To be your own boss is something that most people are longing for. If you’re into fashion, design, and art then one of the very promising projects when starting your own business is having your own petite boutique, selling fashion products to interested customers.

But the Boutique-shopping experience is different than that of the mega shops, that’s where interior design steps in, to help you give your customers an experience they won’t forget and would make them want to always come back for more.

The Boutique Shopping Experience  

It is very important to know what you should be focusing on when designing a boutique and what experience you want your customers to have. Boutiques, in general, are characterized by being small in size, intimate and friendly in the atmosphere, having a unique character, and selling products of a certain style, or mood.

Thus, the first thing you should study well and on which everything would be based; is your specific target audience. As the user changes everything else does, so always keep in mind their age, gender, and financial status, in order to reach out to the right people you’re aiming for and to take the design decisions that would fit your target.

Choosing a Theme: Design Style

As explained having a unique character for your boutique is very important, as a result having a theme is a must and it gets manifested in the interior design style of your boutique. For example, if you’re targeting a male teenager\young adult audience and you’re selling casual clothes, you might go for an Industrial style. Use a color pallet of reddish-brown, brown, gray, and black colors. Cladding materials such as bricks and wood for your walls, and metallic accessories that would match the style.

If your target audience is adult\young adult females, and you are selling classy casual clothes or dresses, then you might go for a Modern French interior design. You’ll use light color pallets with a lot of white and pastel colors. You might add French furniture or art pieces here and there to strengthen the mood and the theme even more.  

Another example if you are selling handmade folkloric products, then you might use a Bohemian design style or you might try the Scandinavian style as well. Both include introducing nature into the design by greenery and natural fabrics and give an easy-going, carefree vibe. But Bohemian is more colorful and full of accessories and patterns. While Scandinavian keeps a light pallet without many additions. So, here you choose depending on the products that you’re selling and what would appeal more to your customers.

In short, know your costumer and theme, and the rest will follow along.

Design Aspects

Façade

The façade is the statement you say about your boutique. It is your first contact with the customers, so make sure that it is interesting, matches your theme, shows the variety of products you have, and keep it dynamic. But do not want to make it cluttered or it will distract the viewer.

Entering the Boutique

This the most important area, in which the customer gets to know the place more. So make sure you’re giving the right impression. He\She must get the vibe of the place, have a clear view of the boutique, and mostly determine whether or not the place is within their budget.

This is where you should focus on creating a dramatic impact on your customer. Play the right music in the background, use fixtures and lighting strategically to create focal points, and draw them inside to explore more.

The Floor Plan

When it comes to floor plans there are numerous ways to design them. Just try to avoid clutter, and being dull. You can have displays along the perimeter walls, some circular racks in the middle, and mannequins with a suggested matching outfit. Break the dullness of the place by inserting some furniture pieces that match the mood and display the products on them in a creative way. Also if you have long aisles you might consider putting some stoppers with products that are easy to try on such as hats, accessories, or scarves for instance.

Make sure that the floor plan is leading the customers to where you want them to be. If you have a special section you’re keeping at the back, you might arrange the plan to direct them towards it. You can do so with the finishing materials or furniture. A carpet or a parquet flooring in a certain direction can push them to where you want them to be.

Lighting

Lighting is very important when it comes to retail shops in general; it helps in creating focal points and adds to the overall mood of the place. Avoid strong fluorescent lights and instead, use warm ones. They are more intimate and give a homey feeling. Use spotlights strategically to highlight your most special pieces. And one thing that a lot of shop owners forget, is making sure that the changing rooms are well lit. This is the place where your client will decide whether to buy or not, so take care of it.

Make your place Special

To make your boutique even more unique, try experimenting with new ideas to make the experience even more fun. How about a photo booth where they can take photos with what they wear? or maybe a swing in a corner of the shop? Try creative ways in displaying your products and attach your customers to the place.

Final Tip

If you want more ideas for your interior design, search for photo sessions of the fashion style you are selling. But instead of focusing on the clothes focus on the setting. See how they use different elements in the photos, and how you can incorporate them in your place.

Be Open to Change

Boutique design can be tricky so always be flexible and try different arrangements. Explore and observe how your customers behave and accordingly develop your design; this would have a great impact on your business. Ask your clients for feedback and what they think of the place. They are the ones you’re trying to please. And as we all know the customer is always right!

If you’re interested in Interior design check more of our design articles here on Linesmag!