"We wanted to create a space where visitors feel a sense of calm and awe, a place where nature and elegance coexist," says Lee Tuck Onn, describing the vision for ZCOVA’s new retail outlet. Kristal Thang adds, "Our goal was to transform the traditional jewellery shopping experience into a serene journey of discovery."

ZCOVA's latest retail outlet stands as a testament to this vision, seamlessly blending elegance and nature. The minimalist design with clean lines effectively showcases the jewellery pieces, creating a refined and elegant atmosphere. As you step inside, the carefully curated moss landscapes immediately catch your eye, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside and enhancing the natural aesthetic. Moss-covered stones line the pathways, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery, peace, and comfort as they handpick jewellery pieces.

A wooden fluted wall, both decorative and functional, draws your attention with its vertical grooves adding texture and visual interest from afar. The warm wood tones complement the earthy palette of the surroundings, while gold-trim glass jewellery displays gleam softly in the ambient light, each meticulously arranged to highlight ZCOVA's exquisite collection of diamonds and gemstones. 

The initial vision for ZCOVA’s retail outlet was to create a zen, earthy ambiance, making visitors feel relaxed and offering a unique setting to view jewellery. The design adhered to a "less is more" philosophy, with focused displays allowing customers to peruse the jewellery without distraction. ZCOVA provided a mood board and design ideas emphasising a zen feel, incorporating specific lighting and material choices, intentionally opting for aesthetics that set them apart from their competitors. Both Onn and Kristal stressed the importance of listening to their clients, crafting styles that fit their needs perfectly, and providing expert advice to guide them through the process.

The idea of integrating a green feature landscape into the design was inspired by ZCOVA’s desire for an art display that would attract customers. This natural element brings life to the store, creating an inviting atmosphere. The moss landscapes blend seamlessly with the wooden surroundings, enhancing the overall design. The design ensures that nothing overpowers the jewellery. Soft finishes, such as curved walls and non-tiled floors, create a serene environment where the jewellery remains the focal point. The moss-covered stones guide visitors through a tranquil journey, enhancing the discovery experience.

The wooden fluted wall camouflages the shop's interior, keeping the focus on the jewellery. With display cases designed with gold trims in view against the wall, it adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Sharp spotlights highlight the jewellery, differentiating ZCOVA from other jewellery outlets. Onn and Kristal’s thoughtful approach to design, combined with their attention to detail and client-centric philosophy, has resulted in a retail outlet that is not only visually stunning but also a peaceful haven for jewellery enthusiasts. Onn and Kristal bring a unique approach to interior design, drawing from their extensive educational and experience backgrounds. They stay current by attending industry-related exhibitions like Archidex and participating in internal insightful tours organised by Scalable Malaysia for their internal team of designers.

They’ve visited places like the RuMa hotel, Else hotel, and Malaysia’s first Apple store. Recently, the team participated in a design expedition with Atap.co, Malaysia’s leading interior design media portal, to Vietnam, gaining fresh views and inspiration from the local arts and culture.

Reflecting on their journey in designing ZCOVA, Kristal says, "We wanted to create something timeless, a place where every detail tells a story." Onn adds, "Designing ZCOVA’s new outlet has been an incredible experience, blending our love for nature and elegance into a space that invites and inspires." Indeed, the new ZCOVA retail outlet at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, stands as a beautiful testament to their vision and creativity.

Photographs by Hanley Lu