Voltron Brewing Taproom
The current vibe: Industrial and rustic.
The desired vibe: 1980s synthwave.
The research: The visuals of synthwave/outrun/retrowave include night scenes, a gradient sunset, grids, geometric motifs, chrome accents and the CMYK color palette (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).
The proposal: Paint will make a big difference! The natural wood in the booth seating area, under the main bar and on the stool backs feels rustic now. Painting the wood will bring color into the space and instantly reference the synthwave vibe. Prime the wood first so the colors pop. I suggest using the CMYK color palette and/or taking those color equivalents from the logo mural. So if you see the neons here and think they’re too bright, know that you can choose the toned-down versions from the logo. And realize anything can be swapped. Rather have the low tabletops magenta and the seating cyan? Go for it. Want to skip magenta all together and use black instead? That’s okay too. High-gloss paint or finishing with a coat of polyurethane will protect the wood and color from spills and wear and tear.
For a more dynamic layout, move the four long tables into two L-shapes (Figure 1). Relocate the pinball machine to under the TV next to the facility door (Figure 2). The two-top tables could be moved outside (Figure 3). Do people ever want to sit outside? Anything to keep both mural walls free of furniture.
These chairs aren’t the correct height for the tables and they’re industrial and rustic in style:
Any of these stools will be a splurge, but the styles are super cool and the heights are better:
Whether you invest in one of these stool styles or find a cheaper equivalent, double-check the height in comparison to leg clearance under the table. Also, get four identical. Turn the booth tables long-ways and put two stools at each table.
Remove the wood-framed posters. Bare walls will be fine since you've got two murals, But if you'd like to add more art, I suggest hanging outrun-aesthetic prints on the wall above the booth seating and/or in the hallway to the restrooms. If you keep the large mirrors, paint the frames with a color from the CMYK palette you've already used in the space. There isn’t much natural light in the space, but if you’re willing to try a plant or two, a potted palm would fit near the entrance — and it will reference the logo mural.
Without food (yet), make the booth seating as inviting as possible to make people stay a little longer. Add a few pillows to make patrons comfortable enough to order another beer and play one more round of Jenga. Look for CMYK palettes and geometric designs that feel 80s — as well as something machine-washable. Two or three pillows will be enough.
As for tabletop styling, purchase a few more 80s-era games or chrome knick knacks and think of them as sculptural pieces. A few boxed board games with a Magic 8 Ball or Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots stacked on top will add visual interest to the currently empty tables. A quick mockup built with the only board games and retro toy I had at home:
Or replace the wooden hand with a chrome-looking version.
Back outside, the entrance feels industrial and rustic — the stacked barrels and Beer Farm signage. If you've got extra paint and the energy, paint a few of the barrels. Keep it CMYK and random.
Sources
Acrylic Stool, 16” in Blue
Milk Stool, 16” in Sky
“Concrete” Stool, 17” in Black (I showcased white above so you could see the structure. No cushion needed.)
Wall Art 1
Wall Art 2
Wall Art 3
Wall Art 4
Magic 8 Ball
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Chrome Hand
Pillow 1 (Be aware that often times the pillow cover and insert are sold separately.)
Pillow 2
Pillow 3
Pillow 4
Let me know what you think of all this! If you have questions or you’d like additional help, ask. Anything from “Which paint color do you like better?” to “What size pillow should I order?” to “How should these art prints be arranged on the wall?” And remember: these are my ideas and suggestions, but it’s your business, so pick and choose what works for you. Lastly, a large interior makeover doesn’t happen in a day, especially if you’re doing the labor. Start small. Rearranging the furniture and changing the art prints can be quick and impactful.