Clothing retailers feature decor that appeals to the senses, but this can often be excessive and ultimately detract from the apparel on offer. So when the Raw07 team was tapped to design Solmé, a new boutique, the clothes were the key inspiration and not simply an afterthought. “Rather than relying on overt luxury or strong 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 these qualities.”
Located in Poznań, Poland, the compact 861-square-foot store is a flexible and minimalist framework, with a layout that encourages customers to stay and discover a must-have outfit. The main entrance doubles as a backdrop for the fashion coordinates. A second gateway defines the fitting room zone, and also conceals essential equipment and accessories.
Display structures are constructed from aluminum, which have an industrial look and can be easily reconfigured by staff when new merchandise arrives. Custom stainless steel furniture left untreated retains its true character, plus it is recyclable. Individual pieces are combined and arranged in a variety of ways to meet changing space requirements.
There is an interplay of hard and soft materials throughout the shop. Polished metal contrasts with unfinished plasterboard, while softness is introduced via ribbons, curtains, and fabric-wrapped rails. The simplification of finishes not only has a contemporary feel, it also ensures that waste will be reduced during any future renovations.
The color palette is understated, and is largely derived from the materials utilized in the boutique. Gypsum boards with a pink hue bring in a warm glow. Translucent acrylic panels in a green-blue tone reflect light and add an ethereal touch. A range of textural elements are paired with etched mirrors on the walls to create the dream-like atmosphere, a perfect balance of raw and refined that beckons touch.
With an emphasis on modularity and reusable components, this project challenges the traditional model that prioritizes trendy over timeless. “Solmé offers an alternative vision of retail design,” Pierzchlewicz notes. “It is an environment that remains open to change and reinterpretation, evolving alongside the lines it presents.”
To see this and other works by the studio, visit raw07.com.
Photography by Zasoby Studio.
