Incorporating 2019 Retail Design Trends

February 25, 2019
Stepping into 2019, we can reflect on popular trends from last year and now look ahead to discover which ones will push the design industry forward. The following trends will be great to incorporate into store designs this year to keep them exciting and interesting to shop in.

1. Bold Colors for a Bold New Year

“Jewelry store KAKURU”
Image Source: Urban Soul Project

Since Pantone announced “Living Coral” as color of the year, we will expect to see a multitude of bold colors dominating the retail design scene. KAKARU exemplifies the use of bold color’s in their store design located in Athens, Greece. The jewelry store KAKURU draws inspiration by combining nature and materiality, adopting a vivid green color similar to PPG’s color of the year – Night Watch. In combination with bronze and olive wood, these colors complement each other whilst bringing out the vibrant green.

“Garderoba Concept Store in Zagreb by BIRO”
Image Source: urdesign

Garderoba concept store in Croatia adopts a monochromatic approach to their store, separated by shades of pink, green and yellow colored spaces. These individual segments highlight their mantra of slow-shopping, each mimicking wardrobe capsules, comprising of different styles which the customer is encouraged to try on. The colors not only serve as both separation and aesthetic use, but also as multi-functional spaces. The use of these bold colors in these various concept stores help make the space more illuminating and captivating to be in.

2. Wooden Elements

“Patom Organic Living, Bangkok, Thailand”
Image Source: The Cool Hunter

The use of wood started to become a popular trend in 2018 store designs and is continuing to be even more popular in 2019. An example of a concept store that incorporates the use of wood is Patom Organic Living in Bangkok specializing in selling organic body products, aims to promote sustainable and green living through their products. Their interior design is inspired by nature and greenery and incorporates an earthy white and brown color scheme. Patom’s owners and designers selected reclaimed wood from the owner’s old houseboat, fallen tree trunks from the family farm and refurbished furniture from the owners’ collection, staying true to their brand’s beliefs. The concept store is also surrounded by lush greenery and is absolutely breathtaking at sunset.

3. Old Meets New
A popular trend in 2019 is using classic store designs to bring character to the store’s aesthetic. There is an emerging appreciation and demand for spaces that embody distinct personality and take on a persona. Consumers increasingly want to be in spaces that have character, individuality and tell a story. A popular way retailers are conveying their brand story in 2019 is by renting out shopfronts that have a distinct history or cultural significance, making their brand part of the city.

“Aesop”
Image Source: Taxonomy of Design

Known for their contemporary and minimal aesthetic, Australian brand Aesop opens yet another store design in Leipzig, Germany, a cultural city famed for its music and arts. The store manages to blend in with Leipzig’s historical buildings, thanks to the rough concrete façade, powder-coated metal and translucent glass tiles, which Architonic describes as, “reflective of the industrial uniformity that characterised Leipzig when Germany’s East and West were demarcated.” Aesop successfully strikes a balance between its contemporary product line and historic beauty of the city, exuding an alluring rustic charm.

“Apple Store”
Image Source: www.saicsetoff.com

Another example is the Apple store design in the Champs-Elysees, Paris. Few brands would be able to smoothly integrate themselves into a historic Parisian building, especially being a global brand at the forefront of technology. Instead, Apple pays a tribute to the city’s historic architecture whilst introducing modern spaces. Burgundy stone and French oak parquet line the interior of the space, resulting in a timeless but modern feel just like the city. A sculptural roof light (pictured above) provides renewable energy and sunlight to the space, powering the space with 100 percent renewable energy.

4. Homely and Comforting Spaces
Living in an ever-accelerating and rapidly paced society, feelings of anxiousness and frustration is an unavoidable component in people’s lives. Retail therapy is an act of comfort, but more importantly is the space in which consumers choose to spend their hard earned cash. Retailers able to provide this momentary relief and safe space away from the hustle and bustle of the city are sure-fire winners. It’s all about finding order and beauty amidst the chaos, and MUJI is a stunning example.

“MUJI's reopened global flagship store in tokyo features a fruit and vegetable market”
Image Source: Design Boom

MUJI flagship store in Tokyo, originally a clothes and interior living retailer, now has their own marketplace which sells fruits and vegetables. In addition to their home theme, there are also MUJI HUTS, these are individual cabins in the store that mimic living spaces, a perfect showroom for their furniture and an area for customers who might be overwhelmed by the “outside”.

It is important for various store designs to be aware of the latest trends and incorporate it into their own stores. 2019 is full of new and refreshing ideas. Whether it is the use of bold colors, natural elements like wood, using vintage stores, or making the store design feel like home, it is all about finding what works best for each personal store design.