The Design Column – October/November 2008

With economic factors contributing to the rise of ‘staying in as the new going out’, there is an increasing focus on design-led home entertainment.

It wasn’t long after Sir Stuart Rose issued a profit warning to the City that Marks & Spencer launched their much heralded, and extremely successful, ‘Dine in for £10’ promotion. Never one to miss an opportunity or turn a negative into a positive, the increasing pressure on disposable income and fall in restaurant bookings led to M&S claiming that a restaurant style dining experience could now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home and at outstanding value.

Having tried the offer myself, I would have to agree that the food quality is good and the fact that you can – assuming you get to your local M&S early enough – have a main meal for two, side dish, dessert AND bottle of wine for £10 is amazing value. But a restaurant style dining experience isn’t just about the food. Part of what makes a great night out in a restaurant is the unhurried social experience with plenty of time to interact with your dining companions. A well-designed restaurant setting encourages relaxed conversation and enhances the enjoyment of the food and wine. Service, comfort and style all help to create the buzz that ensures the evening is remembered fondly, and the restaurant put on the list of ones to reward with your custom again.

In many ways, good restaurant design is at the pinnacle of my industry as it has to balance how a space will work practically for the restaurant staff with the demands for comfort and style from potential customers.The Plough an award-winning gastro-pub a short drive from my showroom, has captured this balance beautifully. The original building can trace its origins back to Tudor times and as such it is characterised by low beams, few windows and lots of snugs and corners. But rather than feel dark and oppressive, the space feels incredibly warm and welcoming thanks to the clever use of subtle lighting, candles and open fires. The kitchen at The Plough is open to view from the bar and restaurant, and this naturally draws diners and drinkers into the heart of the building. Overall, the result is a place where people naturally want to linger, catch up and gossip. It’s the perfect place for a business lunch, celebration or romantic meal for two.

Despite the attractions of The Plough, it seems that for some people, and M&S sales would support this theory, that staying in is the new going out; for the short-term at least. Whilst much of Europe spends a little more on food and worries a little less about the car they drive or the clothes they wear, this focus on home entertaining is new to many here. When entertaining at home it’s important to make sure that none of what makes the whole restaurant experience enjoyable is missing. Getting the food right is obvious – whether it is home cooked, brought in or a mixture of the two. But the traditional kitchen, separate dining room and lounge do not provide everything that is needed for the ultimate in home entertaining. The chef is often kept separate from the rest of the party until the dinner is over. Dining room furniture doesn’t always have the right mix of comfort and relaxation. The lounge is great to relax in, but doesn’t have the right mix of seating or height levels to make it a genuine party room.

The needs of many of my clients have for a number of years led me to design kitchen-living rooms; spaces that transcend the boundary between kitchen, dining room and lounge. Indeed, many of my clients tell me that the new kitchen-living room quickly becomes the heart of the home and where they spend most of their time, whether they are a couple on their own or a large family. With many more people now considering home improvements, rather than home moves, it’s vital to ensure that any investment made in improving your home creates a space that will truly meet all your living needs, both in the current economic climate and when the good times come back again.

And thanks to the M&S promotion, that’s something we can all raise a glass to.