Calgary's Analog Coffee may be wading further into €œchain€ territory with the launch of its sixth€”and largest yet€”location. But don't expect the independently owned biz to apply the same cut-and-paste interiors to all of its shops, like other big-name caffeine dealers might. Situated in Westman Village, the bright, 1,600-square-foot outpost is unmistakably Analog€”a marriage of warm, weathered woods and industrial black accents€”but, thanks to the introduction of some one-of-a-kind elements, it has a personality of its own, too. €œThe goal was to bring out the soul of the brand and give them this really hip, cool, effortless aesthetic,€ explains Sarah Ward, principal designer of Sarah Ward Interiors.

Working with a bare-bones space, Ward and her team made generous use of steel in the back bar and shelving units. The element was chosen because it tends to develop a patina over time, giving the room a gritty, down-to-earth feel (one aided by the charming black brick pillars) while also ensuring that it would age beautifully. The steel is balanced with cozier elements, such as the mustard-yellow, slate-topped condiment station; the tufted leather Article sofa that sits below a bespoke dome-shaped light; and, at the bar-front, the custom olivewood-veneer millwork by Elkana Woodwork and Design, which is punctuated by a series of hand-milled, black-stained oak ridges.

An eclectic collection of art€”curated by photographer and Analog co-owner Chris Prefontaine and local artist Aron Hill€”offers plenty of conversation starters. Patrons will find photographs of graffiti, streetscapes and their fellow Calgarians; fantastical watercolour prints sourced from estate sales and thrift stores; and even a portrait of Richard €œCheech€ Marin (yes, of Cheech and Chong fame) snapped by Prefontaine. €œThe owners do lots of gallery walls,€ says Ward. €œThey really love art, so we tried to give them as clean of a space as possible to display that in the café.€