Del Mar's Garden-Inspired Terrazza | Permanent Restaurant Floral Installation | The Floral Guru, Washington DC

Photograph by Terri Baskin

Project at a Glance

• Client: Del Mar

• Location: The Wharf, Washington DC

• Service: Permanent floral installation and restaurant floral design

• Project Scope: Garden-inspired terrazza transformation featuring trellised greenery, climbing florals, and permanent botanical elements

• Studio: The Floral Guru | Washington DC–area commercial floral design and hospitality installation studio

Designing a Garden-Inspired Terrazza for Del Mar

Some spaces ask for a dramatic transformation. Others simply need the right layer added.

When Del Mar approached The Floral Guru about a permanent floral installation for its terrazza, the brief was refreshingly straightforward. The space already had a strong point of view—rich color, distinctive architecture, and an atmosphere that guests immediately associate with the restaurant's identity. The goal wasn't to reinvent the terrazza. It was to enhance it. Our challenge was to create a garden-inspired environment that felt as though it belonged there from the beginning, adding softness, movement, and depth without competing with the character that already made the space memorable.

Designing Around Existing Architecture

One of the most important design decisions was knowing what not to do. Del Mar's terrazza is filled with bold architectural details and saturated tones, which meant introducing additional color could easily overwhelm the environment. Rather than competing with the space, we focused on creating visual interest through structure, texture, and movement. The design was built around a series of trellises that served as a framework for climbing greenery and florals. Instead of functioning as focal points, these elements became part of the architecture itself—guiding the eye through the space and creating a sense of natural rhythm throughout the terrace. The result feels less like a floral installation and more like a garden that gradually found its place within the restaurant.

A Permanent Installation That Feels Organic

One of the unique challenges of permanent restaurant floral design is creating something that feels alive. For this project, The Floral Guru combined natural branches with premium permanent greenery and florals, selecting materials that would provide longevity without sacrificing texture or realism. Climbing botanical elements weave throughout the terrazza, softening structural lines and reinforcing the feeling of dining within a lush garden setting. Every placement was carefully considered in relation to the architecture, ensuring the installation felt integrated rather than applied. This balance is central to how we approach permanent hospitality installations: creating environments that feel effortless, even when every detail has been carefully planned.

About the Studio

The Floral Guru designs large-scale public art installations, retail displays and environmental installations for commercial spaces, brands and hospitality environments.

Our work focuses on creating spatial experiences that balance visual impact with thoughtful execution—whether a project is designed to live on for years or exist for a single moment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a permanent floral installation help make my restaurant more memorable for guests? Yes. A thoughtfully designed installation can enhance the atmosphere, strengthen your brand identity, and create a more immersive dining experience that guests remember.

How do you design a floral installation that fits with my restaurant's existing décor?We start by understanding your space, architecture, and brand aesthetic, then create a custom design that feels integrated rather than added on.

Are permanent floral installations a good option for restaurants that want low maintenance décor? Absolutely. Permanent installations provide year-round visual impact without the ongoing upkeep and replacement costs associated with fresh florals.

Can The Floral Guru create custom installations for outdoor dining areas and terraces? Yes. We design custom botanical installations for patios, terraces, rooftops, and outdoor hospitality spaces, tailoring each project to the environment and guest experience goals.

What factors affect the cost of a permanent restaurant floral installation? Pricing depends on the size of the space, design complexity, materials used, installation requirements, and the level of customization needed for the project.

Have a project in mind? Contact us.