We found ourselves immediately at ease in Fremont, where the neighbourhood motto of ‘Des libertas quirkas’ or ‘Freedom to be peculiar’ struck a resonant note on first visit.
The design for our first Seattle space, created by our in-house Design Department, was inspired primarily by the porous look and mineral quality of the area’s public sculptures. The interior began with three demonstration sinks crafted from natural stone, situated towards the front of the store to facilitate intimate product demonstrations for our guests.
From here, a cavernous yet welcoming environment unfolds. As visitors progress through the store, natural light from a diagonal plane of street-facing windows gradually recedes into shadow. Beyond, they encounter an outsized sales counter, coated in petrol blue in correspondence with nearby Fremont Bridge, and illuminated by a sculptural installation of Aim pendant lamps.
The ceiling’s original timber beams add to the warmth of the space while oxidised steel, used for shelving, sink cabinets and the countertop, provides discreet material and textural accents.