For over a year, French Country Collections was on the hunt for a brick and mortar commercial space in Newmarket to house and offer its range of beautiful furniture and homewares.

The search for the right space came close to ending a handful of times, after finding locations that ticked almost every box. But French Country Collections held off, hoping that one would come along that would tick every box.

Then it appeared on the market: a promising store in the heart of Newmarket that, on paper, satisfied every requirement. French Country Collections Managing Director Vanessa Bramley says they promptly jumped on the opportunity.

“Immediately we knew that was the store,” says Vanessa. “A spacious 350 square metre corner site with a generous stud height and 6 car parks was just the beginning, and while the exterior of the concrete building was very plain, we felt confident that character and charm was within our reach.”

The arrangements were made, and French Country Collections finally had their new location. The next step was the fit out, and the company turned to Walker Group Architects to develop the plans for both the interior and exterior transformations.

Mark Gascoigne returned as the principal architectural designer — having played a key role in French Country Collections’ Ponsonby store fit out — and Vanessa says his familiarity with the company’s vision from his previous experience made for a streamlined process.

The brief was also similar to the previous fit out: to create a space that suited traditional, rustic and industrial styles; to form enclaves of intimate and exciting areas within the large, open space; and to take inspiration from French food markets, vintage and antique stores, flower markets and European boutiques.

For this particular space, achieving and realising this vision required a fair bit of work.

“The plans involved quite a facelift for the exterior of the building, a change of paint colour, mouldings to define the store and add character, new awnings, and metal strip mullions to dress the large store windows,” says Vanessa.

“Inside, the ceiling panels would go, repainting would commence and a series of both iron fixtures and wooden cabinetry would be commissioned.”

Careful steps were taken during the fit out to ensure French Country Collections could showcase its offerings in the best possible light.

A metal structure with shelving houses French Country’s garden products, and this conservatory area allows for hanging chandeliers and planters off a mesh ceiling. A large pivot wall was made to divide up a part of the store, or to create a backdrop for a window. And a kitchen bench complete with butlers sink was installed to showcase a French Country kitchen.

Tall industrial wood and iron shelving units were also utilised around the store for merchandise, and headboards are displayed in a custom built headboard display rack.

Vanessa says the entire process was a resounding success, and seeing such a prime location transform into a commercial space that embodies French Country Collections’ vision was especially rewarding.

“It's been great to hear the customers’ feedback on the fit out since we opened in mid-December, watching the delight as customers discover the store, area by area is exactly how we intended it to be.”

French Country’s Newmarket store is also a great place for interior designers, architects and builders to bring their clients.

34 Morrow Street, Newmarket, Auckland (customer parking available) Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.