Aston University

The brief at Aston University was to rethink the current, slightly tired servery space. The area featured a lot of different styles, finishes and areas, so the new proposal aimed to address this to make the space feel more cohesive.

Taking the new ‘Lab’ branding colours of black, rusty orange and white, we designed the space to help unite all areas and create a more harmonious space to relax.

Utilising some of the existing furniture, the new colour palette helps to ground the space, with a new coffee bar taking centre stage. The counters feature dark stone effect counter fronts with solid surface tops, timber gantry with feature lights and hanging foliage.

Additional rattan and fabric lamps help to soften the seating area, with the green and blue furniture replaced with black, grey and plywood seating to feel more modern and calming.

The existing green feature wall was stripped back and reclad with timber struts painted in rust and beige – this allows the seating area to feel more up to date, and links back to the coffee back and branding colours, again enhancing the cohesive feel to the space.

The overall area now feels more inviting, with all areas working together, instead of fighting against each other.