Aesop Gardens, located in one of Kuala Lumpur’s favoured retail centres, was created in partnership with Melbourne-based architecture firm Russell & George. Its neutral palette affords a sense of lightness, which in turn emphasises soft lines of curvilinear shelving, walls and counter elements.

Rich material contrasts abound. A demonstration sink in tarnished brass, for example, is sunken into a counter that seamlessly extends into a counter on one side, and steps down to a lozenge-shaped bench seat on the other. Cushioned with supple leather, this perch offers an ideal vantage point to view a Stilnovo pendant lamp—and to rest weary limbs.