Horst Design creates new space for Lester's

According to Doug Horst, president, Horst Design International (HDI) the firm recently created the new upscale and expanded Lester's store on Long Island, adjacent to Barnes and Noble on Rte. 110 and just south of the Walt Whitman Mall. Using innovative architectural solutions & sophisticated details, HDI renovated the former 15,000 s/f Tower Records store. The store features expanded departments and broader selections of designer apparel, shoes and accessories for infants to teens plus contemporary women's and menswear catering to an upscale consumer. "We designed an open, contemporary space that easily guides shoppers down a variegated platinum colored-checkerboard patterned main aisle going from the front to the back of the store," said Horst. Highlighting the walkway is a row of hanging white globe lights, sculptured columns and visual features. Curved walls creating open arches, back-lit features, architectural screens, etc. add interest throughout the store. Steel and fabric superstructures with rear projected TV screens enliven the space and offer various focal points throughout. This deep, long store is creatively segmented into individual departments highlighted by a huge customer service counter with circular dropped ceilings at both the front and rear of the store. The decorative ceilings incorporate a variety of lighting sources to showcase the merchandise in a dynamic fashion. Lester's signature colors of a muted neutral palette (taupe, tan, black, white and grey) serve as a backdrop to showcase the various product lines. Eachdepartment has its own motif and image with distinctive flooring, lighting sources, and wall coverings. HDI also designed the Lester's store in Greenvale.