1889 Trading Co.
Project Details
About
1889 Trading Co. is the retail experience of the Chinese Canadian Museum, located inside the historic Wing Sang Building in Vancouver’s Chinatown—the oldest building in the neighborhood, built in 1889. The shop curates a collection of thoughtfully designed goods that reflect Chinese Canadian heritage, creativity, and contemporary voices. Many of the artists and makers featured draw inspiration from their own family histories and cultural traditions, creating work that bridges generations. Proceeds from every purchase directly support the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and educational initiatives, making 1889 Trading Co. more than a retail space—it’s a platform for storytelling and cultural preservation.
Cutler’s Role
Cutler was proud to provide interior design services for the retail store project at 1889 Trading Co. Our goal was to create a space that honors the museum’s mission while offering a modern, inviting shopping experience. Key aspects of our involvement included:
- Interior Design: We incorporated design elements inspired by Chinese heritage, such as warm wood tones, brass accents, and a rich, earthy color palette that echoes traditional aesthetics while feeling contemporary. Display fixtures were designed with clean lines and subtle detailing to complement the historic character of the Wing Sang Building without overwhelming it.
- Material Choices: Natural materials like wood and stone were selected to evoke authenticity and durability, while textured finishes add depth and warmth to the space.
- Heritage-Inspired Details: Decorative motifs and patterns drawn from Chinese art and architecture were integrated subtly into shelving and signage, creating a sense of cultural continuity without compromising modern retail functionality.
- Lighting Design: Soft, ambient lighting was used to highlight curated products and create an intimate, gallery-like atmosphere that encourages exploration and storytelling.
The result is a retail store that serves as both a shopping destination and an extension of the museum’s cultural narrative. We’re proud to have contributed to a space that amplifies voices and celebrates the resilience and creativity of Chinese Canadians.
Awards
This project won an AWMAC award of excellence for millwork design and fabrication. More information at https://awmacbc.com/awards/projects
Project Details
About
1889 Trading Co. is the retail experience of the Chinese Canadian Museum, located inside the historic Wing Sang Building in Vancouver’s Chinatown—the oldest building in the neighborhood, built in 1889. The shop curates a collection of thoughtfully designed goods that reflect Chinese Canadian heritage, creativity, and contemporary voices. Many of the artists and makers featured draw inspiration from their own family histories and cultural traditions, creating work that bridges generations. Proceeds from every purchase directly support the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and educational initiatives, making 1889 Trading Co. more than a retail space—it’s a platform for storytelling and cultural preservation.
Cutler’s Role
Cutler was proud to provide interior design services for the retail store project at 1889 Trading Co. Our goal was to create a space that honors the museum’s mission while offering a modern, inviting shopping experience. Key aspects of our involvement included:
- Interior Design: We incorporated design elements inspired by Chinese heritage, such as warm wood tones, brass accents, and a rich, earthy color palette that echoes traditional aesthetics while feeling contemporary. Display fixtures were designed with clean lines and subtle detailing to complement the historic character of the Wing Sang Building without overwhelming it.
- Material Choices: Natural materials like wood and stone were selected to evoke authenticity and durability, while textured finishes add depth and warmth to the space.
- Heritage-Inspired Details: Decorative motifs and patterns drawn from Chinese art and architecture were integrated subtly into shelving and signage, creating a sense of cultural continuity without compromising modern retail functionality.
- Lighting Design: Soft, ambient lighting was used to highlight curated products and create an intimate, gallery-like atmosphere that encourages exploration and storytelling.
The result is a retail store that serves as both a shopping destination and an extension of the museum’s cultural narrative. We’re proud to have contributed to a space that amplifies voices and celebrates the resilience and creativity of Chinese Canadians.
Awards
This project won an AWMAC award of excellence for millwork design and fabrication. More information at https://awmacbc.com/awards/projects
