Couverture and the Garbstore, London, UK

1 May 2009

Couverture and the Garbstore, London, UK

Using bespoke fittings, Kristensen Architects converted a former bath salesroom in London's Notting Hill into a store housing two brands - one for homewares, the other menswear.

Key facts

PROJECT: Couverture and the Garbstore
DESIGNER: Kristensen Architects
CLIENT: Emily Dyson and Ian Paley
COST: £400,000
COMPLETION TIME: 14 weeks

Project description

The dual brand Couverture and the Garbstore is a recent addition to Notting Hill in west London. Designed by local studio Kristensen Architects and spanning three levels, the store stocks vintage items, clothing, jewellery, furniture and homeware.

The site, originally a timber yard, was converted from a bathroom showroom for owners Emily Dyson and Ian Paley. Architect Merethe Kristensen says: ‘Ian and Emily have very clear ideas about what they do and do not like. Both had compiled various references for me as starting points to work from. Luckily, we have similar and strong beliefs in what actually works.’

The ground floor and mezzanine belong to Couverture ('blanket' in French), and adopt a French retail aesthetic, using soft colours against dark, stained oak floors and brass fittings, while the Garbstore, named after Paley’s menswear brand, has slatted timber wall cladding that doubles as dividers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a grey poured-resin floor. The wall is an unusual feature ‘made up of 25 individual cupboard recesses, each fitted with an oversize adjustable front flap that switches a light on when it is held open’, explains Kristensen.

The fixtures and furniture allow the layout to be configured according to the products on sale. The installation team from John Richards Shopfitters custom built shelving, cupboards and clothes rails. ‘JR Shopfitters was the chosen contractor, as it was able to produce the pieces within the time frame given, from its Cornwall work shop, combining both in-house timber and metal work,’ says Kristensen. Other bespoke touches include a long marble counter.