Unique Architectural Features to enhance the aesthetics and Function of the Retail Store
Retail Store Design has much more than the three basic considerations essential for a Retail Store Design. Incorporation of various architectural features is essential to enhance the aesthetic appeal and also the functionality of the designed space. Form Follows Function in case of retail store design is a true statement; in fact its true and should be considered for every design. But we have to design the spaces according to the functions so that the design becomes a big success and serves its purpose of built.
A series of refinements are ecessary to distinguish a high end retail store from what is merely a shop. Some things stay the same, the display must be accessible, allowing the customer to ‘touch and feel’ if necessary and it is important that a visual display prominently advertise the USP of the product.
With high end retail spaces often being housed in interesting or heritage structures, it is important to respect the sanctity of the structure while designing. Instead of treating the structural members as a hindrance, the same should be treated as design elements.
Columns become flanking portals, beams – ceiling rafters, glazing-show windows. One can achieve a lot, by such an out of the box approach to the retail design, while utilizing every inch of the space.
Much can be achieved by playing with light as can be seen in the interiors of Daniel Hechter retail spaces. The showroom is provided with very bright lights, focussed on the merchandise. Huge metal lamps are attached to the ceiling which focus on the new arrivals.
Another unique concept noticeable in the trial room which is quite big, is an antique study table and a huge mirror with shelves for perfumes.
The popular materials in use today are vitrified tiles for floors, wood for walls and gypsum board for ceiling. “ Eco friendly materials like recycled wood, are also prominent in many stores as seen in Good Earth.”
We avoid using paints, we use natural products in their original form and then work on it, and do some patterns and some textures on it to create a new design.”
In today’s market, materials are available in abundance. The challenge is applying thought to the design and using creativity to produce a design output that would be functionally feasible and aesthetically unique.
Selection of materials and accessories
The selection of materials is usually dependent on the theme of the space. While some prefer graphics in the walls, others might opt for a traditional look. The spectrum is wide and the choice is endless. The choice of material is governed not only by the ambience, but also by the budget of the retailer. Sometimes the simplest materials, when used effectively, can look more impressive than a very expensive material. For a retail space like a spa store, the materials have to be earthy so as to create a feeling of freshness and being closer to nature. It is necessary to reduce the usage of artificial finished like plastics, as it would work against the desired ambience.
It looks like a 5 star hotel, very nice interior. Thanks for sharing it.
Thats kind of true. The entire ambiance and the use of architectural features should present a pleasant and attractive look to the store. So designers usually focus a lot on the interiors.
Doing something unusual yet pleasing to the eyes really helps when marketing products. Though I am not an interior designer, as a consumer it is really as factor that the place where I buy stuffs is also good. It seems that I am also buying good stuffs too. The design is really fantastic.
Kelsey
It is really important to satisfy your customers not only on the product they buy but also the place where they are buying, the good ambiance of a place helps customers to have a clearer mind and therefore they can easily think of what they are going to buy. Unique architectural feature of a retail store attracts easily customers and they have clearer mind for decision making because that’s what I’ve experienced. If I would come in the point that I would choose where to buy, I’m easily attracted to the place that has unique architectural design because for me it seems that they are selling sometime special. Your store seems to have something special, the interior decorations are really eye-catching. Thanks for sharing this post!
Really nice design it is refreshing to look at. You would never thought that it is a retail store because it looks like a hotel. Perfect selection of materials and accessories it really relaxes my mind. It’s really true that simplest materials would be more impressive when it is used effectively because simplicity is beauty.
Apart from the creation of elegant spaces with simplicity, it is the functionality of the design that blends so well with the elegance and beauty of the structure.
The above picture of a store really looks amazing. Any person who will visit this place will surely buy something there! What’s nice about your article is that you mentioned that even the simplest material can be useful and can be turned into something elegant that can be used as an accessory to the store. Money is quite hard to earn these times and we should learn how to save and lessen our expenses.
As a costumer the design of the space where I buy what I like is something to do on how I feel about it. For me the design of the store is the best way to display the inventory and the most attractive way to display items. And of course the store’s design must help the costumer to find what they need.
The top photo reminds shop expensive gifts before Christmas! Very comfortable, warm and seemed to hear the smell of cinnamon. A lower recalls feeling of spring, space. Very nice watch, thank you, that you placed them!
When we go shopping to the retail stores, we don’t really realize how much brainy work goes behind the impressive and attractive ambiance created at the retail stores.
Yes, I agree! Only when you walk into a boutique with a well-designed design and architectural ingenuity, it is felt intuitively!)
When I am to visit a retail store to purchase my needs or if I am just looking for an item to buy in the future I prefer those were I feel comfortable roaming around and at the same time I see things pleasing to my eye. A unique architectural feature would be a pleasurable scenery in a store and will surely increase the functionality of the place.
What a wonderful article! Thanks)
Retail store? Looks more like a hotel lobby! The interior design will really suit the customer and it’s very luxurious to look at.
A wonderful taste of the designer to complement the usual shop!
Wow. It’s a very luxurious design. That doesn’t look like a retail store. It looks more like a mansion. That would be a nice design for my dream house. Thanks for posting.
It is really important to satisfy your customers not only on the product they buy but also the place where they are buying, the good ambiance of a place helps customers to have a clearer mind and therefore they can easily think of what they are going to buy. Unique architectural feature of a retail store attracts easily customers and they have clearer mind for decision making because that’s what I’ve experienced. If I would come in the point that I would choose where to buy.