While Parnell has always been home to many a design store, across town, the suburb of Grey Lynn has in recent years come alive with renowned designer brands moving into the area.
Discovering the landscape is evolving, Verve ventured across Khyber Pass to get a better perspective. What better place to start than Grey Lynn’s latest addition, the Grosvenor Design Precinct – a mecca for homeowners, designers, and the likes.
Nearly five years ago, the well-established Designer Rugs moved into Grosvenor Street to found the precinct. It was a risky move after more than a decade in Parnell, but luckily the gamble paid off with their existing customers proving they were happy to make the journey across town – especially given the now ample carparking – and with every second house undergoing renovations in the area, they promptly picked up new devotees along the way.
Designer Rugs created a spectacular showroom within a newly built facade designed by the revered RTA Studios in conjunction with the owners Samson Corporation, who have a vested interest in designing modern and innovative buildings, propelled by the Grey Lynn skyline. No surprise then, that when the neighbouring building vacated, Samson Corporation were keen to purchase it, setting the scene for the precinct to be born. The desire for a cohesive synergy of aligned partners to call the precinct home swiftly and easily came to fruition with high-end, design-led brands moving into the building once it had finished undergoing renovations last year.
Enticed by the seamless modern architecture of the building, and the idea of working alongside Designer Rugs and New Zealand furniture designers, Woodwrights, the precinct also houses French furniture brand Ligne Roset, premium flooring company Forte Flooring, and luxury store SR Interiors. All these high-end businesses have realised the value in working together under the title of Grosvenor Design Precinct, with the promise of collaborating and supporting each other where possible.
“What I most love about the precinct,” says Matt Dickson, managing director of Ligne Roset, “is that we all complement each other and all share a similar clientele. We bring various entities from all corners of the market, but it’s all showcased under one convenient location in a nice tidy package without anyone competing against each other.”
Looking towards the future, the collaboration between brands within the precinct is proving to be a pioneering approach to how products can be showcased, while also making it desirable and easy for anyone wishing to peruse and select perfect pieces for their home.
Ligne Roset
For more than five decades, French furniture brand Ligne Roset has amassed worldwide domination, appearing in homes of the discerning design devotee in all corners of the globe.
Yet despite New Zealand’s love of the product, never before had it made a foray into our market as a standalone brand until the Grey Lynn showroom opened in the Grosvenor Design Precinct in August 2021.
“Ligne Roset has made its mark across the world with more than 200 exclusive stores and 600 retail distributors,” says managing director, Matt Dickson.
“So, to bring a dedicated presence to Auckland is a significant step not just for the growth of the brand, but the calibre of furniture that New Zealanders now have access to.”
The Ligne Roset brand harks way back to the 1860s where it grew from humble beginnings making wooden parasols, and since paved a solid reputation for its contemporary and sleek designs that don’t compromise on comfort or functionality.
For more than 160 years, Ligne Roset has remained a family owned and operated business, with the fifth generation – the original founders’ great-great-grandsons – now at the helm. In keeping with the family tradition is Matt and his partner, marketing director Monica Tischler, and their 11-month-old son, Jude.
It was the launch of the now-famous design of Michel Ducaroy’s Togo sofa in the early 1970s that catapulted Ligne Roset to global success, and it remains among the brand’s most popular sellers. Togo is the most sought-after product by New Zealand clientele, too, contributing to the more than 25,000 pieces sold globally each year.
Other firm favourites on display in the Auckland showroom are the Prado sofa by Christian Werner, Ploum sofa by R. & E. Bouroullec, Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin, and Pukka sofa by Yabu Pushelberg, as well as an extensive range of lighting and accessories, living, dining and outdoor furniture.
Ligne Roset Auckland
299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Client parking available off Grosvenor Street
ligne.nz
09 393 5636
Designer Rugs
For over 30 years Designer Rugs have complemented aesthetics in residential homes and commercial spaces throughout the world with rugs of exceptional quality and unique design. Managing director Laura Furey reveals more.
We don’t see ourselves as just a rug company; we see ourselves as a design company that produces rugs.
By collaborating with leading artists and designers, and using the highest quality NZ wool, we strive to innovate and place design at the forefront of what we do. As a result, we have earned an outstanding reputation for producing unique and custom-made rugs and carpet.
What sets us apart is our in-house rug design service that’s open to anyone – from homeowners to top design professionals worldwide – for a unique product that’s handmade with a deep concern for professionalism and quality.
Our showroom carries a vast array of designs, including collections we stock to ensure there’s always solutions available in any situation. Our team is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the rugs we create and the legacy we carry.
The continued industry support we share shows in our showroom’s juxtaposition exhibiting and showcasing other products from likeminded businesses like Nightworks Lighting, Maytime Furniture, and DBJ Kitchens.
I’ve always believed that when you forge strategic alliances within a creative industry it will, in turn, benefit everyone on an individual level as well.
1 Grosvenor Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
designerrugs.nz
09 300 6116
info@designerrugs.nz
Woodwrights
Founded in 1997, Woodwrights is a family of makers. Each piece of furniture is meticulously crafted in New Zealand, inspired by our unique lifestyle and extraordinary environment. We blend the best of traditional techniques and materials with exceptional craftmanship, enhanced by today’s design and manufacturing technology.
All about keeping it local, our range is designed by New Zealander designers, and crafted by talented artisans in our Motueka factory. We personally deliver each piece to ensure it arrives with you just as it left our factory.
Our furniture is durable, hardwearing, and easy on the Earth, with our solid timber pieces made from sustainably sourced American ash and American oak. All offcuts are upcycled into small components to further ensure minimal waste.
We embrace individuality through style and product diversity through offering personalisation and customisation within our range. With each Woodwrights piece a story is made, reflecting you and your way of living, not only today, but for generations to come.
Auckland Studio
Designed for you, we’ve thoughtfully crafted our Auckland studio to feel welcoming and inspiring. Realised as a space to immerse yourself in the Woodwrights’ experience, our studio features our locally designed and crafted pieces, and new collections where you can discover our custom finishes. From upholstery and timber to handles and sofa feet, you’ll find our diverse range of options on display at the studio.
We’re not always located on site at the studio as our head office is located in Motueka. However, we can meet with you virtually to discuss your furniture requirements and address any questions you may have.
1 Grosvenor Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
woodwrights.co.nz
Forté
Spanning three generations and over 35 years, Forté is a New Zealand owned and operated, family-run business built on passion, knowledge, and countless years of industry experience. We design and source an exceptional range of specialist timber products for flooring, walls, ceilings, and decking – all refined to suit New Zealand’s diverse climates and lifestyles.
Our collections evolve constantly with global and national trends, enabling us to provide exciting, unique timber solutions that New Zealanders can enjoy for years to come.
Our commitment to care for our products, our clients, and the environment, stems from a deeply ingrained love for timber and a family-centric culture. We aim to make it easy for clients and partners to create sustainable, captivating, and enduring spaces to live and work.
Flagship Auckland Showroom and Experience Centre
More than just a showroom, our Flagship Auckland Showroom and Experience Centre is designed to provide clients with an inspiring space where they can immerse themselves in the beauty of timber and all it has to offer.
The Showroom and Experience Centre encompasses and embodies the essence of the Forté brand: who we are and what we do. Careful thought and consideration have been put into every aspect of the showroom and how we can best serve both homeowners and specifiers to provide an experience they won’t forget.
We’ve created an environment where clients and industry partners can connect, network, hear directly from the experts, and discover something new; where they can feel both informed and inspired when planning their build or next home renovation.
Unit 2, 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
forte.co.nz
0508 35 66 77
info@forte.co.nz
SR Interiors
New Zealand owned and operated SR Interiors exclusively represents some of the USA’s most loved and trusted brands.
Purveyors of high-end furniture with a difference, SR Interiors has recently opened the doors to their new showroom in the Grosvenor Design Precinct.
Bringing a fresh look to the New Zealand market, their predominantly American aesthetic covers a wide range of styles, from transitional or classic to contemporary or casual, offering timeless and sophisticated additions to any home.
Verve recently spoke to them about this exciting new chapter.
What can visitors to your new showroom expect to see?
Our new Grey Lynn showroom has enabled us to showcase more collections than ever – from our bestsellers to stunning new releases. We’re excited to share the precinct with our like-minded design neighbours, offering a one-stop shopping experience for all our clients.
If you haven’t already discovered us, we’d love to see you! With free allocated parking off Grosvenor Street, it’s even easier.
What do you look for when buying furniture?
Quality, design, and detailing.
Unique designs that you won’t find on every corner, whilst not forgetting bang for your buck!
What’s next for SR Interiors?
We’re always on the hunt for new products and are looking forward to introducing our new line of accessories coming soon!
We’re also working on opening our first brick-and-mortar showroom in Sydney, after launching online in Australia last year.
Unit 3, 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
srinteriors.co.nz
09 553 6094
info@srinteriors.co.nz
Words — Milly Nolan
