A counter covered in Max Lamb's colourful man-made marble provides the focal point of this cafe and bookshop in Hamilton, Canada.
Synonym is a vegetarian and vegan eatery, a coffee shop, a bar and a bookshop located in Hamilton ? a small city one hour southwest of Toronto.

Owners Sid Singh and Ayisha Izmeth worked with Montreal-based architecture studio Atelier Barda to design the 73-square-metre space, which dates back to 1895 and was formerly an art gallery.
"The project's objective was to create a space that was inherently social to emphasise the utility of a neighbourhood cafe,"  said Atelier Barda and Synonym in a project description. "Soft lines, cosy corners and a focus on lighting have helped create an inviting space that encourages conversation and community."
The overhaul involved stripping back black plaster covering the walls to expose existing brickwork underneath. This was then painted white to brighten the interiors, along with wooden floors and ample natural light that enters from two large storefront windows.
"The focus around the project was uncovering the bones of the space and exposing the scars it developed over the 130 years of standing on James Street North," said the team.

Complementing these muted tones is the exterior trim, which is coated in an ash-coloured Belgian paint that cafe owner Singh chose from Mjölk store. Located in Toronto, the shop represents work by designers and artisans from Scandinavia and Ja...