Sulwhasoo’s 90 sqm beauty store in Guangzhou translates Korean beauty culture and the brand’s connection with ginseng into materials, lighting and display elements. Designed by Christian Lahoude Studio, the interior combines dark mineral surfaces, yellow travertine, burnished brass and gold leaf to create a retail environment in which product presentation and consultation are integrated into a coherent spatial identity.
Developed as a new generation of the Sulwhasoo retail concept, the project draws on the contrast between the strong roots and delicate flowers of the ginseng plant, using this relationship as a recurring reference throughout the interior.
Ginseng inspires materials and lighting
The material palette interprets different characteristics of the plant. Deep slate flooring recalls the dark roots of ginseng, while yellow travertine introduces lighter tones into the consultation areas. Burnished brass and gold leaf extend this warmer palette across walls, furniture and display elements.
Custom chandeliers reinforce the botanical reference. Handmade petals in frosted and clear glass evoke both ginseng flowers and Sulwhasoo’s Snow Flower motif, introducing a lighter decorative element above the darker surfaces of the store.
Display systems combine light and precious finishes
Different display solutions establish a hierarchy between the product ranges. Best sellers are presented on backlit shelves supported by laser-cut metal panels, while higher-end products are displayed on glass shelving finished with gold-leaf edges. Freestanding elements use lightweight laminates with concrete- and dark slate-like finishes, combined with amber-coloured details.
Backlighting plays a central role throughout the store. Applied behind materials and display surfaces, it creates luminous walls intended to recall the visual qualities of traditional Korean Hanji paper. Multimedia elements introduce further references to Korean heritage within the retail environment.
A private area for beauty consultation
The private consultation area introduces a more intimate scale. Amber leather and wool seating is arranged beneath a gold-leaf mirror and a smaller version of the floral chandelier, while polished brass is used for the chair bases and custom table.
The table incorporates back-painted frosted glass with integrated lighting for product presentation, extending the relationship between light, materials and display into the consultation experience. Through these elements, the store moves between product presentation and personal consultation without abandoning the material language developed throughout the interior.
Design: Christian Lahoude Studio
Team: Christian Lahoude, Katharina Hoerath, Javier Rios Tello, Jessica Hernandez, Kenneth Yap, Myriam Akl
Location: TaiKoo Hui Mall, Guangzhou, China
Area: 90 sqm
Furniture: Bussola & Ralph International
by: AN Shopfitting Magazine n.144 ©