Sounds like a fun project. What style are going for and what does the rest of the space look like? That will help a lot in coming up with ideas.

The balance of the space is a full kitchen on the left with a spacious entrance area. The interior photo that I posted was just the bar area. Previous tenant had a restaurant on one side (take-out) and a bar on the other side. I like earth tones - rust, brown, orange, mustard with dark wood. I'd like a really nice bar constructed in the rear with a granite top, pendant lighting, mirrors etc.

Try to paint the exterior in a color that will look good against the two other buildings which have some orange in them.

Good idea. Thanks.

It's a neighborhood place. Lot's of foot traffic.

Will have live music on weekends - Jazz - sophisticated. Catering to the 30+ crowd.

Why not give it a New Orleans Vibe.

I love New Orleans - I'll research bar decor in that area.

Where I live there is live music everywhere. One of the places that I used to frequent because they always had bands I liked is a place I no longer go. The reason? The table seating is horrendously uncomfortable! Be sure your seating is comfortable enough that people will want to come and sit and listen to the music. A chair like this with a rounded back and a well padded seat makes people want to sit a while and listen to your band.

Outdoor seating is the same way. Obviously you'll use weatherproof chairs but I like to sit up straight while I eat, not be leaning back in a chair that doesn't let me pull up to the table. Easy care flooring is essential as well. Consider polished concrete or luxury vinyl plank that is waterproof and very durable. Good luck with your place! I've been there and done that and it can be quite an adventure!

WOW. Thanks so much for that advice - and the photos. I have not revisited some restaurants due to uncomfortable seating.

What's the name of place?

Boogaloos

Light, bright, airy, fun, modern twist, comfortable seating and good acoustics.

Thank you. Love those photos. Chairs look very comfortable.

You might see if you can hang onto that patterned ceiling, even if you go with a lot of wood, etc. -- for example, you could spray it a pewter color or a dark charcoal, covering all the exposed pipes and wires at the same time. Or maybe, for a more neighborhoody, cozy feel (and more controlled acoustics) you'll want to lower the ceiling, at least in some places.

Like the idea of a concrete floor -- there are some waxed finishes that give a sort of sophisticated industrial feel that would fit with a lot of different styles.

Yeah, I plan to use the existing pattern in the ceiling - but darken it of course to hide the unsightly electrical wires. Fortunately, the floors are already concrete - just need to get them sealed and finished. Thanks a million.

You can search Internet for,'NYC restaurant facade' or any location for ideas.

I really like the Red Door on 317 Burger

When I think hip, cool, whimsical New Orleans style....I think Flambeau Lighting. Check out their sconces and ceiling lights as inspiration for your very fun space! And good luck!!!

I'll check it out. Thanks a million. Never heard of Flambeau Lighting.

Congrats on your new bar, The space looks mall but it can definaty be made cozy and modernized. You´ve already been given some great advice, but mine are a bit more modern.

Reno: You should build a longer and more narrow bar to make more seating space both cozy and bar stools. I would build a mirror bar both on the front and on back wall to make the elusion that the room/space is bigger. Chose some comfortable barchairs with a back. Make the bar as long as possible to make room for as many barstools as possible (remeber it is a bar)

Build a weider staircase out to the back and with a back, so it looks and is more strong/solid. Paint black an install.

Fix light, electricity, waterlines, a.s.o

Embrace the high celing, add shelves for liquer, art a.s.o. Also make shure that the room does not seems narrow compared to the celling, adding metal to the ceeling would be awesome. (buy some cheep kitchen backsplash)

Design: You should chose a dark color for the room to give it a more nighttime bar feeling. You could choose dark grey and maybe add some wallpaper on one of the walls (left or right or both) Then afterwards you should add a standout color (red or yellow or any color you like) Wallpaper (silver, modern, nature,pattorn any you like) would make the room cozy and more personal.)

Add some loveseat across from eathother, some comfortable chairs with some tables (low and cafe high) and barstolls. You could aso build an extra bar space by the window, with just a narrow shelf.

Add some fullbody mirrors when a blank wall apears, add art decor (high) and some cool enlarged drinks pictures.

Here are some pictures, furnitures a.m for inspiration.

Good luck with the opening.

....

I like, I like... a lot. Are you a designer?

I´m glad you like the ideas. Are you then going for a modern design look ?

I`ve been approved in my work before, but I do not have a degree.

Yes. I am. Not ultra modern (stark white, chrome) because of the age of the building, but definitely a modern flair. My decorating aesthetic has always been a bit safe - leather and earth colors and rattan accent pieces - but I want a different flair for the bar.

I love the combination of gray and gold with hints of white.

You mentioned removing the fencing on the right and having seating out there. I've really liked the look near me of some large planters used to create the feel of a fence (enclosed area) while allowing some view in both directions. Might be a good choice for you, especially if you're going a bit modern -- chunks of narrow wood-sided planter could be great.

Due to Virginia ABC laws, I do have to create a barrier to the street (ABC ON/OFF). The fence definitely has to go, bu I do have to create something. Planters with decorative lattice maybe?

You might be interested to know that many restaurant/bar seats are designed to be uncomfortable deliberately so as to limit the time that people linger... sad but true.

That's interesting. I want patrons to be comfortable, but the ultimate goal is to generate revenue. Since I will have live music twice per week, I want comfort, but I want them eating and drinking.

OOOhh. I like that option. That will definitely satisfy the "barrier" requirement.

I agree Boogaloos should have a cool vibe to it. When I think of jazz music I envision dark, moody and hip. The concrete floor stained to look like leather? Saddle color leather. I have an idea that will help you decorate a cool vibe and involve the locals. How about offering local artists to be able to hang their original art (preferable with a music, jazz, instrument theme) on the walls? Lots of them. You could even discreetly have a for sale price on the art. You could be a "supporter" of local artists and coincidentally make some cash on the sale commission. Also, people would come to Boogaloos to show off their art to their friends and family (and hopefully have a bite to eat and a drink)!

Oh...another thought. Name some of your menu items of local politicians, the Mayor, postmaster, prominent business owners, etc. They will come in with a guest to brag that there is a menu item named after them :) ... "The Darzy Burger"...A quarter pound of lean beef with a kick...pepper jack cheese". You get the idea.

I like that. My location is close to Virginia Commonwealth University and they have a fantastic art school. Lots of local artists (graduates of the university). I also found some beautiful pieces on EBAY that I may purchase - Jazz Musicians, Instruments, etc. I love the idea of patronizing local artists and love the look of a mini-gallery - especially with the high ceilings. Thank you!!!

BTW...I know starting a business is $$$$. Instead of buying new chairs and tables...buy used from restaurant supply houses, or check going out of business sales for tables and chairs. It's a LOT less expensive.

Restaurant/Bar Chair

Oh yes - I agree. I have seen so many nice furnishings on Craigslist and Ebay and other online auction houses - used furnishings but in great shape. Luckily the building I purchased has brand new restaurant equipment. Thank you!

I know this is hit or miss, but I was at my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and they had all kinds of restaurant tables and chairs that had been donated.

Thank you. I will visit our local ReStore this weekend. I had forgotten about them.

Maybe get friendly with them and have them call you if they get something in? That is, if you don't see anything tomorrow. Good luck!

Thank you. I'll post my findings.

You could play up the 1920s vibe. Art Deco colors and style.

I highly recommend Tabouret chairs and barstools. I have them but have also seen them in the dining area at Whole Foods. The quality is great, they stack, and best of all they're affordable. I bought mine from Overstock: http://www.overstock.com/search?keywords=tabouret&taxonomy=cat711&sortOption=Relevance&searchtype=Header

Oh and BTW, CONGRATS! How exciting!!! My head would be spinning! Can't wait to see your changes.

I very excited. Creative spirit in full effect. Thx.