The Cosmetic Store

Auckland

To keep the budget to a minimum, colour and graphics were used in this stairwell as a feature in order to attract attention and draw people into the shop.

The Cosmetic Store is a start-up concept jointly owned by three women who are targeting the Asian market based in Auckland's CBD. They directly import cosmetics from Japan, China and Korea to cater for a growing market of Asian women looking for cosmetics to suit their particular skin tones, as well as Kiwi women looking for an alternative range of well-priced cosmetics.

The clients wanted a central location but their budget for rental was very limited so after looking at a number of sites in and around Auckland's Queen Street they settled on a first floor site in Victoria Street. The premises has some windows facing onto Victoria Street but these are at a high level above another shop so are barely visible. The only access is the steep staircase, which provides only limited visibility into the shop.

To keep the budget to a minimum colour and graphics were used in this stairwell as a feature in order to attract attention and draw people into the shop. Many colour schemes and graphic concepts were considered before eventually settling on Resene Scandal as a current and exciting colour but one that would tone well with the packaging and graphics.

The rest of the interior is quite neutral with a grey floor vinyl wood-plank floor, with white Resene Alabaster paint on the ceiling and remaining walls. In addition to the coloured entrance area there is a seating and make up trial area in Resene Scandal. The balance of the fit-out is in either white or neutral wood tones to serve as a backdrop for the wide variety of product colours.

The store interior has been very well received, with customers commenting on the warm yet exciting ambience created, largely by the colour scheme.

Interior designer: Studio Gascoigne
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2016