In the historic heart of London, within the grand walls of Somerset House, a love affair with European sophistication unfolds. Café Petiole, the new project by the critically acclaimed chef Rishim Sachdeva and designed by the culture-driven London and Milan-based interior design studio DUELLE, redefines the essence of the European artists’ café for the contemporary palette.
The café, inspired by iconic European establishments such as Café Central in Vienna and Caffe Meletti in Ascoli, marries historical reverence with modern flair, creating a space that is both timeless and avant-garde.
Our Trade Partner, DUELLE, led by Melanie Liaw and Micaela Nardella, has crafted an interior that speaks volumes of its refined aesthetic and attention to historical detail. The design philosophy for Café Petiole was to integrate elements from the past and the future, capturing the essence of a traditional cafeteria while injecting an entirely singular contemporary twist. The result is a familiar yet fresh environment, inviting patrons into a warm, all-day setting awash with soft sun-drenched yellow and magnolia hues that swath the walls.
"We wanted the colours to capture and reflect light, even amidst the cool, grey backdrop of London days. The interior, adorned in COAT's bespoke blue, graces the ceiling, grounding the space and harmoniously complementing the yellow. This palette, set against the north-facing light and the views of Somerset House's stunning, soft off-white facade, revitalises the classic yellow and blue hues often found in Italian and French design but subtly adjusted to echo the unique light and architecture of London,” the duo explains.
The interior of Café Petiole is further distinguished by the addition of hand-painted murals of faux rose-coloured alabaster, all in COAT, which decorate the café's counter and architraves. These murals, the work of scenic painters renowned for their contributions to theatre and opera, significantly enhance the café's whimsical and artistic allure. Critical to the design was the development of moments within the café that evoke a sense of awe. The café's architecture features deep portals that separate the rooms, providing unique opportunities for impactful design interventions. The designers envisioned these portals lined with a rose-coloured alabaster—a hue that doesn't exist in nature and resembles satin more than stone. This imaginative approach, painted on-site, merges nostalgia with fantasy, contributing to the magical ambiance that defines both the space and its culinary offerings.
Sustainability is a core ethos at Café Petiole, evidenced by its collaboration with artisans who are committed to environmentally conscious practices. Our paint therefore provided the vibrant yet breathable coatings that adorn the café's historic walls, specially formulated for the Grade 1 listed interiors of Somerset House.
Photography by Jasper Fry
Florals by MOS, a London-based botanical design studio led by Sasha Grigorik.
Fancy recreating this colour palette? Get in touch with our Customer Experience team quoting "Somerset House" to shop these bespoke colours.
If you're an interior professional looking to join our Trade programme, you can sign up in 2 minutes, here.
