Design Concept Store

Curated Stories, previously known as Peltoniemi Concept Store, was founded by Tytti Peltoniemi in 2009. Originally the store was located in Chattan Place but after years of steady growth the property eventually the shop outgrew the space. In September 2015 a new lease was signed for 54 Claremont Street and with the move came also the new name, Curated Stories.

Over the three month period Tytti and her team of joiners, plumbers, electricians and decorators worked tirelessly to bring the property back to life. The previous shop owner had closed the doors years prior the new lease and many aspects were in need of an upgrade.

Initially downstairs was designed to house a stockroom and a design studio but once it was discovered that the two rooms in the basement had windows the plans were changed and budget blown to smithereens. Over hundred year old rotten window frames were removed and replaced by new windows and window seating / display areas were created in front of them. Lath and plaster ceilings were removed and the original beams exposed. Damp proofing was put in place to the whole of basement, and some beams were replaced and strengthened with bower beams. Previously exposed stone walls were repaired and then insulated before the new design of period feature panelling was introduced to all walls and to the staircase leading to the ground floor.

On the ground floor the existing bathroom was remodelled, the new partition walls insulated and the ceiling lowered into order to create additional storage space above it. An antique sideboard was re-designed into a sink unit with golden taps and rectangular basin. In its previous life the property had had only a traditional hatch door to access to the basement with a wooden ladder. This was replaced by a solid Scandinavian timber staircase which was later was painted with golden stripes. Staircase also got a feature balustrade.

Storage space was added on one side under the stairs in the basement and more storage space and a small kitchenette was created for the staff on the other side of under the stairs. Storage space was also added under the window displays areas on the ground floor.

Aesthetically upstairs and downstairs have got a totally different feel. The Flower Room on the ground floor with the bathroom / fitting room is the most opulent space in the shop. It houses the most expensive elements of the store and the huge floral design wallpaper covers the walls from floor to ceiling. An antique Banker's Table displays the jewellery on suede surface and marble trays and floating cage shelving display some more of the valuable ceramics, antiques and fashion accessories. Trio of antique style feature lights has been positioned low on top of the centre table.

On entering the store you arrive to the room with the highest ceiling, original cornicing, Versailles lattice parquet floors and Carrera marble tables and balustrade. The space is full of light and displays most of the store's art and print collections on light pink walls. The lighting conduit was designed to run along the corners of the room almost invisibly in order to highlight the feature lights above the cashing area.

Downstairs in the basement both rooms have period feature panelling and traditional style Anglepoise wall lights. Floors are of exposed concrete but painted in soft grey tone to take away the harshness of the material. Floors are covered in large rugs. The panelling details from the walls have also been carried to the exterior of the shop where the timber facings below the windows now have the period style beading. Exterior is painted in moody dark blue grey tone.

Since the opening of the new premises in November 2015 Curated Stories has grown steadily and new customers are finding their way to the store daily. The interiors of the store are huge admired and they certainly stand out in main stream Aberdeen retail environment. As well as preserving and thoroughly upgrading the property the main focus of the design of Curated Stories was to create an inspiring, exciting and surprising space for the shoppers. Aim of the design was to establish a retail environment that would be filled with wonder and delight, a space that would encourage discovery and experimentation. Previous shop had developed a pet name of Aladdin's Cave for itself and this feel had to have continuance.

Judging from the favourable outcome of the shop the design and its aspirations have been successful. Curated Stories has never been in a happier or more exciting place in its retail journey.