
A rising number of studies suggest that well-considered lighting affects and boosts consumer behavior. Add to that the new Instagramability and promotional requirements, and the role of lighting becomes pivotal to achieving a filtered and commercially appealing visual. The latter has encouraged the implementation of new technology lighting panels and fixtures that offer a range of colors and dimmability, modifying the mood and even the overall color palette of a space. The results are some fun, sometimes almost cartoonish, settings that suggest the best backdrops and inviting venues.
Through the use of illuminated stretch ceilings, LED screens, panel fixtures, and indirect lighting, coupled with reflective or colored/ textured surfaces, the static space can then transform and lead the visitor or user through a spatial story. Some of the most interesting examples of the flexibility, attractive aesthetic, and commercial value that lighting technology can have are in South Korean cafes and commercial interiors.
With their aptitude for balancing natural and artificial lights and combining various layers of illumination with complementary finishes, South Korean designers are able to interpret K-pop explosiveness and glitz into intriguing and elegant spaces as seen in these 20 projects.
LED Screens and Panels
SM KwangYa@Seoul Concept Store / NiiiZ Design Lab


Nomanual Flagship Store / HOFFICE


Uncommon Store / Atelier Archi@Mosphere


SOMA Lounge Office / Design Studio BYO


Post Archive Faction Store / Creative Studio Unravel


eert Mangwon Cafe / Workment


o’flower Shop / Plainoddity


YUN Pangyo Store / By Seog Be Seog


Custom and Linear Fixtures
Hyundai Department Pangyo-Uplex / Betwin Space Design


Pink Gorilla Coffee / Plainoddity


IOPE LAB Flagship / Betwin Space Design


The Conran Shop Seoul / Conran and Partners


Papyrus Flagship Store / WGNB


KOLON SPORT Hannam Store / studio fragment


Super Duper Burgers Gangnam / Betwin Space Design


Indirect Lights
Soui Flagship Store / HOFFICE


Red tongue Boutique Store / 134


PAN AM Flagship Store / NiiiZ Design Lab


SSAP Coffee / design by 83


Yun Shop / LABOTORY


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