The Perfume Showroom in Dubai, designed by SDA Design, is conceived as a fusion of modern and classical design elements. The project combines traditional design sensibilities with contemporary features, creating a retail interior that reflects the identity of a perfume brand entering the UAE market.
The client operates in the perfume business and wanted to open a retail store in Dubai to address the local market. The brief required a dramatic showroom capable of expressing the brand image and displaying a range of wood-scented perfumes and customised perfumery products across the retail space.
Perfume showroom layout across two levels
The space is planned on two levels. The ground floor accommodates the showroom area, where all products are displayed, while the first floor includes a private office, admin area, pantry and bathroom.
The retail zone is designed to create an interactive customer experience. There are no counters blocking the display section, allowing easier movement through the showroom. A single central counter is dedicated to customer enquiries and billing.
The first floor is organized with private chambers for meetings and for hosting premium clients, extending the retail experience beyond product display into a more reserved and service-oriented environment.
Blue interiors, mirrors and gold accents
The interiors of the perfume showroom follow a deep blue colour scheme with accents of mirrors and gold. Italian tiles are used for the flooring, adding a sense of luxury within the space.
The cabinetry is made in MDF with PU finish and enriched by gold and metallic accents. Crystal clear mirrors are placed between the cabinetry to increase reflective surfaces, an important solution given the limited area available.
Classical and contemporary design details
The fusion of classical and modern design elements is developed through different design choices. Mirrors with bevelled edges and lights integrated between the cabinetry create a delicate balance between two distinct stylistic languages.
The project also presented several technical challenges. The curved façade made it difficult to accommodate the 90-degree display as originally planned. The glass panels used on the façade were also complex to install because of the curve.
As the entire façade is made of glass, natural light enters the showroom and influences the interior atmosphere. For this reason, the metallic elements had to be positioned carefully to avoid excessive glare and discomfort for customers.
Custom furniture for a compact retail space
The furniture is fully customised due to the constraints of the space and the lack of suitable standard modules. The design therefore works with specific dimensions and tailored solutions to meet the functional and visual requirements of the showroom.
Through custom cabinetry, reflective surfaces and integrated lighting, SDA Design defines a compact perfume retail interior where display, circulation and brand identity are closely connected.
Location Dubai
Architect Muneeb Sufyan, SDA Design
Area 74 sqm
Photos courtesy Groundwork Solutions