At the center of this West Elm store in California is a large loft space that's reserved for special displays. This is just one of the small niches that shoppers are invited to explore in the home decor and furnishing shop.
This particular building features a separate rotunda, which has features that are quite different from most West Elm locations, In order to bring unity and purpose to the space, the interior was chosen to contain the shop's Design Lab, which is an interactive space where consumers can pick and choose different finishes and fabrics during the creation of custom furniture.
An open, airy atmosphere is created in the space by the use of light walls and high ceilings that are partially covered by exposed wooden beams. The mixture of raw and refined elements in this space successfully creates a harmonious environment.
What's Driving This Trend
- Loft-like Retail Spaces
- The trend of creating large loft spaces in retail stores for special displays encourages customers to explore and interact with the products.
- Interactive Design Labs
- Design Labs in retail stores where consumers can pick and choose different finishes and fabrics during the creation of custom furniture is a disruptive innovation opportunity.
- Airy Atmospheres
- Creating open, airy atmospheres in retail spaces through the use of light walls and high ceilings that are partially covered by exposed wooden beams is a trend that can attract and retain customers.
Who This Affects Most
- Home Decor and Furnishing
- Creating interactive design labs where customers can customize furniture is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the home decor and furnishing industry.
- Retail
- Incorporating large loft spaces and creating open, airy atmospheres in retail stores can disrupt the traditional shopping experience and attract customers.
- Architecture and Interior Design
- The trend of creating open, airy atmospheres and incorporating large loft spaces in retail spaces presents an opportunity for architects and interior designers to explore and innovate.
