OiER Makeup Shop – A Cozy, Concept-Driven Space by Plainoddity

Nestled in a quiet residential area near Gunja Station, the OiER Makeup Shop by Plainoddity redefines the traditional makeup studio experience. Spanning a modest 23-square-meter space, this cozy and intimate shop delivers a personalized makeup experience, combining functional design with playful, conceptual storytelling.

The Concept – A Makeup Shop with a Twist

The name OiER, initially a simple letter combination, was discovered to mean "shepherd" during the design process. This inspired the central concept: a "makeup shop pretending to be a furniture showroom." Influenced by the client’s quirky habit of leaving the lights on after closing, this spatial idea evokes the charm of a “shepherd’s little white lie.”

From the outside, the shop visually resembles a furniture showroom, sparking curiosity among passersby. Inside, however, it offers fully functional makeup services, creating a unique and immersive spatial experience for every visitor.

Design Features and Spatial Arrangement

The interior of OiER Makeup Shop uses an all-white background, highlighting the bespoke furniture and service areas. The space is carefully divided into three main zones:

1. Waiting and Class Area: Featuring a triangular-top table with slanted legs in an unripe lemon color and glossy finish, this area immediately catches the eye. Pendant lighting above accentuates the playful “little white lie” theme.
2. Hair and Makeup Area: The central dressing table combines two mirrors into a single visual element using horizontal lines. Materials like wood and translucent acrylic soften the stainless steel countertop, balancing function and aesthetic.
3. Eyelash Treatment Area: Located at the back, a multifunctional cabinet serves as a sink, storage, and partition, elegantly separating this area from the hair and makeup zone while providing practical utility.

Unique Branding Elements

A key design element is the Korean consonants "ㅇㅇㅇ" from OiER, incorporated into furniture handles, lighting fixtures, and small signage. This unifying motif creates the feel of a cohesive brand showroom. Custom tags, captions, and key maps reinforce the showroom-like atmosphere, blending functionality with concept.

Materiality and Atmosphere

Furniture and fixtures were tailored to the function of each zone. Neutral white tones paired with gray walls and flooring establish a subtle background, allowing the furniture’s forms, colors, and textures to stand out. This approach ensures the small 23 m² space feels spacious, interactive, and visually stimulating.

By reimagining a makeup shop as a conceptual, multifunctional environment, OiER provides each client with a personalized experience that extends beyond typical beauty services, offering visual curiosity, comfort, and playful interaction.

All photographs are works of  Yongjoon Choi