Kohler & Englefield Showroom

Wairau Park

“We need to create two distinct product zones in the one showroom both with their own style that is immediately obvious. Give the showroom some Kiwiness and inspire those who walk through the door to what they can really do with our products” was the brief received from the client.

On completion of the project the original dull and tired office blue” on every wall and surface had disappeared making way for an inspiring space, a stimulating juxtaposition of colour, materials and textures which flow cohesively from one space to the next.

Starting the project it was important to understand what each brand represented, to be able to utilise both colour and design to deliver on the brief.

Kohler an international bathroom ware brand originating from the USA is associated with innovation and elegance. Englefield, a homegrown kiwi company, has strong ties with the kiwi family, value and affordability. They wanted to portray this but also show that both brands were fashionable, stylish and appropriate for the New Zealand market.

The showroom is an inviting space and certainly one that a broad cross section of Aucklanders would feel comfortable entering. It was important that the in-situ bathroom installations should use a combination of colours, textures, materials and accessories that were accessible and appropriate to the client’s customers.

It was essential that colour contributed to the branding exercise of this showroom in creating distinctly individual areas for both Kohler and Englefield.

One of Kohler’s original catch phrases is The Bold Colour of Kohler. This was the inspiration for the Intensity of the Reve suite. The luxury Ibiza range of wallpaper from Resene ColorShops was inspiring. The vibrant turquoise blue tile used to complement the gorgeously eccentric paper also added a crisp water like hue to the space. Resene Dauntless was a seamless match for the vanity cabinetry, continuing the bohemian feel of the suite.

Kohler products are unique and predominantly elegant so the choice for the Escale suite needed to continue these elements. Panelled cedar walls and cabinetry inspired by 50s architecture were given a modern ombre stain effect using Resene Colorwood in Resene Matai, Resene Walnut and Resene Rock Salt to work in with classic marble tiling and copper accessories.

Englefield, a well-loved NZ bathroom brand needed to honour its kiwi origins while projecting the fact that it can stand amongst international brands in its ability to create relevant and current bathroom interiors.

Greens, blues and greys are so New Zealand, they are in our landscape on every turn. The choice of the humble timber look wallpaper was to reflect the love of the outdoors and easy going lifestyle that kiwis enjoy.

As a designer you need to push the envelope a little bit and test peoples comfort zones. Taking the opportunity with Englefield the bathroom went for a darker look using Resene Double Masala and a Rockcote Marrakesh Finish mixed with Spanish patterned tiles and Resene Concrete on the cabinetry.

The remaining two suites and technical display area adhere to the fresh-look image of Englefield, utilising Resene Cut Glass and Resene Flourish balanced with trusted Resene neutrals of Resene Alabaster, Resene Half Sea Fog and Resene Delta.

The traditional villa style with classic panelled walls is given a modern interpretation by using Resene Flourish. Rockcote Marrakesh and Milano in Resene White Pointer and Resene Concrete with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream and Resene Bokara Grey provide beautiful neutral and textural zones between areas of intense colour enabling each distinct area the space to create visual impact.

Architectural specifier: Kelly Gammie, Eucalyptus Design & Interiors
Building contractor: Brightstone Building
Client: Kohler NZ
Other key contributor: Tommy Tiler Ltd
Photographer: Becky Nunes
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2015