living room lunchtime

Independent Liquor, an independent brewery based in Auckland, has a knack for identifying gaps and determining future trends to predict consumer demand. Original thinking to stand out in the market is fundamental to the company and has helped it become a local success story.

Creative Spaces was engaged to carry out a refurbishment of the existing cafeteria, with enhanced flexibility to cater for 50-60 people at one time. The cafeteria services both factory and office workers. It was clear from the brief that the cafeteria space needed to be different to the factory and office environments - a place where the staff could relax and feel as if they were at home or at a bach.

A fresh contemporary look was desired on a minimal budget. The design team took the opportunity to recycle and re-use products and equipment from the brewery such as crates for the display shelving, and bottles as feature pendant lighting, reinforcing their unique brand. In house engineers were involved to design and build these items. This helped reflect the homely feel with a 'do it yourself' approach.

The overall aesthetic is a comfortable, relaxed, bach-like feel with a 'living room' lounge and informal areas for team building and meeting. The completed fit-out is a vibrant, innovative space which reflects the No. 8 wire mentality of this small entrepreneurial company.

There was already an existing blank canvas in the space through the use of Resene Sea Fog (greyed white) on the walls. Resene Carefree (watery green) was added to the palette to provide a subtle feature colour to the space while complementing Resene Sea Fog.

Two different colour scheme options were presented to the client to create the bach-like feel, warm reds and oranges and cool greens and blues. The green and blue colour scheme was chosen for its refreshing feel. The pallet display was finished in low sheen Resene Imprint (blue greyed green), Resene Reservoir (pastel aqua green), Resene Bach (natural green), Resene Renew (light green) and Resene Wanaka (mineral blue), colours that were all repeated as exterior features. Resene Blackboard Paint in Resene Black was added for an element of fun and interaction with the staff in the cafeteria space. To complete the look the feature painted rug was created using Resene Pulse (flame red).

There was minimal work done to the hard fit-out so the furniture and colours were the key ingredients to bring this ‘blank canvas’ to life.

Architectural specifier: Creative Spaces
Building contractor: Cobalt Interiors
Client: Independent Liquor
Painting contractor: Valco Painters & Decorators
Photographer: Bruce Clarke
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2015
From the Resene News – issue 2/2016