The Yorkshire Craft Centre café

Colour theming is an essential design element of the recently opened Yorkshire Craft Centre, and strong tones were applied to walls and furniture to link the galleries, workshop studio spaces and a centrally-located café. Architect Allen Tod was responsible for designing a café interior that would appeal to gallery visitors, students and people living and working close by. Solid ash counters, zinc alloy edgings, exposed ceiling-height duct work, solid timber trusses and the strong, bright colour scheme integrate the café with the rest of the centre. The café features wall-hung display cabinets containing crafts made at the centre. The cabinets mimic those found in the main lobby and reinforce the craft aesthetic that is the focus of the centre’s activities.

Wall-hung worktops support iMac computers in all the signature colours, while brightly painted chairs in yellow, orange and black surround square ivory-coloured tables, reinforcing the colour theme. Colour was also important for the graphic applications by Thompson Design and HB Signs. Centre manager Vanessa Scarth chose lavender for all branded products: ‘I wanted a strong colour to represent nature, the arts and crafts and a sense of well-being.’ Thompson Design created a logo that reflects the three main areas of activity within the centre using three abstract shapes which represent texture, abstract form and light. Other colours include translucent washes of reds and magentas that link in with a large stained glass window, dominating one part of the building. ‘We created a logo that provides an instant reference point for the centre’s activities,’ says designer Allan Powell.