From ochre to lemon, we pick an optimistic selection of sunshine-hued interiors.
A collaborative redesign of the gallery dining room at London’s Sketch restaurant, by artist Yinka Shonibare and architect India Mahdavi, sees the vibrancy of African prints and patterns redefine the conventions of metropolitan fine-dining aesthetics.
Orbiting a series of 15 bespoke artworks by Shonibare, the scheme takes cues from shades of warm sunshine yellow found within these pieces as well as the rich textures of African wooden masks collected by Pablo Picasso. A zig-zagging arrangement of chevron ceramic tiles underfoot similarly recalls the vital energy of retro African fashion movements.
Designed by Studio Egret West, Plus X Brighton is the first of a national network of purpose-built innovation hubs designed to support the next generation of businesses building Britain’s new economy.
Adopting a contemporary and layered aesthetic that reflects the dynamic nature of Plus X Brighton, the bright and open yellow façade hints to the open exchange of knowledge and vibrant activity of the spaces inside. Drawing in the materiality of the building’s façade, the key circulation space is also clad in yellow aluminium, pared down with the use of birch-ply clad meeting boxes and paneling. These hanging meeting boxes provide a dynamic backdrop to the ground level seating, café and flexible event space, which together form a key interface between the public and working areas within the building.
A short distance from London’s Trafalgar Square sits the National Gallery, with a newly designed restaurant by architectural practice Red Deer on the ground floor. Inside, the fitout has been adorned with burnt oranges, yellows and browns to pay homage to the National Gallery’s collection of over 2,300 paintings, which blends itself well with the restaurant’s name – Ochre.
Having retained much of the architectural structure’s original features, Ochre mixes old and new with classical high ceilings and large windows paired with newly constructed banquette seating, which zig zags across the main space. Designed to mimic a paint stroke, the purpose-built contemporary addition from Red Deer separates the restaurant’s drinking and dining area, and nods to the gallery residing above.
A construction company with 40 years heritage, Limotex approached Humming Tree to craft a minimal and impactful workplace to encourage its workers to return to the office. Making the decision to move away from a more traditional approach of exposed materials and industrial aesthetic, Humming Tree was inspired by contemporary art galleries, contrasting the bright and sunny monotone yellow with deep blues and more neutral tones to divide the workspace and make a big impact in just 1,000 sq ft.
From day one of the restaurant’s opening, the crew behind the kitchen at Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express has been no secret. An all-women team of chefs, who had never cooked professionally before joining the roster, serve up home-style Indian food – paying homage to Khan’s royal Mughlai ancestry and the bustling streets of Calcutta.
Guiding guests on a journey to India’s golden hour while referencing key ingredients in Khan’s recipes, the walls and vaulted ceiling are lime washed in a rich, chickpea yellow, whilst beams and the exterior façade are painted a light cinnamon colour. This palette is complemented with a light lapis blue, a colour that became popular in Northern India when the mineral began being imported from Afghanistan and was used as a synonym of sophistication in Muslim architectural details.
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