DualSpace Studio Transforms a Kuala Lumpur Store into a Cinematic Experience.

There’s something undeniably captivating about stepping into a space that feels like you’ve wandered onto a film set. The Calaqisya Store in Kuala Lumpur, designed by DualSpace Studio, achieves this effect through its attention to detail and theatrical approach to interior design.

Drawing inspiration from the distinctive aesthetic of filmmaker Wes Anderson, this retail space cleverly translates cinematic principles into commercial interiors. The result is an environment that manages to be both intimate and dramatic, where every element contributes to a cohesive narrative.

The design journey begins with the ceiling treatment, where membrane lights create a soft, uniform glow that bathes the entire space in golden warmth. This diffused lighting system establishes the atmosphere, lending the space that unmistakable film-still quality that Anderson’s work is known for.

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Custom wood panelling wraps walls and cabinetry, creating a seamless envelope that conceals practical elements. Air conditioning vents and speakers are fully integrated within the joinery, maintaining the space’s symmetrical composition while addressing comfort and acoustics. This attention to hidden functionality shows sophisticated design thinking that prioritises both form and performance.

The floor-to-wall carpet treatment adds another layer of sensory experience, creating tactile softness that invites interaction while absorbing sound and warming the visual palette. This approach to materiality transforms the space from decorative to experiential.

At the room’s centre, a metal counter provides deliberate contrast to the surrounding softness. However, even this industrial element receives the whimsical treatment, with fine threads intricately stitched through the metal surface—a detail that perfectly captures the quirky sophistication associated with Anderson’s aesthetic.

Sun-Soaked Celebration of Mediterranean Summers: Siedrés Store in Bodrum by Folistudio.

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The commitment to narrative extends to smaller elements, with 3D-printed motifs adorning the railing like sculptural flourishes. These details reinforce the fantastical quality while serving practical purposes.

A sculptural table leg by Taiwanese artist Money Wang serves as the space’s artistic anchor. This piece adds personality and collectability, grounding the theatrical elements with a gallery-worthy presence that elevates the entire composition.

The Calaqisya Store succeeds as more than retail space—it’s a carefully curated scene where functionality and visual storytelling work in harmony. DualSpace Studio has created an interior that celebrates design craft while maintaining the playful spirit that makes great cinema memorable.

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[Images courtesy of DualSpace Studio. Photography by David Yeow.]