Many decades and millions of dollars have been dedicated to crafting spaces in colors that emit specific emotions in humans and animals. The psychological effect of assorted hues is a consideration in hospital rooms, classrooms, museums, and prisons, among other locations.
When Gabriel Malenfant and Véronique Orban de Xivry decided to transform a 1,500 square foot empty office space on the Mile End district of Montreal into a mixed-use café, they chose Appareil Architecture for the renovation. Together, the group chose to color block the space to create a flowing environment that nurtured creativity and camaraderie in a low-impact marketing setting. The couple chose the name Pastel Rita as a tribute to Malenfant?s grandmother, Rita.

Color Palette The three main colors in the interior of Pastel Rita are green, pink, and gold. Lightly colored linoleum flooring and natural light from large windows gently bind the areas together, resulting in a fluid environment that breeds artistic expression, insightful conversation, and a palpable positive vibe throughout the place.
The Ebb and Flow of the Color Scheme
The gold arches in the café frame pink alcoves on one side of the hallway. Artisan designed and produced items are displayed for sale here and created in the adjoining workshop. The café bar is deep green and matches the stools lined up at the bar.

A gold passageway runs down the middle of Pastel Rita. A slatted screen separates the corridor from the forest green café s...