Paul Crofts Studio: La Petite Bretagne

Reinterpreting gingham tablecloths and sturdy heirloom-style furniture, the interiors of a new restaurante in Hammersmith are a modern, pared-back take on the traditional French bistro.

London-based Paul Crofts Studio has designed a space for La Petite Bretagne, a new crêpe restaurant in Hammersmith, West London. The design for the restaurant is inspired by the feel and aesthetic of the traditional French bistro and the historic craft of Brittany from where the crêpe originates. Gingham tablecloths, industrial lighting, homely decorative details and sturdy heirloom-style furniture have all been given a contemporary twist in the space.

With a layout designed to evoke the intimate setting of a domestic kitchen or dining room, a communal table in solid ash dominates the main space. The table designed by Paul Crofts features an oversized hand-drawn interpretation of the French gingham tablecloth by illustrator Katharine Gorham, screen printed directly onto the tabletop. Crêpes are made to order at a cast concrete counter featuring an abstracted version of the gingham pattern, which is again reflected on the acid etched cast concrete floor. This concrete provides a contrast with the warmth of the reclaimed French oak parquet flooring found elsewhere in the restaurant.

Shelving in solid ash reflects the material of the communal table, with red steel coat hooks making further reference to a relaxed domestic setting. The shelves are screen printed with a lace design, also by Gorham, which was inspired by Brittany's famous lace coiffe bonnets; framed prints of the lace appear elsewhere in the restaurant. With specially-designed industrial-style lighting and understated seating, the character of La Petite Bretagne is that of a modern, pared-back take on nostalgic French restaurant design.