Glass Act: A Crystalline Retail Experience in Seoul by Indiesalon.

In a narrow alley of Seoul’s fashionable Garosu-gil district, architecture studio Indiesalon has transformed a compact 36-square-metre space into an ethereal showroom for cosmetics brand Glow. The project turns spatial constraints into a thrilling interior that amplifies brand identity.

The showroom’s design language revolves around transparency and luminosity—core values of the Glow brand. Glass emerges as the hero material, creating a seamless visual dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The boundaries dissolve through transparent surfaces that extend across walls, ceilings, and floor tiles, making the modest interior feel remarkably expansive.

Futurism and Footwear: Ura Tokyo by Insideout.

An innate sense of tranquillity comes to the fore at Ura Tokyo. A veil of fluorescent lighting, pierced by a mirrored obelisk-like mass breaks the boundary between inside and out.

At the heart of the space is a curved glass block partition that’s both sculptural and functional. This architectural feature creates a natural flow, guiding visitors through the space while subtly delineating zones for customers and staff. The front section houses product displays, while private areas—including a counter and changing room—sit discreetly behind the glass divider.

The technical mastery of Indiesalon’s team shines through in details like sinks and shelving mounted directly onto glass surfaces—no small feat in terms of engineering. Custom elements further elevate the space. Look for the brand’s logo thoughtfully incorporated into grating designs and acrylic door handles that echo Glow’s visual identity.

A Peculiar Beauty: Deiji Studios Byron Bay by Pattern Studio.

Like an orchestra of obscure instruments, this store aims to create a considered and beautiful — if slightly offbeat — retail experience.

The material palette remains deliberately restrained. Glass blocks and stainless steel walls partner with high-strength tiles and stretch ceilings to create a cohesive environment that puts the focus squarely on the brand experience. Benjamin Moore paint selections add subtle depth to the crystalline backdrop.

Through this thoughtful intervention, Indiesalon has created a physical manifestation of Glow’s commitment to transparency and brilliance. It’s a space that’s both visually striking and functional.

Like Layers of Pastry: Kyeokyeoi (KK2) Bakery in Seoul by Workment.

Inspired by layers of pastry dough, Workment looked to visually layer this interior without crowding the space.

[Images courtesy of Indiesalon. Photography by Kimdonggyu.]