Horst International wins 'Independence Day' award.

Horst Design International, Cold Spring Harbor, LI, unanimously won the "Independence Day Award" from Visual Merchandising & Store Design, a leading retail publication, for the design of the Wind & Water gift shop in Manhattan. This is the first time the magazine has sponsored an award to recognize independent retailers.

According to the judges, Horst created an unusual design concept based on the owner's philosophy of feng shui. "The store's efficient layout, great colors, and innovative use of lighting and materials earned Horst an exclusive award in the category of independent retailers contracting with outside design firms," says a Visual Merchandising & Store Design spokesperson. Wind & Water will be featured in the magazine's July issue.

"To evoke a sense of peace, balance and harmony with nature in the store's interior, we used soothing and warm colors, contrast as well as textured natural but luxurious materials," explains Bernhart Rumphorst, principal designer/planner at Horst Design International. Cherrywood cabinetry, stained maple floors, various shades of seafoam green and ochre, carved ornamental detailing along the perimeter casework and on the fixtures, allow the shoppers to relax and feel at home in the store.

Shoppers are energized by HDI's lighting concept and subliminally motivated to leisurely walk through the store viewing the assortment of products. Passersby are attracted to the store by the soft golden halo emanating from a huge dramatic ceiling oculus (lit from above) in the center of the store.

Wind & Water's 1500 SF street level space contains an array of exclusive large and small imported gifts and unusual home decorative accessories from the Philippines. According to Ilagan. the store's successful design attracts people to the items by evoking a quality image.