Walking in colour: The artful palette of The Shoe Curator

10 Nov 2023

In the heart of Christchurch's charming New Regent Street, a quaint boutique store captures the essence of luxury, style and personality. The Shoe Curator, a business that was born out of the challenges posed by the pandemic, now finds its home in a cosy 25m² space that perfectly complements its curated collection of exclusive, high-quality shoes.

With a passion for footwear and an eye for design, owner of The Shoe Curator, Nicole, set out to create a physical haven that showcases her unique offerings while paying homage to the heritage of the area – for this, she sought the help of Tim Powell from Element 17.

The Shoe Curator's design project is a true testament to the power of colours and the transformational possibilities they offer. With a thoughtful selection of Resene paints, the boutique has become a visual masterpiece that invites patrons to immerse themselves in the world of exquisite footwear.

Upon entering The Shoe Curator, you are greeted by a bold statement - a feature wall adorned in Resene Permanent Green, framing the displays of luxury shoes against a background in Resene Alabaster.

The striking choice of Resene Permanent Green not only sets the mood for the entire space but also adds a sense of depth and luxury. This shade is the perfect backdrop for the eclectic collection of shoes. It's a timeless colour that beautifully contrasts with the gold branding, creating a visually captivating experience.

The high ceiling was painted in Resene Nero, a deep black, with feature wall in Resene Permanent Green.

The boutique's ceiling, which is higher than the tenancy is wide, presented a design challenge. To create a cosier atmosphere and make the space feel more intimate, the ceiling was painted in Resene Nero. This darker shade perceptually lowers the height of the room, giving it a snug and inviting feel. The juxtaposition of Resene Nero with Resene Permanent Green creates a delightful contrast and adds to the overall charm of the space.

To ensure the shoes remained the centre of attention, the shelving and display elements are finished in Resene Nero. The use of Resene Alabaster as a back panel with an LED halo subtly separates the shoes from the striking green wall.

The colour choice for the shoe display allows the product design to shine, with the surrounding colours providing a balanced and harmonious backdrop. The classic timber floor and heritage features have been preserved, creating a visual contrast that emphasises the unique styling of the footwear.

The Shoe Curator's design project is a showcase of sophistication and style. Walls were painted in Resene Zylone Sheen as to not take the attention away from the products on display, but instead frame them beautifully. The careful choice of colour and product has allowed Nicole to create a space that speaks to her passion for fashion while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for her customers.

The thoughtful colour scheme extends beyond the interior, as the gold from the branding is carried through to the window frosting. This provides a cohesive three-dimensional feel to the shopfront display, enhancing the boutique's curb appeal. The result is a storefront that captures the attention of passers-by without competing with the unique designs of the shoes. The inner display is painted in Resene Permanent Green and Resene Nero.

The Shoe Curator's journey was not without its challenges. Due to industry conditions and joinery supply issues, the joinery arrived at the site as raw MDF and had to be painted on-site, right in the middle of the shop space. This unexpected turn of events only adds to the uniqueness of the project and highlights the resourcefulness and determination behind the design team.

Behind the panelled counter, painted in Resene Permanent Green, is a black wall painted in Resene Nero, adding depth to the store and allowing the store’s sign in gold to pop and welcome customers.

The Shoe Curator is a testament to the power of design and colour. The combination of rich green, deep black and classic white has elevated this boutique to a new level of sophistication and style, making it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate high-quality, distinctive footwear.

design Tim Powell, Element 17, www.element17.co.nz

build and painting contractor Nick Lowry

images Sam Gibson

client The Shoe Curator, www.theshoecurator.com

Published: 10 Nov 2023