Van duysen transforms la design district into a home

Forget sterile showrooms and fluorescent lighting – Antwerp-based designer Vincent Van Duysen has redefined the retail experience, bringing a distinctly residential feel to Molteni&C’s new Los Angeles flagship. Nestled within the coveted Robertson Boulevard in the Design District, the space isn't just a store; it's an immersive exploration of domestic life, meticulously crafted to feel like stepping into an art collector’s private residence.

A departure from traditional retail

The renovation, a collaboration between Van Duysen and Molteni&C, presents a low-profile facade of timber and black siding, subtly beckoning visitors inward. The interior design eschews the typical showroom layout. Instead, each floor unfolds like a series of vignettes – a sprawling living room, a meticulously organized closet, and a serene bedroom – all furnished with Molteni&C's signature designs. The goal? To encourage a leisurely exploration, mirroring the ease of navigating one’s own home. It's a far cry from the pressure of a traditional retail environment.

Giulia Molteni, chief marketing officer of Molteni Group, notes that the store is “a clear expression of his approach,” emphasizing Van Duysen’s dedication to “understated elegance, functionality, and timelessness.” The new designs, including the striking Physis Kitchen, are showcased alongside iconic pieces from the brand’s heritage, creating a compelling dialogue between past and present. Consider the pairing of Gio Ponti’s D.151.4 armchair from the Molteni&C Heritage Collection with the Vicino side table – a quiet reading nook that encapsulates the brand’s rich history and expansive vision.

But there’s more than aesthetics at play. The deliberate blurring of lines between a showroom and a home speaks to a broader shift in consumer expectations. People want to experience design, not just view it. They crave authenticity, a sense of connection, and a space that inspires them to imagine their own lives enhanced by thoughtful design. This Los Angeles flagship delivers precisely that—a tangible manifestation of Molteni&C’s belief that “design has never been about displaying products; it is about creating meaningful living experiences.”

The new store officially opened its doors in June 2026, marking a significant expansion for the Italian furniture brand across the United States, joining existing locations in New York, Miami, and Washington D.C. It’s a bold statement, a testament to the enduring appeal of Van Duysen’s vision, and a powerful signal that the future of furniture retail lies in creating immersive, residential-inspired environments.