Considering a fresh approach, the new concept encompassed some existing strategies alongside new design features in prime locations to present the key brand propositions, such as ‘The Sustainable Edit’ and ‘George Clarke’.

Initially we carried out a review of their existing store planning strategy and created larger, flexible zones within the central area of the store. New floor finishes were used to achieve this, on occasions breaking up the traditionally used, ‘walkway’ around the store and ultimately creating ‘pause points’ for the customer to stop and take in the ranges presented to them.

The ‘Sustainable Edit’ sits centrally as a feature within the store. Its location carefully considered amongst its surrounding room settings to allow the brand to increase/ decrease as required with flexibility and little effect on surrounding areas.

The presentation of the new ranges and brand story included info graphics while product displays use to testify and support the ‘sustainable’ name. Soft, neutral tones and materials were used within the design elements, in-keeping with the ‘sustainable’ look.

For the ‘George Clarke’ brand, the brief was to create a key ‘destination’ within their stores, to become a focal point for customers looking back through the store especially from the first-floor mezzanine.

Spanning across the mid floor area, customers will always pass through as they enter and leave the store.

The product within this brand display encompasses craftsmanship, and timeless design. The interior design concept was influenced by this, with geometric wall paneling, soft tones, and neutral finishes. Sat immediately opposite the ‘Sustainable Edit’, both brands needed to work well together and flow comfortably, to allow any overflow/ infill ranges to be easily placed should this be required in the future.

New digital applications were included at other key points throughout the store to entice browsing. For instance an ‘Entrance’ to the first-floor mezzanine was included, where an additional new brand gallery is located. This gallery was designed to give the feel of an apartment, its location within the store created a ‘walk-in’ space with a range of different furniture types, including sofas and beds.

Alongside the concept design the team at je+1 also continued to provide Detailed Design for the projects through Fit-Out drawings, Lighting and Electrical Designs, Bespoke Fixture design, all Finish Specifications and project Coordination.

‘’Our brief was to create a store concept unparalleled in the marketplace that provides the perfect environment for their customer and product, whilst ultimately being conducive for sales’’. Their product range is a story of design, modern materials and quality with brands such as Natuzzi, Calligaris, Franco Ferri, Calia and Hypnos to name a few.

je+1  worked alongside Designer Sofas planning their offering of Upholstery, Dining, Bedroom and Lighting; designing and delivering their first concept store at their Flagship location and Headquarters, in London’s Brent Cross.

Following the success of the concept that took the new store to No. 1 in sales within the group, je+1 more recently began work on the latest store in Cardiff Gate. The store design at the 18, 000 Sq. Ft location has evolved from the concept store ‘architecturally’ and included new range strategies and brand galleries.

Designer Sofas stores at their core are now spaces that allow seamless transition through style, design and function. As with all je+1’s stores the Customer Journey is paramount to provide purposeful navigation through each destination, engaging interaction with product at each point. The stores Interior Design approach was to provide an inspiring atmospheric environment, which aesthetically matches the quality of its Italian product.

A modern lifestyle inspired setting was created that progresses through subtle themes with the use of architectural finishes, feature designs and lighting; while also introducing new Brand Gallery designs for Calligaris and Cattelan Italia. je+1 delivered the store from Concept to Detailed Technical Design and Completion, assisting with product accessorisation and Visual Merchandising.

We felt their new identity needed to communicate the different ranges individually, but also needed it to be cohesive for the overall brand. It was also very important for us to provide a subtle but clear differential between budget, high quality and luxury offerings. This was crucial to ensure their customer base could navigate through the store and discover their ideal products, whilst not being discouraged by quite contrasting price points.

In-store, we were able to create the most ideal experience through the careful placement of departments; the identification of each area through Branding, Layout, Interior Design and Lighting; and strategic product positioning within each area. The entire store was given a distinct new style to elevate TBK as a market leader.

The store design has a more experiential emphasis than their previous showrooms, which also went hand in hand with the new sales process. This was achieved through our design approach to varying display methods, with varying materials and finishes; the introduction of tools for interaction, and a considered Lighting Design creating very specific atmospheres.

Within the main Bathroom Showroom the Customer Experience Strategy allowed us to create a combination of zones providing areas for Aspiration, Selection and Consultation. From the Bathroom Sets we designed, to the working Showers, Fitting Displays and Tile Selection Areas, every consideration was made to ensure customers have access to the most ideal products and the right expertise at each destination. The more Luxury Ranges are located on the next level in the store leading on from the main Showroom.

TBK Design’s ‘Bespoke’ department specialises in High End Bathroom Design, offering opulent Vanity Furniture, Baths and large format Porcelain Tiles. Working closely with TBK Design, we also created their new Digital Communications and multiple POS applications throughout. Externally the façade finished with Fibre Cement Cladding, Imposing Glazed Entrance and Signage, transforming TBK Design’s new Flagship Store.

Having helped them with Pop-Ups at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, Manchester and Selfridges Birmingham we were again asked to create a space for them at Le Fix, utilizing fixtures from their previous installations.

Le Fix was founded in Copenhagen in 1999 by Benny Kusk, Rasmus Jacobsen and Jesper Holm out of love for art, tattoo and clothing. Le Fix is an international lifestyle brand, globally renowned, from Japan to the US, but with strong roots in the Danish underground.

The Le Fix brand’s history spans from design to art, street culture, tattoos, graffiti, music and clothing. Le Fix is a collective of artists and designers and is built upon a space with creative freedom, allowing everybody to unfold their individual and mutual potential.

With the opportunity to take up a larger space for this Pop-Up, we were able to utilise standard fixtures while also expanding Too Hot’s brand throughout the store with additional artefacts and photography.

Le Fix Image Source: propermag.com

The company is behind many classical furniture designs by leading figures of the Danish modern movement, beside collaborating with contemporary designers.

Working with their in-house designer Despina Curtis on their new Pimlico Showroom, we were tasked with creating an intimate showroom worthy of been given the title of their new flagship store for the U.K.

The building period frontage was restored with new signage and awnings being selected while simple window displays were curated to showcase product.

Pale timber floors, from the same timber as their furniture was coupled with flat decorated walls were chosen to provide a simple backdrop for displaying the furniture.

Also designed was a bespoke Kitchen area which would provide an area for staff and clients while showcasing Danish Cabinets and Bookcases.

Carl Hansen created their own centre point to the store by providing an antique side board that was originally owned by company director; Knud Erik Hansen, with the addition of a new oak counter top the unit was carefully altered to provide a Reception.

Too Hot has developed into a tightly edited online store which reflects the personal tastes and experiences of its founder, who travels the world sourcing vintage pieces and collectors’ items from secret locations.

Having already worked on concept designs for a potential store, je+1 were responsible for the Design, Project Management and Installation of a pop up space within the prestigious Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.

The brief was to create a space that reflected the ‘urban’ nature of the brand with a digital element to showcase the fashion inspired film used by the brand online.

With strong ties to cultural magazines, such as ‘LAW’, we also added printed material to be displayed, providing customers with an opportunity to engage the sub-culture and providing Too Hot with an opportunity to further endorse the brand.

We designed a concept in which the space is formed by free standing, and to showcase special items, we designed a display unit with a motorised hanging feature to rotate the garment.

Being a new brand on the high-street we needed to ensure the brand presence and identity came across clearly to customers, who may also become online customers for future purchases.

Their existing store that we designed some years ago in Edinburgh, was the test bed for a new concept, reconfiguring it entirely to include two additional brands from within the DFS group – ‘Sofa Workshop’ and ‘Dwell’.

The main DFS showroom presents a new concept designed in line with new range and merchandising principles. The brief required an evolution of the current store concept integrating key brand messages into the heart of the design and store infrastructure, whilst communicating the breadth of range and exclusive brands effectively through digital touch points.

With a fresh approach to the store, new finishes were selected to complement and enhance both the furniture, brand messaging and range layout in store. The finishes were modern and clean with injections of colour in key locations to compliment the new, stronger, brand messages and exclusive brand graphics.

The concept includes four, premium, room-settings displaying exclusive brands such as French Connection, Country Living and House Beautiful, whom DFS have been partnering with over recent years. With a greater allocation of space, these areas have tailored brand messaging and additional items on display, demonstrating the breadth of range and finishes available.

At the heart of the store is a feature 3×3 video wall and interactive table to engage customers. With an opportunity to navigate through the wider range/ options available, the customer can transfer information from the interactive screen to the large-scale video wall, with a single hand swipe.

Sofa Workshop has its own dedicated entrance. Whilst Dwell sits within DFS, alongside a newly created DFS Bedroom and Dining concession and DFS Clearance area, with customer flow between all spaces.

Our challenge was to create a store format which allowed Bensons to provide a greater focus on product brands, create new specialist departments and redefine how we communicate their core values as the No. 1 Bed Retailer.

At the heart of the store, we provided a mattress testing area alongside their Adaptive Bed system where mattress firmness can be adjusted digitally.

Leading with function at the start of a customer journey, we provided a digital platform which allows exploration a customer’s ideal mattress, and also including products such as bedding to be browsed within the same area.

We also wanted to create brand specific spaces throughout the store which tell their own story to customers through materials, function and price range; emphasising bensons as Sleep Specialists. Each brand space was given its own aesthetic and unique way of communicating their product.

Alongside these we introduced a new Furniture Department with Furniture Design Hub, presenting Bensons for Beds as a specialist in design as well as mattress function.

Additional features were included to physically showcase other new product types such as a Kids Zone, Bed-in-a-Box and Pillow displays while including stations for digital interaction allowing exploration of their extended range.