Interior designer Stephanie Thatenhorst has created a playful and graphic design for the Leidmannstore in Munich, an optical brand aimed at children. Named Rookies, the specialist outlet is located in the heart of the city center and was conceived as a “noisy, wild and unique paradise for children” with all seating and product displays adjusted for their height.

“The blue carpet signals that you are entering a new world. Every little detail is child-friendly without using the usual cliches”, explains Thatenhorst. Full of intriguing textures in bright colors, Rookies’ walls and ceilings are wrapped in green and white triangular tiles. The glasses, on the other hand, are sparsely presented on apricot-coloured shelves.

“The blue carpet signals that you are entering a new world. Every little detail is child-friendly without using the usual cliches”, explains Thatenhorst. Full of intriguing textures in bright colors, Rookies’ walls and ceilings are wrapped in green and white triangular tiles. The glasses, on the other hand, are sparsely presented on apricot-coloured shelves.

A series of U-shaped neon lights, designed to recall monkey swings in a zoo, illuminate the interior space. Fabric-wrapped drawers with contrasting blue handles provide storage space, while a sequence of round and oval mirrors with blue frames are set in between each wall display. A ribbed yellow column, surrounded by a bench seat at its base, stretches from the ceiling to the floor.

“Everything is round, there are no corners to bump into,” adds the interior designer. “Even the consoles and shelves with the glasses are round and shaped for children’s hands to open.”

The eyewear-dispensing machine, which is set into the wall and allows children to pick up their new glasses, is a highlight of the interior. It is framed by red-checkered fabric that coordinates with the upholstery of the surrounding stools and benches. “It is always a great experience for the little glasses wearers when the machine comes to life and ‘spits out’ the new glasses,” laughs Thatenhorst.

Photo credit: Günther Egger

Design: StephanieThatenhorst