Horst Design International hired by Maraolo Shoes

Real Estate Weekly, Nov 14, 2001

Italian retailer Maraolo Shoes retained Horst Design International to create a new, sophisticated interior design for their stores. The first shop to display the prototype image will be in Great Neck, N.Y. which opening scheduled for Oct. 15.

To meet the retailer's objectives, HDI used a minimalistic, yet detailed design scheme that sets the prototype apart from Maraolo's existing stores. "We asked HDI to develop a clean interior look for our boutiques that would allow discriminating customers to view our high quality handcrafted Italian shoes, handbags, and fine leather merchandise easily and with the greatest visual impact," said Agostino Nastasi, vice president of Maraolo Shoes.

"Adhering to the design philosophy 'less is more,' we created a crisp, bright, stark white backdrop," explained Douglas Horst, principal of HDI. Beige limestone floors, with Sisal area rug insets and leather seating, add a rich effect. Neutral colors and display tables of wood and frosted glass show off the products in a designer boutique type presentation.

HDI incorporated built-in vertical columns and back lighting instead of the assembled etagers and movable shelves. The shelves float between the wood frame columns with frosted glass insets. In the center of the store, a specialty glass showcase houses special items.

Even the lighting creates a feeling of elegance. Incandescent halogen lights generate a soft glow, complimenting the sophisticated line. Creating a museum-like effect, HDI recessed the track lights in the ceiling so they are not visible.