When the 130-year-old Lion Brand Yarn company decided to open its first store, in New York, it wanted a design that celebrated both the history of yarn and its renewed popularity of knitting and crocheting.
Taking 1700-square-feet in a 1920s loft, the exposed brick walls marry with a blue wave since curve wall on the left where different activity zones focus on different products. In the first recess, cones of yarn are displayed on cactus-like holders made from plumbing pieces and fittings. On the opposite wall, back-lit translucent polycarbonate panels house yarn in a variety of colors, as well as accessories, books and bags.
Eco-friendly design details include bamboo flooring, resin counters and ceramic floor tiles made from recycled glass and cabinets created from reclaimed sorghum plant stalks.
For a hands-on experience, shoppers can use the sampling wall to test selected yarns or enjoy free demonstrations at the centrally located learning bar. “This is not just a store but a center of inspiration, education and service for those who knit or crochet,” says Lion Brand Yarn president David Blumenthal.
Client: Lion Brand Yarn Studio, New York
Design: David Gauld Architect, New York
Outside Design Consultants: Elizabeth Strianese Interiors, Beacon, N.Y. (furniture, finishes and merchandising); SM Lighting Design, New York (lighting); Doyle Partners, New York (graphic design)
Audio/Visual: Harvey’s, New York
Ceilings: Armstrong, Lancaster, Pa.
Fixtures, furniture: Teamwork Contracting, Flushing, N.Y.
Flooring: Teragren, Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Innovations Ceramics, Alpharetta, Ga.
Lighting: Lightolier, Fall River, Mass.
Mannequins/Forms: Superior Model Form Co., New York
Signage/Graphics: Artisan Digital, Kearny, N.J.
Wallcoverings and Materials: Bettencourt, Brooklyn, N.Y.; 3-form, New York
Artwork: Emily Barletta, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Photography: Paul Johnson, Stamford, Conn.