Aesop Las Salesas: A Dialogue in Heritage, Materiality and Light

In Madrid’s historic Las Salesas district, just steps from the architectural landmark Palacio Longoria, Aesop has unveiled a thoughtfully designed space that redefines retail as a place of quiet discovery and connection. Designed by long-time collaborators Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari, the project marks the team's second Aesop store in the city—offering a distinct interpretation of the brand while remaining rooted in the local architectural language.

The design draws heavily on Spanish Modernism, most notably through the use of Trencadís, a traditional mosaic technique reimagined in a sculptural, contemporary form. Once used to decorate irregular surfaces, it now defines sweeping architectural elements within the store, transforming fragments of ceramic into a unified, textured landscape that speaks to both craft and innovation.

The material palette plays a central role in shaping the store’s sensory appeal. The interplay of light and shadow—made possible through hammered Catedral glass—creates shifting atmospheres throughout the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Sleek, freestanding sinks crafted from Spanish Silvestre Granito with bases of transparent glass and Alpi Walnut Burl wood appear to float within the space, enhancing the store's light-filled ambiance.

Walls rendered in fine-grain clay plaster, and with rich wood veneer, create a balanced tension between openness and intimacy. The store’s transparent, floating portico acts as a visual anchor—simultaneously threshold and focal point—inviting exploration and offering glimpses into the behind-the-scenes rituals that define Aesop’s customer experience. The layout supports fluid movement and ease of navigation, fostering a sense of openness that enhances both accessibility and engagement, while framed product displays and seating areas encourage moments of quiet interaction.

Aesop Las Salesas stands as a thoughtful response to its context—one that honours Madrid’s cultural identity while embracing a forward-looking design ethos. By merging heritage techniques with a modern, human-centred approach, the store becomes more than just a point of sale: it is a space of connection, discovery, and enduring craft.

Credits

Architects: Ciszak Dalmas / Matteo Ferrari

Photography: Salva López

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MENU at The Audo

Globally renowned Scandinavian design brand MENU has relocated its headquarters and creative showroom to The Audo. Unveiled to the public at Copenhagen's 3daysofdesign, The Audo is a new, hybrid space shaped by connectivity and creativity. Through design, it masterfully unites co-working and event facilities, a café, restaurant and concept store, as well as an exclusive hotel residence. 

Abbreviated from the Latin Ab Uno Disce Omnes, meaning 'From one, learn all', The Audo reflects MENU’s founding philosophy of collaborative spirit. With seamless transitions from one area to another, the spaces are designed to be both inspiring and pleasurable. With MENU’s portfolio of furniture, lighting and accessories presented and experienced in new and authentic ways, The Audo redefines how we use design, space and, ultimately, how we connect to one another. 

"The new space is a hub for powerful ideas, beautiful design and inspiration. Through openness, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, MENU takes a new approach to running a design business. Our move to The Audo highlights the multidisciplinary, unifying nature of design, while serving as a showcase and testing ground for our new concept." —MENU Chief Design & Brand Officer Joachim Kornbek Hansen.

The incredible spaces feature MENU Tearoom Club Chairs by Nick Ross, upholstered in a range of bold and patterned fabrics. The MENU marble Plinths designed by Norm Architects are also a standout. Crafted by hand in Portugal, the Calacatta Viola, an off-white marble with striking purple veining is just stunning. Beautiful bespoke artworks by artist Benjamin Ewing, ceramics by Sofia Tufvasson and Bente Hansen and wooden sculptures by Nicholas Shurey also feature throughout.  

Headed by former MENU CEO and founder, Bjarne Hansen, and conceived in partnership with long-time collaborators Norm Architects, The Audo is a testimony to the future of design. Creating a renewed sense of belonging shaped by the spirit of collaboration, the new 2500m2 space occupies a building in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district that dates back to 1918, originally built to house the headquarters of the Russian Trading Co. Ltd. The Neo-Baroque residence features an inspiring mix of original features and thoughtful new accompaniments from an eclectic mix of premium brands—not least MENU’s comprehensive range of furniture, lighting and accessories, which are put to their truest test, together with a curated selection of products from premium global brands.

"Blurring the lines between home and work, and uniting design, business and community in one innovative, physical space under constant renewal, The Audo is an experiential, sensorial residence where products from the world’s premium design brands will engage in dialogue" — MENU CEO Danny Feltmann Espersen.

Nathan Williams from the leading lifestyle publication Kinfolk leads The Audo’s creative direction, bringing global perspective to the space.

Located on the top floor, the Audo Residence comprises ten uniquely configured loft-style retreats. Serene and elegant with calming colour palettes, this would be a dream place to stay! 

MENU at The Audo is located at Aarhusgade 130, 2150 Nordhavn. 

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RÖ Skin Shop by O'Sullivan Skougoglou Architects

I've been admiring the warm, understated architectural work of O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects for some time. The London-based practice established in 2016 by Jody O’Sullivan and Amalia Skoufoglou recently completed a skincare store for the brand RÖ Skin and it is very much in fitting with their pared back style and careful approach to materials and construction. Located in a medieval building in the town of Stamford, the space features a warm mix of cane, travertine and ash wood. I especially love the bespoke framework of ash and cane mesh display units that line the shop space. Housing the beautiful range of products, they also function as screening for the treatment rooms beyond. A lovely place to visit for a bit of pampering don't you think?  

Photography by Ståle Eriksen

Discovered on Dezeen with imagery via www.osullivanskoufoglou.com

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New + Noted

Lovisa Häger, who you may know as Residence blogger An Interior Affair, has a special talent for DIY. Her creations are so beautiful they fit seamlessly into her interior design work (remember this project?) and her gorgeous home which you can follow on Instagram. This has led to an exciting new collaboration with Swedish company Wall of Art where Lovisa has created a collection of limited edition abstract art prints. 

The idea behind the collection was to provide affordable prints in larger formats, something that Lovisa had trouble finding herself. Having been on the hunt for large scale artworks that won't break the bank myself, I love this concept. As expected, the artworks reflect Lovisa's style, exuding warm minimalism across a muted palette. Consisting of five large limited edition pieces (and a range of smaller sizes) you can view the full collection here.

Images via Residence magazine 

Great news for Wellington, the NZ capital now has an Aesop store and it is stunning. Aesop's inaugural Wellington signature store is situated within the historic Change House, a local landmark that bears the influence of the Art Deco era and the early skyscrapers of the Chicago and New York schools. Designed in collaboration with New Zealand practice Knight Associates, the 88-square metre space—once occupied by law offices—makes abundant use of natural timber to create a pleasing juxtaposition with the structure’s imposing 1930s exterior.

Inside, alabaster-painted walls offer immediate contrast to this façade, investing the space with a sense of depth and softness. The large street-facing windows, set deep into the thick masonry, allow a muted light to filter through, effecting a play between light and dark materiality; in particular, between the existing walls and the timber parquetry of the flooring. Oiled timber wraps the point-of-sale counter and shelving, which curves gently along the rear wall. Here, a capacious sink fitted with aged brass tapware offers a place for product demonstrations; the space beyond houses the Aesop New Zealand Head Office and online retail store. Just exquisite, I'm looking forward to popping in for a look next time I visit Wellington. 

Images courtesy of Aesop 

Articolo is a design studio that celebrates the art of light through a commitment to artisanal craft and quality workmanship. Based in Melbourne, the studio reflects creative director Nicci Green’s passion for the textural spirit of light; producing works that are internationally regarded for a contemporary yet enduring aesthetic and the luxurious pairing of materials. Articolo's latest collection was debuted at the recent ICFF in New York and I've picked out two of the beautiful new pieces to share with you.

The new Trilogy pendant combines heritage opulence with modern minimalism. Suspended with grace, Trilogy is a quietly confident design that softly illuminates; its light source concealed within a trio of mouth-blown glass orbs. Supported by three solid brass rods that come together with a superb central cuff detail, Trilogy exemplifies deceptively sophisticated engineering, and is an exemplar of Articolo’s exploration of materiality, form and luminance.

Art Direction by Marsha Golemac / Photography Sharyn Cairns

The Glimpse pendant, inspired by the dawn of a new day as sunlight streams across the horizon, is best described as an effortless balancing act. Here, a horizontal mouth-blown glass shade appears to levitate; its waist ensconced in a solid brass sheath, and its full form suspended by two subtle vertical brass rods from overhead. A clear glass shade reveals the elegant, elongated light source to wondrous effect, while the option of an opaque finish achieves a subtler outcome. For more information about this incredible lighting company and to see more of their designs, visit articololighting.com. 

Images courtesy of Articolo

Some more art news, this time a little closer to home, Wellington Textile Artist Jane Denton has released a beautiful new collection entitled Once. Created at the end of summer, Jane says she was drawn to an autumnal colour palette, lots of burgundy, crimson with greens and blues. "I never set out with a clear idea of what I'm going to create, it's an organic process with form and colours coming together along the way. I notice shapes where ever I go, it might be shapes on a building or a window - I find inspiration is everywhere! As I finished the first pieces I felt they had a slight mid century feel, and to reflect that in a subtle way I named the series Once".

A long-time fan of Jane's work, I love the simple aesthetic of her pieces. Her process however is anything but simple, created through hours of intricate stitching of wool and cotton on to canvas. I've included a close up above to show the fine detailing, which is even more beautiful in real life. The subtle texture and architectural feel of this new collection is divine. See the full collection here.

Styling and photography by Bonny Beattie

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