"Fashion changes, but style endures."
- Coco Chanel
Nowadays, the term boutique interior is used more and more in everyday life, in the description of different interiors and especially in the field of real estate. But what exactly does boutique interior mean and is it used correctly is the topic I would like to discuss in this blog.
As a beginning I would like to start with the definition of the word "boutique“ :
- a small shop selling products (clothes, cosmetics, shoes, ornaments) or accessories in the latest fashion.
- a business or establishment that is small and sophisticated or fashionable.
According to Wikipedia:
„A boutique (French: [butik]) is a small shop that deals in fashionable clothing or accessories. The word is French for "shop", which derives ultimately from the Ancient Greek ἀποθήκη (apothēkē) "storehouse“.
The term boutique and also designer refer (with some differences) to both goods and services, which are containing some element that is claimed to justify an extremely high price.“
Okay,but beyond the meaning „extremely high price“ what it is that it characterizes it? In my understanding it should consist of hand-made items and other unique products that are considered with high quality and special design.
Then in the interior architecture, what defines a private or a public space as a boutique interior?
Unfortunately very often real estate agents or magazines put the label “boutique” trying to catch the eye and look different in order to sell the property. Even when it doesn’t correspond to the description it is more likely to be used for modern, small, renovated spaces which are supposed to have a higher price. And it is very interesting phenomenon how terms could change or even lose their meaning thanks to this wrong exploitation. Although in a way it is normal in our modern society and so rapidly changing environment.
But in fact, usually it should be a space focused on distinctive, beautiful and unique design which is tailored according to the personal needs of the customer and won’t be repeated. But probably now you will ask, then is it necessary to customize every single object in order to have a boutique place.
In my opinion - no.
Today we live surrounded by so many mass produced products which simplify our everyday life, that are much cheaper and very functional, aesthetically pleasing. And now you will say that they aren’t unique and with “extremely high price” and so on. Using them what will make the scenography look special?
Well here is where the role of the interior designer stands out.
I believe that the work with details is crucial, if we want to underline what we find most important in a project and create a stylish space with distinctive line.
For example in terms of private interior I would like to share with you one of my latest projects in which the details played main role.
I used graphic elements such as the lighting, the floor plinth, the door handles and the switches to compose a visual frame of the space and to create very minimal and simple design bringing feeling of boutique perception. And the handmade artwork made in particular for the client brings this special touch of boutique feeling.
And in terms of public interior design I would like to share with you this project I’ve made for this Boutique Art Hotel.
Speaking of Boutique Hotels there are specific requirements that must be respected in order to be qualified so. Which makes the process more simple and clear. Some of them considering the design are:
• It must be intimate in size.
• It must rely on innovative technology.
• It must be modern in design and unique in character.
• It must ensure sustainability and follow eco-friendly practices
So in this case I tried to break the stereotype of a standard hotel room making the bathroom an integral part of the space and combining different functions. Such as the sliding bed table which allows the guest to work from the bed or watch tv or use it as a desk. Instead of putting a wardrobe I just converted it into an open hanger combined with the mini bar stand to save space and make unique ,functional and comfortable design.For the bathroom I choose the innovative AquaBlade technology to save water and reduce water pollution and costs, which is of utmost importance for a hotel. But more details about the project you can read here: https://www.loradeneva.com/boutique-art-hotel
In the meantime I would be happy to hear your comments and continue the discussion. So let me know your point of view for boutique design in the form below.
Best Regards,
Lora