The Ahujasons store at Khan Market in Delhi is minimalistic and extremely practical, but also decidedly luxurious. The design team has adopted an unconventional approach to retail store planning and layout here.
Located in the upscale Khan Market in central Delhi, the boutique store is designed for Ahujasons, a premium Indian retail brand. The store houses traditional, luxurious and hand-crafted products across varied segments from casual daily wear to high-end heritage shawls.
“The design brief from the client enforced a strategy that would target an array of customers across all segments and showcase the selected range of products in each category amidst a luxurious setting, while at the same time being subtle in display,” states the design team led by Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal.
With an intent of avoiding any over-stocking, the store houses traditional products in a contemporary avatar for the modern discerning customer. It appeals to both young and old, with an attempt to make traditional products fashionable in the modern-day context.
A small, narrow site of 500 sq. ft. posed the primary design constraint, along with a brief to incorporate the entire range of products whilst also ensuring that every product and category would stand out in a unique manner. “Even within the restricted space, the intent was to create a sense of mystery and discovery by means of varied settings while also maintaining a sense of clarity and unity,” states the team.
This enabled the crafting of traditional half-arches within the store in a contemporary and modern manner. This had to altogether, in perspective, form a series of arches and create an illusion that enhances the wall-space yet not divide the walls. Two large mirrors with furniture placed in front of them, and a dramatic termination at the end of the store, enhances the overall spatial impression and perception.
Defined by a monochromatic palette, an earthy colour scheme, and an oak wood texture, the furniture setting is an authentic juxtaposition of customised, hand-crafted pieces, including the fixtures and display racks. “The minimalist lighting and the soft antique gold furnishings and fixtures, with only the most essential functions, complete the sophisticated ensemble. The glare-free lighting in the cabinet creates an interesting play of hidden shadow; light in the background puts focus on the products in a controlled way, creating an aura around them,” explains the team.
The bespoke shelving and display systems are composed of straight and library hangings, pigeon-holes for the plain and solid stoles, and cascades. Attention to detail with respect to the furnishings further enhances the overall design intent; the hangers and handles sport the store’s branding, while the hand-crafted cream-and-yellow tiles on the flooring is also a literal translation of the logo design.
