Skin Boutique offers the latest in specialised beauty therapy and skin rejuvenation treatments, and is known and loved in the local community for providing friendly, professional advice and services. They approached me to update their interior to align more closely with their brand values, a challenge I readily accepted. In today's fast-paced world, there's a growing yearning for spaces that offer a sense of calm, grounding and connection to nature. When it comes to environments like skincare clinics, where wellness and rejuvenation are paramount, the interior is critical to enhance the overall experience for clients. So for this project we planned a makeover inspired by natural elements and earthy tones, fostering a serene oasis for clients seeking both physical and mental renewal.

The reception area is where guests are greeted and they get a first impression of the boutique. The reception desk is curved at the ends to soften the space visually, and make it easier to manouvre around as needed. The back wall has been rendered with Italian plaster matched to the paint colour, to create a feeling of being surrounded by nature. We decided to keep the Skin Boutique logo tonal with the wall colour to continue the calming affect, but used a higher gloss level for a subtle point of difference. The pendant is wrapped in an eyecatching glowing tube, giving an organic feel to the space and adding visual warmth.

The timber cabinetry fore the reception desk has been lacquered with paint for a tonal look, and the faces tiled in a neutral subway tile with lots of natural character and texture.A calming neutral colour palette was crucial for creating a welcoming atmosphere. We used the Resene Blanc family of shades throughout the entire boutique, varying the strengths from quarter and half strength, to full and double strength where more warmth was needed.

Large arched cabinets were made to house the boutique’s selection of skincare products. Shelves with recessed LED lighting showcase the product, and the curved shape softens the space. We used Laminex Scallop 45 pre-made panels for the fronts of the cupboards - these panels come in different profiles and are great for all sorts of interior applications. The cabinets are lacquer painted in Resene Half Blanc and the cupboard handles are from ABI.

Earthy tones and textures have been added with accessories like sculpted ceramics, dried florals, candles and nature themed artworks. These colours not only promote relaxation but also serve as a neutral backdrop that complements the natural elements within the space.

Hallways are often overlooked spaces that serve as passageways from one room to another. A split horizontal paint effect is a simple and effective technique that not only adds visual interest but also adds depth and personality. The walls are divided horizontally into two sections, the top painted in Resene Quarter Blanc, and the lower portion in Resene Double Blanc. The horizontal split in the paint adds visual interest but also creates a sense of movement within the hallway. As the eye travels along the length of the walls, the transition between the two sections of paint guides your gaze towards the end. The split horizontal paint effect can also have a practical benefit in smaller or narrower hallways. By painting the upper portion of the walls in a lighter colour and the lower portion in a darker shade, the technique creates the illusion of higher ceilings and wider walls, effectively expanding the perception of space.

The treatment rooms continue the theme with scalloped vanities, neutral textured linen and organic shapes including the asymetric mirror. A small horizontal ledge creates a styling opportunity to display art and objects.