A beloved retail space has undergone a metamorphosis in the charming boutique hub of Jervois Road, Auckland. Kathryn Wilson Shoes opened a new boutique in a venerable character building—a space that had remained untouched for decades. As the previous tenant moved on, our client took the opportunity to rejuvenate this cherished locale and breathe new life into it while preserving all the spirit intact. The challenge of this renovation was more than a simple facelift; it was about establishing a proper balance between "now and then".

A New Façade and Interior Landscape

The renovation began at the storefront. We installed new door and window joinery, marking the first stage towards the store's rebirth. In line with the Kathryn Wilson Shoes brand identity, the choice of colors and materials was curated to subtly suggest the treasures inside.

The decision to employ fresh whites throughout the store's interior served a dual purpose. For one, a crisp background provides a serene backdrop for the collections, allowing shoes, clothing, and accessories to take the lead role and shine in it. The other stems from the well-known fact that a white shell enhances the sense of space and light within any room. Each existing surface, from walls to window boxes, was meticulously prepped and painted. The old wooden floors were the inseparable part of the building's identity, speaking graciously about its age—so we preserved and carefully refinished them to restore their former glory. After revival, this valuable feature seamlessly blended into the new interior, complementing the other modern and traditional elements. With that, the envelope was finally ready for the next phase: establishing a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere that suits Kathryn Wilson's brand ethos.

Lighting and Ambiance

In order to do so, we also had to overhaul the store's electrical and lighting systems. The new lighting was designed to enhance both the store's aesthetic appeal and the shopping experience itself. Thoughtfully placed light fixtures that illuminate the products now draw the shopper's attention to their details and craftsmanship, while the interplay of light and shadow creates a distinguished ambiance, encouraging customers to enjoy exploring the store's offerings for longer.

Preserving the Past

Careful gutting of the original space was a necessary first step that laid the groundwork for the new vision. Mindful of the building's storied past, we aimed to retain as much of its history and originality as possible, before infusing its interior with contemporary elements. One of the most striking moments of this phase was the discovery of the original brickwork and vintage wallpaper hidden behind the wallboards. Long concealed from the residents' eyes, these elements were surprisingly well preserved, so we decided to highlight them as focal points within the new design. You could almost say that the building itself presented us with the opportunity to anchor the store in its historical context, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Playful and Functional Cabinetry

The real fun for the team began with the introduction of pastel-colored cabinetry and accessories which brought a whimsical element to the interior scheme. Shades of lilac, pink, and periwinkle shake things up, but not at the price of overwhelming the dignity of the establishment or the shop's aesthetic. These pale yet spirited hues worked their magic against the neutral tones of the walls and floors, creating a harmonious balance that feels invigorating as much as visually appealing.

Of course, the cabinetry was not only about aesthetics; it was designed to enhance the functionality of the store. We devised and custom-built every element to accommodate the diverse range of products. Once every item was having its place, it became easy for customers to navigate and for staff to manage the inventory.

Final Touches

As the finishing touches were applied, the store began to reveal its new character, telling the story of transformation and continuity. Quirky accessories, such as the try-out ottomans that clearly communicate with the customers, were all handpicked to complement the new design. Strategically placed features add layers of visual interest, making the whole setup feel stimulative and cheerfully invigorating. The entire renovation was completed in a span of eight weeks, thanks to thorough planning and execution by the team. We coordinated each phase to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding businesses and to adhere to the timeline at the same time.

The revamped store is now a delightful blend of history and modernity; a place where the past and present harmoniusly coexist to offer a unique shopping experience. This new look is also a reflection of Kathryn Wilson's commitment to quality, style, and innovation—values that are evident in every pair of shoes and every piece of clothing on display. In other words, feeling both familiar and new, Kathryn Wilson Shoes is not just a store, it’s a destination.