthetic; however, there is much more to explore. As such, make sure to consider how you want your guests to feel when visiting your place to get a better idea of what your rooftop should look like. Then, let your creativity thrive!