Sorbet, the name itself conjures images of icy sweetness, a delightful concoction of contrasting flavors. This playful duality is perfectly embodied in Aquant‘s vibrant new Mumbai flagship store, designed by the dynamic duo of Huzefa and Jasel from MuseLAB. More than just a bathware showroom, Sorbet is an experience, a “playground” as the designers describe it, where the familiar conventions of bath solution centers are reimagined with a bold splash of color and a touch of whimsy.
Located in a prime South Mumbai location, previously home to a renowned rug atelier, the Sorbet store embraces the existing architectural strengths of the space. MuseLAB cleverly preserved the 12-foot high ceilings, the expansive volume, and the open connection to the street, creating a canvas ripe for transformation. The façade itself is a study in permeability, a layered composition of fluted, clear glass and a bespoke lime-hued trellis interwoven with planters spilling with plum-colored foliage. This inviting porch-like entrance, with its random rubble-style Kota stone flooring, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the vibrant world within, hinting at the explosion of color and texture that awaits beyond the arched, terrazzo-handled doors.
Stepping inside is akin to entering a verdant oasis. A monolith of greens dominates the visual landscape, punctuated by floating halos of bespoke lighting and berry-hued I-section stanchions. MuseLAB’s design philosophy centers on creating a holistic experience, ensuring that the entire volume of the store is visible from any point within. The rectilinear axis of the space allows for seamless, all-encompassing vistas, while exposed services, including HVAC and ducting, painted in a marsala tone, add an industrial chic touch.
The material palette is key to Sorbet’s unique identity. The mint green hue, a recurring motif, manifests in various forms: textured paint, candy-like terrazzo, and Piccolo mosaic segments, defining distinct zones and moments within the store.The flooring, a dynamic landscape of smooth Kota stone, transitions between jagged chunks and smooth curvilinear pieces, embedded within rivulets of ivory grout, further adding to the textural richness.
Movement through the store is choreographed by a layout of intersecting circles, forming semi-open enclosures that showcase different product typologies. These circles, varying in diameter and height, offer tantalizing glimpses of what lies beyond, encouraging exploration. The display systems within these enclosures are meticulously designed. Curved, tiered forms echo the overarching circular geometry, while cloche-style pedestals, curved units extending from the enclosures, and circular display systems create intimate spaces for customers to engage with the products.
Sorbet transcends the traditional concept of an experience center. It is an immersive environment, a playful invitation to rediscover the world of bathware. MuseLAB has crafted a space that encourages interaction, visual storytelling, and a departure from the expected. It’s a place where one can willingly leave preconceived notions at the door and embrace the delightful surprise that awaits within – a true taste of Sorbet.