‘There is an honesty in preserving and celebrating the existing building material that is complimented by the addition of new sleek elements ’

Democratic Eyewear’s latest shop by Studio emily broom draws inspiration from its industrial context Valby Spinderiet: a mixed used development located within a converted cotton mill from 1907. By combining the existing rugged brick façade, scolloped concrete ceiling and existing steel beams with new elements of stainless steel, satin painted joinery and natural oiled oak we have created a new sleek, contemporary eyewear store with an understated elegance.

Democratic Eyewear is an eyewear brand founded in July 2019. Their philosophy is to keep things simple: provide exceptionally designed eyewear of the best quality that is affordable and available to everyone. Valby is their 5th store in Denmark, and the third designed by studio emily broom.

By using a restrained palette and symmetry in the floorplan we were able to create a design that encourages the customer to circulate the entire space with enough visual pauses to be able to view each frame without feeling overwhelmed. Oak plinths of varying heights are topped with brushed stainless steel plates to showcase selected glasses and accessories in the windows and counter.

‘By taking away the excess that often distracts from the actual products being sold, we were able to create an easy, cool and enjoyable shopping experience.’

Warm yellow walls are dressed with stripped back stainless steel shelves providing a perfect backdrop to display over 400 pairs of glasses. Two full length mirrors punctuate the steel shelves at either end by visually connecting one side of the space to the other via a 4.5 meter long oiled oak counter. While the slim profile steel shelves are visually lightweight and ‘hover’ off the wall, the counter anchors the scheme with its deliberately massive yet asymmetric design. Two freestanding oak bookshelf units to display additional eyewear create a backdrop for the central counter whilst elongating the space.