Expressing a self-care ethos in a sensory retail experience
The interior design of La Maison Lavande’s first physical storefront in Montreal is a refined distillation of the company’s self-care ethos and the lavender fields of their Saint-Eustache farmstead, seamlessly integrated into a high-traffic downtown commercial core. Like its namesake crop, the soft, sensory atmosphere of the 500-square-foot boutique blooms through delicate light and forms, immediately capturing the attention of passersby with its striking contrast to the Brutalist-inspired concrete forms of Complexe Desjardins.
Central to the location is a minimalist aesthetic that embodies elegance, simplicity, and airiness. Elegant forms and rounded shapes envelop this physical extension of the brand, complemented by white oak and a soothing palette of cream and lavender hues. As the gentle aroma of seasonal products wafts through the space, customers are guided past a curved velour wall bearing a personalized installation celebrating local creative talents and along the shop’s curated shelves and display podiums, topped in purple-flecked terrazzo. These carefully crafted fixtures are further accentuated by cove lighting that mimics natural light, paired with a subtle play of textures, including wall coverings reminiscent of Japanese paper and ceramic floors.
Balancing hospitality with employee functionality, features throughout the boutique create understated degrees of versatility: Namely, a curved wall within the boutique hides a workstation while discreet storage space hides a higher amount of stock alongside drawing attention to displayed inventory, meeting the demands of both in-person retail and e-commerce processing. Through these sleights of hand, the layout emphasizes spaciousness despite the compact size, making it ideal for events and activations.
Emphasizing well-being and relaxation, this boutique not only reflects La Maison Lavande’s heritage but also sets the foundation for future design influences in upcoming locations. Through a thoughtful, rustic-chic presentation, it is as much a place of luxury as it is one of comfort and authenticity, evoking the serene and feel-good nature of lavender.
