Milanoe | Scents & Home Décor Store
Location: Westlands Square, Nairobi
Type: Retail Expansion & Fit-Out
Timeline: 3 months
Style: Wabi-Sabi x Mid-Century Modern
Palette: Neutrals, Browns, Natural Textures
Project Background
Milanoe began as a small boutique shop offering luxury scents. When the opportunity came to expand, the vision was to combine three adjacent stores into one seamless, well-curated space. Our mission: to create a retail experience that felt natural, calming, and elegant—mirroring the sensory experience of the products themselves.
Design Approach
We embraced a Wabi-Sabi philosophy: finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and organic flow. Earthy tones and raw finishes guided our materials selection, while mid-century modern accents introduced structure and refinement.
One of the defining features of this project is the use of arcs, sculpted from gypsum. These curves invite movement and soften the space, creating a graceful transition from the entryway to the back of the store.
The walls were finished with a limewash technique, offering a textured, artisanal touch that complements the product offering beautifully.
Key Highlights
- Seamless spatial integration of three separate units into one cohesive layout
- Custom shelving and product placement for thoughtful storytelling
- Signature arched features in gypsum for flow and elegance
- A neutral, brown-toned palette that enhances the products without distraction
- Limewash wall treatment for a tactile, calming ambiance
The Outcome
The redesigned Milanoe store is more than just a retail space—it’s a sensory journey. Every detail, from shelving height to lighting angles, was tailored to showcase the products while guiding the customer naturally through the store.
This is a space that invites discovery, celebrates craftsmanship, and brings together form and feeling—a true reflection of the Milanoe brand.