New York fragrance store offers a refined “place of pause”

US design studio Charlap Hyman & Herrero has created a distinctive retail environment for Korean fragrance brand Nonfiction in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, blending historical references, contemporary materials and sculptural forms to encourage visitors to slow down and engage with the space.

Located on Orchard Street, the store was developed in collaboration with Nonfiction founder and creative director Haeyoung Cha, who sought to create a destination that reflected both the rich cultural history of the Lower East Side and the brand’s origins in Seoul.

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According to Charlap Hyman & Herrero, the design draws parallels between the layered character of the New York neighbourhood and Hannam-dong, where Nonfiction was established.

“Over time, Cha has found herself drawn to the neighbourhood’s layered history and the many communities that have shaped it over generations,” the studio said.

“This echoes the place where Nonfiction first began, Hannam-dong in Seoul, a place defined by the coexistence of both past and present.”

The interior balances restrained architectural elements with richly detailed finishes. Lime-washed walls and minimalist metal shelving create a subdued backdrop, while glossy oxblood floor tiles introduce warmth and visual depth throughout the compact retail space.

Running through the centre of the store is a bespoke mahogany display table designed by Los Angeles-based designer Doug McCollough in the Queen Anne tradition, characterised by elegant proportions and gently curved detailing. The table is paired with an original Queen Anne candle stand dating from around 1770, sourced from Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, creating a dialogue between contemporary retail design and historical craftsmanship.

Beyond a chamfered archway, visitors encounter a tiled alcove featuring hand-painted black rose motifs created by artist Pilar Almon exclusively for the project.

Elsewhere, bold geometric interventions define the interior. A triangular architectural volume conceals the building’s stair bulkhead, while a monolithic service counter reinforces the store’s minimalist aesthetic. A floor-to-ceiling mirrored column illuminated with deep amber light creates a warm focal point and enhances the sense of depth within the compact footprint.

Furniture and lighting by longtime Charlap Hyman & Herrero collaborator Minjae Kim, including an aluminium chair and a fibreglass and resin wall sconce, complete the carefully curated interior.

The studio describes the finished project as “a place of pause”, offering customers an immersive retail experience designed to encourage reflection, connection and a slower engagement with both the brand and its surroundings.

Images by Sean Davidson via Dezeen