Toronto design studio Odami has reimagined the retail experience at Andrews, a womenswear store located in the Bayview Village Shopping Centre. Transforming a 5,500-square-foot (511-square-metre) space, the studio crafted a visually engaging boutique that breaks away from traditional department store layouts.
Because the location lacks natural light and exterior windows, Odami focused on rethinking artificial lighting to evoke atmosphere and intrigue. “The store is located inside a mall, so you don’t get the dynamic of shifting daylight,” the team shared. “We created oversized light panels to fulfill that expectation of intrigue and surprise.”
A Space That Encourages Flow and Visual Exploration
The layout is anchored by large illuminated panels along the perimeter. These not only soften the ambient lighting but also spotlight key clothing and accessories, drawing attention to curated fashion displays. Additional light panels—subtly covered in stainless steel gauze—are integrated into the walls, forming calm backdrops for shelving.
In keeping with a neutral tone-on-tone palette, Odami focused on rich materials like Calacatta Rosenoir marble, sand-toned leather, and micro-cement. These textures are arranged into low-slung seating and plinths that overlap and intersect across the space.
This sculptural layout creates distinct zones while offering multiple uses—serving as seating, storage, and display. “We devised an arrangement of low-to-the-ground volumes that instill a sense of choreography in the space,” the studio explained. “These multipurpose elements cascade in and out of one another, coalescing as expansive display plinths, comfortable seating, and integrated storage.”
Elevating Everyday Shopping Into an Immersive Experience
U-shaped ceiling-hung rails are strategically positioned to present single garments or scarves, reinforcing a boutique-like intimacy. Marble podiums hold bags and shoes, offering additional tactile contrast. Though Andrews stocks multiple high-end brands, the goal was to avoid the overwhelming feel of traditional department stores and instead foster a refined, gallery-like atmosphere.
Micro-cement also lines the perimeter walls, cleverly concealing doors to individual fitting rooms and contributing to a seamless visual experience. Window displays were restructured to offer curated views into the store, ensuring that even mall passersby experience a glimpse of the boutique’s elevated aesthetic.
“We wanted to create a tangible atmosphere that would quietly support the store’s real star—the clothing,” said Odami.
This project adds to Odami’s growing portfolio in Toronto, which includes notable works like a beach house on Lake Ontario, an Aesop location in Yorkville featuring ruby walls, and a Los Angeles boutique for the same brand showcasing minty green textured interiors.
