Category — Commercial Spaces

From the digital portfolio of Japanese design firm, Wonder-wall INC, this exquisite retail design has more style and nerve than any American shop I’ve seen. The unique layout of the space offers it’s shoppers an experience with-in an experience. By creating several product display area’s the company has created a map for customers to travel.

The brand, And A, has created this store to delve into the menswear world. One of the key words for the design concept of this store is “decorative”. The entrance is like an introduction to various zoned areas giving the impression as if there are several individual shops within this shop.

The various zones are divided by glass partitions with printed Greek style columns to parlay with the idea of “fake” vs. “real” with decorative Greek columns against the back wall . The color palette base is black and gold. The shelving units are sunken in the wall to frame the products like artwork.

Wonder-wall’s treatment of the space goes against what we in America classically define as retail. The store displays individual items for it’s consumers to droll over and keeps it’s stock in the back in order to give the idea of individuality and promotes customer service and interaction between the customer and the sales associate.

These round tables almost become portals in which the goods are on display. The mirrored shape in the ceiling encloses the space and continues the theme of unique product sales. This theme is also seen along the shelving display wall where product is displayed like art also promoted unique characteristics to what is most likely mass produced apparel.

A key element in the space is this X-form walk way that takes the customer through the space and deposits them in different areas of interest. Wonder-wall has creatively engaged the end user, or customer by almost forcing them through this clear tunnel. By doing this the shopper will see all the product on the floor while being directed there subconsciously.

Because this is a men’s wear store the repetition of the corintian order of columns makes perfect sense as classic greece was ruled by men. The translation from traditional to modern is seemless and lets the interaction in the space become more appriciated.

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Take a look at the New Headquarters for the Twitter Social Media Group. This one of a kind space comes complete with an arcade, custom concrete conference table and a tone of comfy lounge seating. This is a true break from the traditional and is a welcome change for the better. The space above has several classic pieces as well as a new favorites. The casual spaces throughout the offices really speak to how people work in today’s new social media infused world. Seating groupings like these are designed to encourage collaboration and connectivity between coworkers.

Get The Look:

1. Wall decals from Etsy.com ($11) 2. Trollsta Sideboard from Ikea ($349) 3. Accent colors found in furnishings and artwork 4. Barcelona Chair  from DWR.com 5. Acrylic Deer head from A+R Store.com 6. Molded Plywood Eames Chair from DWR.com

A Chicago tradition has been to walk the windows at Marshal Fields, now Macy’s and to get inspired by the massive tree in the stores famous restaurant. In the center of the Walnut room you’ll find the two story pine tree which changes in theme and style every year. This years tree is a tinsel cover winter creation with silver and black accents and just subtle hints of green. with a giant multiple point star on top.

Other interior decoration seen at Macy’s on State St. include these huge ornament clusters and garlands. Red and silver can be seen throughout the many floors of the Chicago classic.

Entering the Chicago Theater is like taking a step back in time. This is a place where music and theater converge and people get transported to other worlds. The classic design of the Chicago theater shows us what design was back in the day when Chicago was more Hollywood than business.

Yapı Kredi World Lounge in Istanbul, Turkey is an exciting interior environment designed by the always innovative designer/artist Karim Rashid. In this space select Yapı Kredi Bank cardholders are welcome to enjoy all services offered by the Ataturk Airport  International Terminal CIP Lounge.

“The design of this interior was created to be a beacon of inspiration-a unique experience among a plethora of chain restaurants and duty-free display cases. The space will be memorable for the world traveler, the once-a-year tourist, and the every-day employee. By “synergizing” Yapi Kredi’s can-do attitude with the soothing aura of perfect balance and design, a completely fulfilling experience is guaranteed.” – Karim Rashid

A perfect play on the Fire and Ice concept; the interiors at the W Hotel Lakeshore Drive in Chicago offer it’s guests a unique interior experience. The cool tones in the lobby and lounge areas are well mixed with the contemporary furnishings to create a modern vibe well maintaining a comfortable and friendly environment. The restaurant is the antithesis of bringing hot color and style into a dining atmosphere. The courageous use of color and technology in order to create a column of six foot tall fire is design genious.

2 Point Perspective in Chicago, IL is a husband and wife team who opened up shop a few years ago with the idea of becoming a leader in sustainable design. They have worked on projects varying from residential to the commercial work seen here. They also have an Architectural portfolio as well as one in furniture Design.

Dining at The Gage is like dining in a high class subway station. The high gloss green tiled walls are accented beautifully by the use of a classic black border. The black tile features a great crown molding, which works well with the classic design of the space. Low ceilings and intimate dining rooms create a sense of warmth and familiarity. The space is a great representation of what modern Irish interiors can be.

Check out my review on Yelp! or The Review from Chicago Magazine

Central Michel Richard in Washington D. C. is a great commercial space by Interior Architects. An inspirational space with great use of light wood tones, beige’s and brown and white accents. The view above shows a dining space that has a great view of the restaurants wine wall.