A former laundromat-turned-concept store has won the coveted Best Retail section at the 2015 Interior Awards.

The Shelter, located on Ponsonby’s Mackelvie Street, picked up the prize at the June awards, which recognises excellence in commercial interior design.

The former laundromat was taken over by Vicki Taylor and Mark Thomson in 2014, who transformed it into The Shelter with a fit-out by Pennant and Triumph. “Mark and I were always focused on bringing the best of international fashion to New Zealand, so the store needed to live up to that expectation” says Taylor.

With a love of black and steel, Taylor had the furnishings custom-made by her steel worker. “We went through a lot of different concepts in the beginning and all felt that it needed to be unique… I sat there with my little sheets of maths paper and drew up every piece,” adds Taylor.

The one-of-a-kind concept and lifestyle store is filled with light and a beautiful contrast has been created between the large ficus trees and the harsh lines of the 230 square foot industrial space.

Although only a few seasons old, The Shelter has managed to gain a reputation for providing an exceptional designer offering. From local label Jimmy D and Vicki’s own brand taylor to international names including MM6 – Martin Margiela and Bernhard Willhelm, The Shelter is a true testament to the work and vision of both Vicki Taylor and Mark Thomson and a welcome addition to the Ponsonby shopping precinct.

The Shelter, 78 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby
http://theshelter.co.nz/