Sometimes small businesses in Harlem get everything right, but the store facade aesthetics need a little help. Scents of Nature is located on the corner of Lenox and 126th Street, and we would usually pass it by because of the front signage. The big industrial-looking, back-lit block letters is similar to the type of sign most of the new moderate delis in the nabe are using and belies the elegant nature of the interior. So, the good news is that Scents of Nature is a real custom essential oils and perfume boutique. On a recent warm day, the store had its doors open, and one could smell the fragrant air while passing by. Once we peered in, we realized that the interior is quite minimal and sophisticated, and there's even a nice, subtle graphic logo in the window. It probably would have been less money to have that said flat graphic artwork mounted on the front of the store instead of the flashy, techy number that's currently up. Anyways, it's worth checking out. The closest subway to this location is the 2,3 at 125th Street. Photo by Ulysses. www.scentsofnature.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
☞ SHOP: Scents of Nature
Sometimes small businesses in Harlem get everything right, but the store facade aesthetics need a little help. Scents of Nature is located on the corner of Lenox and 126th Street, and we would usually pass it by because of the front signage. The big industrial-looking, back-lit block letters is similar to the type of sign most of the new moderate delis in the nabe are using and belies the elegant nature of the interior. So, the good news is that Scents of Nature is a real custom essential oils and perfume boutique. On a recent warm day, the store had its doors open, and one could smell the fragrant air while passing by. Once we peered in, we realized that the interior is quite minimal and sophisticated, and there's even a nice, subtle graphic logo in the window. It probably would have been less money to have that said flat graphic artwork mounted on the front of the store instead of the flashy, techy number that's currently up. Anyways, it's worth checking out. The closest subway to this location is the 2,3 at 125th Street. Photo by Ulysses. www.scentsofnature.com
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you're applying you sophisticated, evolved, and advanced WESTERN taste, appeal, & opinion on merchants of the 3rd world, immigrants coming from places with different sensibilities than yours. You're basically saying "These Merchants should blend in with my sensibilities, adopt my taste, & embrace my opinion". This is all mighty provincial of you.
ReplyDeleteIf you explored the city centers and merchant districts in the 3rd world, let's say in Kingston, Lagos, Manila, etc. you would learn what you criticize with you Western sensibilities is in fact quite the norm, if not the ideal and appealing. In fact, you can probably go to NYC's Chinatown and in upper Harlem in the heavily Dominican merchant populated areas and see numerous examples of pretty much the same type, scale, and tone of signs proudly mounted by merchants of all types of consumer products.
Just saying the sign is incongruous with the product and the interior. Everything else is sophisticated and western so why not the sign? If you are going all out, shouldn't everything match?
ReplyDeleteIt's true...the reason why I've never entered the business is because it looks like crap from the outside. I guess it depends on who they're targeting...
ReplyDeleteAnd I am sorry to report that they are putting in cheap-ass plate glass and aluminium (?) windows and doors on the ground level of 119 and Lenox. They spent years renovating that building, it’s a shame to see this crappy frontage.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in the historic districts I do not see why the community doesn't have more say against these ugly signs. Thank god NYC ISN'T Lagos, Manila or somewhere in the third world. Coming here also means adopting to our Western sensibilities.
ReplyDeleteThis is right on my corner. I've been inside once or twice to say hello and the staff are lovely. (I don't have much need for scent, though.)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the comments on the facade. They are trying to be a high-end store -- and god knows we need more of them in Harlem -- but the exterior is little better than a bodega. Harlem will never turn-around until merchants (and residents) realize that exteriors count!
An example of the opposite being the problem is with the new restaurant Parrilla at 137th and Broadway. The design, both exterior and interior, is very nice and high-end however the food is basically that of a La Caridad or Floridita. I'm not knocking La Caridad or Floridita, but with Parrilla it is a bit of a bait and switch when it comes to comparing the restaurant design to what is offered in terms of food. I guess I had much higher expectations for the dining experience based on the restaurant design.
ReplyDeleteParrilla is exactly the kind of look (inside&out) that restaurants in Harlem need. There food is good and not too expensive($6 lunch specials) The vibe and ambiance is a nice change to that area of West Harlem.
ReplyDeleteCafe Largo was much better than Parrilla.
ReplyDelete