Wouters & Hendrix
At the beginning of 2023, Katrin Wouters, one of the co-founders of the jewelry store Wouters & Hendrix, contacted us to give their shop in Brussels a new look. The client found us through a former client, and we clicked immediately at the first meeting. We were on the same page and the design quickly took shape. Our styles matched well: classically inspired with respect for authenticity and materials.
On the one hand, the design is inspired by the Wouters & Hendrix exhibition in the Wonder Chamber II in the Diamond Museum DIVA where they celebrated their 35th anniversary.
On the one hand, the design is inspired by the Wouters & Hendrix exhibition in the Wonder Chamber II in the Diamond Museum DIVA where they celebrated their 35th anniversary. We have integrated the concept of built-in display cases that are playfully positioned in the wall in the Brussels store. On the other hand, we were inspired by the other shops of Wouters & Hendrix.
We visited their jewelry stores in Antwerp and Knokke to incorporate elements that characterize the stores of this prestigious jewelry label into the new interior in Brussels. We see a few elements reappear in every shop: built-in drawers, display cases and shaker-inspired custom furniture, as well as sleek lines contrasting with playful elements. In every store Wouters & Hendrix fully immerse the customer in their world.
We had 5 months to develop the design, contact all necessary contractors and plan everything out. The store closed for one month and the contractors worked hard for 30 days. During this time, many crafts contributed: the carpenters, the blacksmith, the parquet installer, the electricians, the painters, the upholsterer, the lighting director, etc.
The silver collection is showed off in the high built-ins. These display built-ins make the store feel spacious. The mirrors reflect the light deep into the room.
The result of this major renovation is a completely new look! The silver collection is displayed in the high built-ins. The use of white high gloss lacquer and mirrors make the store feel spacious. The mirrors reflect the light deep into the room and the customer can clearly see the jewelry while trying it on. The built-in display cases in which the gold collection sparkles add depth to the space. The frames are made of brass and the display case is covered inside with deep turquoise velvet. Wouters & Hendrix discovered a beautiful vintage table that we adapted in size for the cash register.
The new design is also very practical with more storage, more mirrors and completely new lighting. The lighting in the high display cases was the biggest stumbling block. We have outsourced the lighting to a professional lighting studio that specializes in art and retail lighting. To keep the profiles of the glass case as thin as possible, we have selected a free-standing LED line that fits perfectly between the sliding glass doors and the glass shelves and illuminates the jewelry in an optimal way.
W&H employee: 'I would like to thank you for the wonderful collaboration. The store looks beautiful. I have worked in the store myself and experienced first-hand that the concept works well! Brussels is also performing better, even above budget. The impact of the renovation is palpable.'
Photography: Katoo Peeters