J. McLaughlin Stores

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Walk the Plank™

J. McLaughlin Stores

Firm

Larson and Paul Architects

Type

Commercial ›

“Jewel boxes” – that’s how architect and designer Doug Larson refers to some J. McLaughlin stores. For these typically small, highly decorated boutiques, it’s a perfect comparison. Driven by a passion for pattern and color, J. McLaughlin puts a unique spin on classic styles with clothing and accessories that are beautiful, fun and meant to last. And the stores in which they’re sold must evoke that same playful sense of style.For stores that use carpet tile, the colors used in the floor are the foundation for the rest of the interior.“We want to make things fun and exciting and with all the colors available, the carpet tiles certainly do that. I build from the floor up with fabrics and paint colors. I can tone any paint and I can go through the warehouse and pick out fabrics from J. McLaughlin’s line to work with your carpet tiles.”But it wasn’t just the breadth of color that attracted Larson to Interface tiles. He also saw their inherent design potential. By using multiple colors to create distinct patterns, (even cutting tiles into quarters for smaller scale designs) Larson further incorporates the look of J. McLaughlin’s clothing and accessories. “I realized right away that I could make plaids out of them,” he says. “Being able to take two colors a shade apart and get four tiles to make a plaid or gingham design is really cool. I like that because J. McLaughlin has gingham shirts. They have plaids. It’s kind of a preppy thing, which is their market niche, and it also speaks to weaving and textiles.”