Cassaforte
The Client’s dream was to open a very distinctive jewelry boutique, to carry exclusive lines of high-end European fashion jewelry. The interior of the shop will be a European, contemporary look, sophisticated yet inviting. The name will be trademarked and the goal is to open future stores across the country. The interior finishes will be natural, clean lines, fresh and warm.
The shape of the 600 square foot space is unique with curved walls and windows. A long curved counter was designed to take advantage of the length of the space, maximizing the showcase area. Ms. Kowalski wanted to stand behind the counter with a ledge behind her, to set trays of jewelry while the customer is viewing. She also enjoys having direct eye contact with her patrons while consulting with them. A very large framed mirror is on the opposite wall so the patrons may view themselves full-length wearing their jewelry. She needed the showcases to be divided to house different designer collections. A gift wrapping table would be required and a cash desk.
The design concept repeated throughout the space is the illusion of floating. The showcases have been designed so the glass protrudes beyond the millwork at the top and front, and suspends two feet, five inches above the floor. The dark stained millwork recesses back, with downlighting to illuminate the warm metallic, porcelain floor. The glass shelves behind the showcases are suspended on cables, and three showcase boxes are suspended at eye level in the front windows of the store. The walls are a luxurious, leather texture wallcovering in a warm gold color. The fabric trays in the showcases are microfiber suede in the same color. The curved wall featuring three recessed display cases, is suspended up off the floor with recessed downlighting. Above, the company logo is prominent in pin-mounted stainless steel. Stainless steel lines all the showcases, accents the recessed basekick and is featured on the smooth round columns on the back wall. Carpet with underpad is behind the showcases for the comfort of the staff.
Lighting is crucial in the presentation of the jewelry. The front of the showcases have transparent minirail halogen track heads shining on the jewelry. Linear T2 flourescent tubes add an appealing glow from the back. Halogen tracklights mounted on the ceiling provide a sparkle to the starfire glass. The cable suspension system includes two lights per glass shelf. To accentuate the floating showcases, halogen potlights illuminate the floor and also the recessed showcases. The jewelry displays sparkle with light from all directions. Light boxes mounted on the walls glow with very large images of models wearing the jewels. And potlights is the ceiling provide general room lighting.
The store is completely accessible from the street level and barrier free. Natural and recyclable products were chosen such as glass, birch millwork, stainless steel, porcelain tile and recyclable carpet with CRI indoor air quality testing certification. The millwork cabinets were designed with sliding doors, appropriate for the size of the space and all compartments lock for security of the products.
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