Fabric art, wooden framework, play of nature make it a special boutique. By Nandhini Sundar
It is a 600 sq. ft boutique designed for a young fashion design graduate, tailored to display her designs as well as the customised options done to suit specific client inclinations. The brief was to create a youthful, informal setting that reflected creativity at its peak. The solution offered was a space that used fabric and colour combined with display systems to create an ambience which would amply support the décor during festivals and special occasions.
The award winning design of Boutique Priya Agarwal by Architect Leena Kumar of Kumar Consultants shows the new trend emerging in retail spaces where the outlets no more feature as mundane areas housing attractive wares. Retail design has taken a new turn, the décor of the spaces equally important as the type of wares housed, says Kumar.
“The colours, materials used, the type of design opted for, the language of the space, all contribute to making a statement on the product sold within the retail space. Unlike in the past, currently retailers, especially in boutiques, are increasingly looking at the type of décor and its impact on the customer, which in turn translates into a meaningful conversation”, she states. According to her, the type of décor chosen reflects not only the nature of the product retailed but also the personality of the retailer as well as the class which the retailed product is pitched into.
Kumar’s sentiments are amply reflected in her design of Boutique Priya Agarwal. The concept opted for focuses on directing the visual experience from the moment of entering the boutique. This is facilitated by a centrally positioned door made of coloured fabrics which opens on to an uncluttered space. A series of repetitive colourful curved frames moving across the ceiling connect the display section on either end which hold folded and hanging garments.
The first visual experience thus draws the eye to these curved, coloured frames on the ceiling, taking the senses along to terminate at the display section where the eye then rests on the designed garments, locking in the attention that can eventually translate into a purchase. The fabric-clad frames also serve as dividers for hanging accessories of the season, while the wooden framework background reveals an absorbing display of sketches and paintings of the designer.
While the central space is purposely left open and uncluttered for the clients to sit back and view the garments at both ends, the antique-finish central table and accompanying bean bags on a rustic wooden floor permit a relaxed contemplation of a prospective purchase amidst a youthful, informal setting. The copious colour and ensuing vibrancy of the space further reflect amply the youthful style of design offered in the boutique. An attractive working corner features a working table and pin-up space where the designer could discuss, customise and display her sketches.
Play of nature
A vibrant interior is incomplete without the play of nature. The vibrancy peaks when teamed with something old, something salvaged. Kumar recognises this, bringing in their charming presence in the form of money plants housed in brightly painted used cans. The cans are perched on attractively hand-painted old steel trunks and two old wooden frames that bring in the idea of re-use.
“The accessories were carefully chosen to ensure they complemented the main theme of the interior in totality”, says Kumar.
“Be it the old steel trunks painted with fabric art, the wooden framework created from discarded mirror frames to hold money plants in cans, the exposed brick wall to bring in earth and nature, the exposed ceiling and electrical services to reflect honesty and transparency in building services where nothing is hidden, an easel to display artwork, beanbags and coloured polycarbonate chairs to usher in youth and informality, all ultimately come together in the space to speak the theme of youth, informality, creativity.”
Decor alterations
With every season and festive occasion, the curved frames permit décor alterations, be it hanging diyas during Deepavali or stars during Christmas, making the space totally dynamic. The design of Boutique Priya Agarwal brought home for Kumar the prestigious Glitz award in the Best Retail Category.
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