Just as our company name suggests, most of the work that we complete at Inspire Homes is residential in nature – it’s not too often that we get called upon for a commercial project. However, this past spring, we had the opportunity to take on a Restaurant renovation in Mississauga’s Port Credit neighbourhood at a new Asian tapas eatery called Flip A Coin.

Initially, the owners, Sage and Lorita, had started renovating and decorating the restaurant on their own, but they had run out of ideas and needed the help of a professional. After coming across our work and liking what they saw, they decided to give us a call.

With Sage and Lorita being so busy in the kitchen with recipe development and taste-testing, they were especially interested in our design build approach, which allowed them to focus on their passion, while our team handled the rest – from the early design stages to the completion of the project.

And, the design of their restaurant was key since the owners had encountered a few dilemmas along the way. For one, the bar area needed shelving that was both functional and beautiful, while the tables near the front entry and kitchen/bar area lacked privacy. The middle of the restaurant also felt vacant and empty and the light pollution from the kitchen needed to be addressed for better ambiance.

Before: The space was too open

That’s where the expertise of Stephanie, our in-house designer, came in. Together with input from Sage and Lorita, Stephanie created floor plans and 3D renderings to bring Flip A Coin’s design vision to life. By working with existing design elements and the restaurant’s floor plan, she was able to minimize costs and respect the overall budget, but also assist in product selection and material choices to ensure a cohesive look.

To address the privacy issue near the entry way, horizontal slats were used to create an intimate atmosphere without the need to build an entire wall. Inspired by traditional Asian design elements, the finished look is bold – a great first impression when patrons enter the establishment.

Across the restaurant, the bar area also received a narrower section of horizontal slat wall, which hides any unsightly appliances and gives the adjacent eating area a cozy, semi-private feel. A simple curtain was also hung on the kitchen door to diffuse any light coming from that area.

Behind the bar, new dark wood, Asian-inspired shelving was installed, which is not only functional, but a beautiful focal point as well. It is accented by vibrant, patterned wallpaper for added visual interest and depth.

The front fascia of the bar was also enhanced – firstly, the counter height was lowered to reduce the barrier between the dining and bar areas and dramatic black bevelled subway tile was installed for a sleek, clean look. It’s now an ideal spot for restaurant guests to sit and watch Sage and Lorita mix up their delicious Asian-inspired cocktails.

As you can see, the result of this Restaurant Renovation is a space that’s loaded with function, offers better flow, improved ambiance and a cozy, hip atmosphere – just what the chefs ordered.

If you are ever in Port Credit, you should definitely stop into Flip A Coin to enjoy some Asian-inspired tapas and cocktails. They serve delicious food – both dine-in and take-out – and Sage and Lorita are fabulous hosts. To view their menu, check out their website or visit them at 121 Lakeshore Road West in Mississauga.