Clothing retailers have decor that appeals to the senses, but this can often be overkill and ultimately detract from the clothing on offer. So when the Raw07 team was tapped to design Solmé, a new boutique, clothing was the primary inspiration and not just an afterthought. “Rather than relying on overt luxury or bold visual statements, the collections are defined by subtle details and a sense of effortless sophistication,” says Dominik Pierzchlewicz, founder and architect at Raw07. “We wanted the interior to reflect those qualities.”
Located in Poznań, Poland, the compact 861 square foot store is a flexible and minimalist framework, with a layout that encourages customers to linger and discover an essential garment. The main entrance doubles as a backdrop for fashion coordinates. A second gate defines the zone of the mounting space and also hides basic equipment and accessories.
The display structures are made of aluminum, which has an industrial look and can be easily reconfigured by staff when new merchandise arrives. Custom untreated stainless steel furniture retains its original character as well as being recyclable. Individual pieces are combined and arranged in various ways to meet changing space requirements.
There is an interplay of hard and soft materials throughout the store. Polished metal contrasts with unfinished plasterboard, while softness is introduced through fabric-wrapped ribbons, curtains and rails. Simplifying the finishes not only has a contemporary feel, but also ensures that waste is reduced during any future renovations.
The color palette is restrained and largely derived from the materials used in the boutique. Pink-hued plasterboards give a warm glow. Translucent acrylic panels in a green-blue tone reflect light and add an ethereal touch. A series of textural elements combine with etched mirrors on the walls to create the dreamy atmosphere, a perfect balance of raw and refined that evokes.
With an emphasis on modularity and reusable components, this project challenges the traditional model that prioritizes the modern over the timeless. “Solmé offers an alternative vision of retail design,” notes Pierzchlewicz. “It’s an environment that remains open to change and reinterpretation, evolving alongside the lines it presents.”
To view this and other studio works, visit raw07.com.
Photo by Zasoby Studio.
