5 designer showrooms that will give you interiors envy
With most of us spending more time indoors than ever before, there’s never been a better opportunity to turn your attention towards your interior – or, more precisely, transforming your home into a sanctuary that is as chic as it is inviting. From an Italian palazzo to an elegant listed building in the Danish capital, a designer’s showroom is a window into their world – and offers serious home-décor inspiration
Established in 2014 by partners Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, Totême’s clean, contemporary aesthetic quickly helped identify it as one of the fashion world’s most promising new labels. The brand’s Stockholm flagship is proof that the duo’s elegant touch extends to interiors, too.
“Opening our first store was a big milestone for us; it’s the Totême world and we’re inviting visitors to become part of it. The flagship is a tribute to New York, where we first launched the brand. It’s inspired by a classic townhouse – the first floor is divided into four parts: the library, the living room, the bedroom and a walk-in closet. It was important for us to create a homely feel; a space where visitors would want to stick around for coffee. We worked in close collaboration with the renowned Swedish architecture firm Halleroed. They have a great understanding of our brand and are equally obsessed with detail. At the heart of the store is a beautiful staircase inspired by the Swedish Grace period. We’ve always loved iconic interior designer Andrée Putman, and her work has informed several design elements. Every Thursday, our florist comes in to create an arrangement for the lobby; no room scent compares to that of fresh flowers. We often have customers coming in for personal appointments in the evening. Sometimes, these meetings turn into parties, with friends joining for pizza and prosecco. Intimate experiences like these add character to the space. To celebrate the opening, I think we had about three different cocktail parties – the carpet never recovered, but the memories made it worthwhile!” Elin Kling
AQUAZZURA
Founded in 2011 by Edgardo Osorio, Aquazzura’s Milan showroom is just as well conceived as his myriad designs.
“When it came to designing this space, I was inspired by everyone from set designer Tony Duquette to architectural polymath Renzo Mongiardino, but it was interiors company Casa do Passadiço that helped me realize those dreams and bring this space to life. We wanted to have a mix of different styles from different periods, such as combining 18th-century pieces with mid-century modern – that mix is what makes a room feel really special, gives it personality and elicits emotion. I particularly love the antique baroque gold consoles and mirrors in the main room. They are all hand-carved and make the space feel dramatic and cinematic, almost as if you were walking onto the set of a Franco Zeffirelli film. Scent is extremely important for creating ambience and making a space inviting: we always have fresh flowers in the showroom and burn Jo Malone’s fig or tuberose candles – they’re my favorite fragrances.” Edgardo Osorio
STAUD
The LA-based label’s New York showroom is proof that co-founders Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto’s patented brand of contemporary kitsch extends to interiors.
“Just like the brand, the Staud showroom is chic without being pretentious. We wanted to keep the space light and playful so that it would provide the perfect setting for our clothing and accessories. Our design aesthetic varies greatly from season to season, so it was important to create a space that could adapt to these changes. The most important feature is definitely the light. It’s so rare to find such an open, airy space in downtown New York. We really believe that natural light is mood-enhancing, which is why it’s top of our list when we’re searching for any Staud space. Creating a good vibe is important – the furniture is mostly vintage and, scent-wise, we’ll either be burning the Le Labo Cade 26 candle or Astier de Villatte Hollywood incense. However, perhaps most crucially, before we officially moved into the showroom we had a crazy dance party with all our friends to christen the space. We like to think that energy stuck around.” Sarah Staudinger
SALONI
Since launching her eponymous label in 2011, Indian designer Saloni Lodha has developed a cult following thanks to her fearless use of color and print. Judging from the label’s London pop-up store, her interiors are just as intoxicating.
“I wanted the store to be more than just a retail space; it had to feel like the home of a traveler and collector – a place where our clients could really discover the brand’s heritage. When I first moved to London, I lived near Sloane Street, where the store is, and I love how elegant yet intimate the neighborhood feels. I even worked with a mixologist, Michael Isted, to create custom drinks we could serve, which reminds me of the warm hospitality that’s so distinctive to India. When it came to the décor, I worked closely with Julia Wagner, a talented set designer who I’ve collaborated with on previous projects; she has a really good understanding of the label and a rare skill for translating that ethos into beautiful interiors and installations. As is the case with any home, it’s been an organic process, which means we are gradually filling the store with things we love. There are already so many beautiful pieces, from the Adrian Pearsall sofa and Ilmari Tapiovaara coffee table to the pair of 1930s Gerdau armchairs – everything is playful and modest, with strong geometric lines and simple beauty. My absolute favorites are the Clara Porset Butaque lounge chair and Martin Visser sideboard. Crucially, this space will be ever-evolving; I plan to host all kinds of artists, installations and exhibitions while we’re here.”
STINE GOYA
Danish designer Stine Goya, known for her bold approach to color and print, took a similarly playful approach when it came to decorating her Copenhagen showroom.
“The office and showroom are an extension of our collections, an insight into our universe. The showroom really is the heart of the brand, so creating spaces where the whole team could gather was crucial. We started with the kitchen, which really set the tone for the whole interior. Color was, of course, a big focus. The space is located in a listed building very close to the famous Little Mermaid statue and has beautiful original features, but classically Danish interiors are often very neutral. I thought it would be exciting to give the space a colorful spin. The pink hallway never fails to put a smile on my face; I worked with a very specific palette that was emphasized by different materials and carefully selected objects – such as works by local artists FOS and Cathrine Raben Davidsen and also the Helle Mardahl candy-colored glass lamps. I designed the showroom myself, as I felt it was important that the space truly reflected my work and my ethos, and the reception has been thrilling. The Crown Princess of Denmark visited a while back and particularly loved how we turned what was a library into our production room, and we’ve had visitors swear off minimalist interiors and vow to paint their homes bright pink.” Stine Goya