Boutique Interiors: 3 Reasons Why it Matters
[ Boutique ]
It’s a buzzword that’s made its way through popular culture and into the design scene in recent years. Boutique hotels, boutique restaurants and boutique retail stores, all boast an opportunity for discerning clientele looking for an out-of-the-ordinary customer experience.
But what does boutique really mean and why does it matter?
Defined as a trendy fashion shop, the etymology of boutique has its origins in the small shops of 18th century France, Spanish bodegas, and Greek apothecaries. These terms call to mind winding, stone alleyways, vendors selling handmade wares and small storefronts with a limited selection of curated goods and services.
This romantic scene is a stark contrast to the big box and on-line shopping experience of modern day as convenience reigns supreme in an ever growing consumerist culture.
But, what draws us to these intimate boutique experiences in hotels, restaurants and shops is beyond their physical size or location. What’s missing in big box shopping is a connection to place.
Chatting with store owners and neighbours, selecting locally produced goods and services connect us to our community. Shopping and dining become a joy-filled experience as opposed to a chore.
Characterized by their small square footage, unique offerings and personalized service, boutique establishments have set their sights on customer experience. From the moment they step through the doors, clients are guided by professionals who have their needs in mind.
“For us, boutique has become a way of life”
A boutique interior design studio embodies the client experience as a mode of operation. Our process begins with a deep dive into what you need from your space, the critical elements that are missing now and how you dream it could function in the future. As a result, our design solutions reflect your uniqueness, personality and individual character.
We’ve summed up the 3 key reasons you need a boutique interior in your life:
I. One-of-a-Kind
Every person, family and business has a unique story and an individual character. Your interior space should reflect this spirit. Your home or business doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of a Pinterest photo, it can be created with your individuality in mind.
A custom sofa that fits your living room down to the inch or a perfectly programmed floor plan that flows from room to room, your interior can be tailored for you and the way you live or work.
Our design solutions are driven by a strong concept that infuses your space with meaning. Let us create a space just for you that expresses your individuality. And hey, one that you haven’t already seen a million times on Instagram ;)
II. Personal Service
Part of the charm of boutique shopping is the small, intimate venue where you’re not swallowed into anonymity by overstimulating fluorescent lighting and neverending checkout lines.
Soft music plays, comforting textures are available to the touch, perhaps even eucalyptus is being diffused into the air. Your sensory experience has not only been considered, but nurtured. The vendor welcomes you and asks you about your day, you know you matter in this place.
We strive to create an atmosphere where our clients feel seen and heard. We invest time at the front end of the project diving into what you are longing for in your space and how it could better serve your needs. Not unlike the boutique store owner recommending those shoes you may not have selected on your own, we guide you out of your comfort zone and help you make design decisions that are beautiful and timeless.
III. It’s in the Details
A boutique interior is imbued with character derived from many places, one of which is its design details. The four-centered arch added to match the existing character in a dining room, the window that perfectly frames the oak outside, or the cabinet hardware that becomes the jewelry of the kitchen, all work together to create a space that is anything but off the menu.
Sure, a custom detailed interior may cost more, but what you gain in return extends far beyond how the space appears in a photograph. Thoughtful detailing can drastically improve the way a space functions. These special details truly make the space, adding character, charm and utility.
Detailing is one of our favorite phases of a design project. How to transition from new floor material to old, which type of hinge makes the best sense on a cabinet, how to finish the edge of a new tile backsplash, these decisions can be overwhelming and your interior designer is here to help. We offer guidance and expertise rooted in project experience.
“Details make the difference ”
