Branching out: Onico salon looks to the forest

Designed by Japanese architect Ryo Isobe, the space emulates a woodland filled with hidden trinkets and objects to discover. Birch trees disappear into the ceiling, a stuffed owl sits on a branch, lanterns and chandeliers hang delicately, while other objects such as mirrors, chairs, antiques and empty picture frames are nestled among the trees.

Keeping to the traditions of Japanese minimalism, the salon is relatively sparse, with the whitewashed walls and cut-outs letting in natural light and creating a sense of expansiveness. Along with the glittering fairy lights suspended from the ceiling, and decorated balustrades, the salon looks like a spiritual and fantasy world. 

Retailers and brands are increasingly turning to visual merchandising with natural forms, as consumers look to escape the stresses and overload of today’s world. For more, read our Sublime Materiality Inspire.