Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Lai Hao Gift Shop
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Fullhouse Interior Design Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,521
- Verification code F49A2C21BB · Verify this award
About Lai Hao Gift Shop
Lai Hao is a gift shop interior located in Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan. The store sells Taiwanese cultural and creative products. The design combines vintage and modern elements. Neon tubing outlines local landmarks, and a vintage lightbox is paired with neon lighting. Wood veneer and rattan tones recall traditional grocery stores, while faux terrazzo flooring adds texture. Movable islands and detachable pegboards allow flexible displays. The layout forms a loop that guides visitors through the 66.1 square meter space, set within a building over 50 years old.
Wan-Ting Hung's Lai Hao Gift Shop demonstrates a refined synthesis of Scandinavian-influenced minimalism and contemporary retail design thinking, positioning this commercial interior within the broader evolution of experiential lifestyle retail that has transformed shopping environments from purely transactional spaces into carefully choreographed cultural destinations where product presentation approaches the contemplative frameworks of gallery curation. The spatial planning evidences sophisticated understanding of circulation psychology and visual merchandising principles, employing classical single-point perspective as both compositional device and wayfinding strategy, the strong longitudinal axis drawing visitors inexorably through sequential discovery zones while maintaining constant visual connection to the luminous destination markers at the corridor's terminus. Material choices throughout reflect the ascendant design values of the contemporary moment: the extensive deployment of pale engineered timber cladding suggests environmental consciousness, Scandinavian craft traditions, and material authenticity, while the restrained neutral palette creates a versatile backdrop that allows merchandise to claim chromatic attention without competing with aggressive architectural color. The modular pegboard shelving system represents thoughtful problem-solving at the intersection of functional flexibility and formal coherence, the rhythmic grid pattern providing both practical adaptability for evolving inventory needs and visual texture that enlivens otherwise planar surfaces with dimensional depth and mathematical order. The dramatic diagonal track lighting installation demonstrates considerable compositional courage, introducing dynamic angular geometry that activates the ceiling plane while serving essential functional purposes of focused product illumination, the matte black finish providing crucial value contrast within the otherwise high-key environment and establishing clear visual hierarchy between architectural infrastructure and merchandised content. The festive pennant garland introduces a moment of playful warmth and seasonal celebration, humanizing the space's refined restraint through handcraft-adjacent gesture and chromatic punctuation, suggesting that rigorous design discipline and approachable warmth need not exist in opposition. The central display counter's organic curved geometry offers formal counterpoint to the prevailing orthogonality while providing ergonomic human interface, the rounded form suggesting mid-century modernist precedents and introducing haptic invitation through its soft contours. The overall spatial experience suggests careful attention to psychological comfort within retail contexts: the compressed high-key value range creates luminous openness despite the corridor's narrow proportions, the bilateral symmetry provides cognitive legibility and navigational confidence, the layered visual interest rewards progressive viewing and sustained attention, and the integration of varied product typologies within unified design language suggests breadth of selection without overwhelming visual chaos. This work invites consideration of how contemporary commercial design increasingly borrows strategies from cultural institutions—the museum's contemplative pacing, the gallery's reverent product presentation, the library's organizational clarity—to transform retail environments into spaces of discovery and appreciation rather than mere transaction, asking whether thoughtful environmental design might elevate everyday commerce into opportunities for aesthetic engagement and mindful selection.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The store features striking neon art, with tubing outlining Ximen and Taipei 101, symbolizing Taiwan's vibrant culture. The shop sign mirrors the Gaji bag's colors, aligning with the brand's logo. A vintage lightbox paired with neon lighting blends nostalgia and modernity, creating a captivating visual experience. Wooden elements and rattan tones evoke memories of local grocery stores, while detachable racks and mobile islands ensure flexible displays. Terrazzo flooring adds dynamic texture, and a soft, natural palette provides a warm, inviting backdrop for the products.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The space spans 66.1 square meters and is a store that is over 50 years old. In terms of layout, the designer took into account the front-to-back and vertical dimensions, incorporating movable islands that create varying levels with higher sides and a lower center. The arrangement of the islands transforms the circulation into a loop, encouraging more exploration and purchasing behavior. The pegboard designs on either side can be adjusted and reconfigured according to the shapes and sizes of the displayed items, allowing for flexibility in showcasing products.
- Tags
- Retro Elements, Trendy Elements, Neon Lights, Wood Tone, Eco-friendly Building Materials, Light Boxes, Taiwan Gifts, Cultural and Creative Products
- Production Technology
- Materials: Faux terrazzo plastic flooring, wood veneer, modular cabinets, curved glass, metal fixtures, and spray paint.
The color scheme primarily features light wood tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that connects consumers with nature. The designer carefully adjusted the brightness of the lightboxes to ensure the lighting plan harmonizes with the natural environment, avoiding clashes or abrupt contrasts in color and creating a gentle visual experience. - Design Challenge
- When renovating a space that is aged over half a century into a modern commercial space, the designer faced numerous challenges. First, issues such as leaks, insufficient voltage, and chaotic plumbing required the team to implement efficient construction strategies and workflows to address the structural concerns of the site within a tight timeframe. In addition, given the variety of colors present in the products, careful planning of the display areas was essential to harmoniously integrate the diverse hues.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in February 2024 in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- The owner is extremely satisfied with the project. The excellent location and cozy interior design have led to a significant increase in in-store performance. While the growth in sales may not be directly attributed to the interior design, the clean and bright aesthetics undoubtedly serve as a key attraction. Consumers have also provided positive feedback on the comfortable atmosphere and liveliness of the space, further encouraging purchasing. As a result, both the owner and the customers hold highly favorable views of this space, demonstrating the success of its design and location.
- Research
- Located in bustling Ximending, this space serves as a showcase and sales point for Taiwanese cultural and creative products. The design blends vintage and modern elements, with iconic neon lights contrasting against warm wooden materials for a trendy yet inviting atmosphere. Products are displayed with a lower center and higher sides for visual interest. Movable islands and detachable pegboards enhance flexibility and reduce waste. Green materials ensure a non-toxic space, while natural lighting and high ceilings create a bright, comfortable shopping environment.
- Inspiration
- In the bustling Ximending, a chic space that embodies youth and trendiness is dedicated to showcasing the creativity of local Taiwanese designers. The brand serves as a specialty store for Taiwanese souvenirs. The designer aims to create a harmonious blend of retro and modern elements, infusing a sense of contemporary style with nostalgic touches. The overall design prominently features neon lights and vibrant elements that evoke everyday life, creating a corner where travelers and international tourists can truly experience the pulse of Taiwanese culture.
- Image Credits
- FULLHOUSE INTERIOR DESIGN CO., LTD.
Colors of Lai Hao Gift Shop
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