Flattering Illumination
A skincare flagship retail boutique and spa, the Dr. Barbara Sturm store, sets out to create a unique retail experience that evokes tranquility with a touch of science lab. At just 1,989 sqft, the project represents a masterful solution that accentuates the architectural space, showcases retail products, and provides customers flattering illumination. Diffused soft lighting is key to this project. In the main retail space, a luminous atmosphere is created with gestural recessed linears and suspended decorative globes. Custom mirrors with integrated lighting provide soft vertical illumination onto faces while shoppers and clients sample skincare products. Direct accent lights and undercabinet lighting provide higher illuminances for the retail merchandise; prominently showcasing them in their displays. This large glowing volume invites passersby into the store with its sleek, modern aesthetic while being warm and inviting with the diffused lighting.
The treatment rooms and corridors of the projects provide a reposeful and relaxing environment for customers wanting specialized care. Low level lighting is integrated into the baseboard mimicking both the futuristic linear lighting and soft diffused mirror lighting from the main retail space. In the treatment lighting in custom round mirrors provide flattering key light. Suspended decorative rings, which mimic the mirrors, provide diffused general illumination and additional vertical illumination. Because of these multiple layers of lighting, the illuminance and atmosphere can range from bright and clinical or soothing and intimate through selective dimming.
Due to the amount of diffused integrated millwork lighting, careful consideration was taken when selecting power wattages for the various LED tape specifications in order to comply with the wattage allowance. A balance was struck between providing appropriate illumination for hierarchy and prominence and complying with title 24. Overall, the lighting design of the project accentuates the sleek modern interior architecture while providing a flattering, inviting, tranquil environment.