Clean lines, a subtle colour palette and a free-flowing layout triumph in a design centre orchestrated by The Busride Design Studio

Spread over 5000 Sq ft, the Ligne Roset store in Mumbai urges you to explore and experience the space. “The client brief for the design was guided by a clear manual that comprehensively outlined their products, fabric treatments, and approach to colour. Unlike minimalistic brands that opt for subdued tones, they take pride in their confident and colourful identity, positioning themselves as a design-forward brand,” explains Zameer Basrai of The Busride Design Studio.

“The primary objective of the brief was to effectively showcase and celebrate the brand’s vibrant range of home solutions. The first step towards realising this was to do an in-depth study of their furniture. The store itself was conceived as a subtle backdrop, deliberately avoiding an overtly loud design,” says Zameer. Elements such as a brick facade, a black wall, and neutral white tones served as neutral backdrops, providing clarity and visibility to the showcased products. Complemented by a wooden floor, the overall design aimed to encourage customers to envision Ligne Roset’s furniture seamlessly integrated into their own living spaces.

The guidelines provided by the client also manifested in the form of their product range, illustrating their desire to showcase these beautifully designed products. A significant aspect of this was to emphasise the role of the designer in the creation of each piece. This approach differs from the approach where a generic modern style prevails, and all pieces seem to harmonise without any distinct designer presence.

“Unlike such generic setups, the client’s brief emphasised the importance of each product and highlighted how the designer had carefully considered the user’s experience. The intention was to convey a sense of purpose behind each design rather than presenting a collection that appeared mass-produced for a generic audience,” says the designer. In essence, the brief underscored the uniqueness of each product and the thoughtful design process behind it.

The Design Language

Upon entering, you find yourself in the central area of the store. Directly ahead, there is a strikingly tall volume, approximately 2 1/2 times the standard height. This space serves as the primary display for the living room furniture.
As you progress further into the store, the height of the volume transforms into the ceiling, gradually lowering in two distinct sections. By the time you reach the Provenance cafe located towards the back of the store, you’ll notice a more intimate setting with a lower volume. Within this section, there is a focus on bedroom-related displays with a cosy ambience.

The store layout facilitates a seamless transition, starting from the living room, progressing through a central area featuring dining displays, and concluding with the bedroom section towards the rear. Notably, the Provenance cafe is an integral part of the store, promoting a free-flowing experience for visitors. As you explore, you have the flexibility to pause at the cafe, indulge in some chocolate, enjoy a coffee, and then resume your browsing. Given the extensive range of products, taking the time to sit with the catalogue is encouraged for a thorough exploration.

The Material Palette

The store itself was envisioned as a neutral backdrop, serving as a canvas for the furniture display. The infusion of color and warmth was strategically achieved through the showcased furniture. To establish a warmer overall tone, the designers opted for wooden flooring tiles instead of marble, creating a more inviting ambience.
In terms of materials, lighter marbles and wooden floors were selected, aligning with contemporary aesthetics that resonate with the youthful energy of the brand. This choice of materials contributes to a modern and fresh atmosphere within the space.

A distinctive element of colour is introduced in the Provenance section. This corner features the vibrant hues associated with the brand, incorporating a deep burgundy that defines their branding colors. Initially, there was a concern about potential clashes between the furniture display and this colorful space. However, upon experiencing the ambience firsthand, it became apparent that the transition between the two areas is remarkably seamless and free flowing.

FACT FILE

Name of the Project: Ligne Roset Store

Location: Mumbai

Designer/architect: Zameer and Ayaz Basrai, Co-founders

Area: 5200 sqft

Year of Completion: November 2023

Photographs by Talib Chitalwala