Sills + Co

Skinner Design has had a long association with fashion designer Caroline Sills. Starting with her Studio and shop in Devonport, her private residence then her store in Hamilton and Herne Bay Auckland, the Wellington store located in the Old Bank Arcade was the latest instalment in her retail chain.

The aim was to create a dress salon atmosphere with a modern twist, which worked well with the design style of the building (Late Victorian Italian Renaissance/Edwardian). It needed to be light and airy with shimmering silvers and soft colours to allow the product to be showcased in this beautiful space.

Because there is no ceiling and the individual shops are positioned around the arcade you tend to have a sense of what is beyond. This is deliberately set as a simple and ambient space that allows peace in these busy surroundings.

Restrictions meant that the design of the existing building and the other tenants with regards to working hours needed to be factored into the requirements.

The freestanding furniture items, such as the clothing racks, display tables and counter, were required to be removable and not to interfere with the integrity of the building; this was an historic design guideline to ensure that the building could be reinstated back to the original.

The inspiration and reason for the colour scheme is in part, because of how the owners of Sills + Co like to live themselves in light simple airy spaces that feel calm and restful to be in. This aesthetic, ties back to their retail spaces too.

The controlled colour palette is meant as a foil to the garments themselves. Resene Black White is used on walls, the counter and changing rooms, with backpainted glass in Resene Half Black White on the counter and table tops. The subtle colour change helps create a space that feels inviting and conducive to shop in.

Building contractor: Grant Molloy Client: Sills + Co
Interior designer: Hilary Skinner
Photographer: Grace Gemuhluoglu
Other key contributor – lighting: ECC Lighting
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2016