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DESIGN

Blueprint

for Success:

Tracking

the Trends U.S. DIVISION • PAGE 59

Forward-looking proprietors are working with architects and designers to
usher in a new generation of customer-friendly bowling-based venues.

BY BARRY SPARKS Notes Howard Ellman of Dynamic Designs Inc.:
“Customers expect more today. It’s important to
“IF YOU WANT to stay relevant, you have to modernize,” design something they can relate to.”
asserts Shane Labeth of Cornerstone Architecture. Colors and color schemes are different in today’s
“Design is a powerful tool that helps you do that.” centers than they are in those that haven’t modern-
Steve Scheirman of Scheirman Associates Architects, ized. There’s a move to more neutral colors — such as
Inc., adds: “You can create a unique experience and shades of gray, beige, black and blue — which create a
mood with architecture and design.” warmer, more welcoming feeling. There are more com-
One of the worst things for a business to become is binations of colors and textures than ever.
irrelevant. That means being indistinguishable from the “It’s important to remember that parents select the
bulk of your competition and having a product that’s venue, not the kids,” points out Labeth. “Parents aren’t
easily replaceable. interested in going to a carnival or circus. Muted colors
Design can help you capture attention, connect with are more relaxing, and customers tend to stay longer
your target audience and become a leader in your and spend more money because of that.”
market. Studies have shown that businesses that use The warmer tones often are enhanced with wood,
design well tend to beat out the competition. stone, composite metal or brick. These elements add
The days of centers with bright fluorescent lighting, texture, sophistication and pops of interest.
carpeting of all the same pattern or loud colors — such Ellman says there’s a trend to bring the outdoors
as red and orange — throughout the facility are fading inside. Examples include the use of greenery, includ-
rapidly. Today’s design trends put great emphasis on ing artificial plants, parts of a wooden fence, brick and
comfort, variety, encouraging socialization, using space stone. One FEC he designed even has a tree inside the
creatively and bringing a more natural feel to a venue. facility.
“All centers used to look alike,” says Michele Oca of “Design is evolving,” he says. “Bringing the outdoors
US Design Lab. “Now, we use colors, lighting, textures inside creates some unexpected fun.”
and greenery to create ambience. It’s a combination of Warmer LED lighting is another design trend.
little things that make the customers say, ‘Wow.’” “Lighting is one of the most important design ele-

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