Color and Texture
Sensual appeal lies at the heart of display design
By Linda Cahan -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 10/1/2006
We all explore the world through our senses — our touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste may not be as intense as our favorite animals', but generally do just fine for our needs.
Retailers can attract shoppers by appealing to their senses. Sight, the first sense used when approaching a store, can be enhanced through careful use of color and texture. Every good display offers a balance of colors, textures, shapes and light. We respond to such a balance with a feeling of comfort and attraction; even the edgiest displays work best when the design is visually well-balanced.
Color-spotting — leading the eye with the repetitive use of one color — is a great way to balance a storefront or composition. The repetition of shapes also guides the eye through a display, as does the mix of textures and light and dark patterns.
Stores that start with bare, interchangeable walls can create a unique identity through color, texture and display, enlivening the space with interesting choices in paint, wall coverings and merchandise. It's a joy to visit creative gift retailers.
[Editor's note: G&DA wants to see your creativity and ingenuity at work. Send digital images of your store to Maria Weiskott at mweiskott@reedbusiness.com, and share your merchandising vision with peers.]
