When we first moved to Auckland, Madder and Rouge was one of the first interior shops that I would often visit so it’s such a pleasure to do a little shop tour of this real gem of a store today.
Erin and Darran have proven to be extremely successful in their niche, opening the doors of Madder and Rouge fourteen years ago after not long arriving back to New Zealand from Sydney and after the arrival of their first child. Ready for a challenge and coupled with Erin’s love of fabric, they had the idea to bring the French Stripe fabric to the country. From there began their relationship with many other French brands such as Tse & Tse, Robert le Heros, Place de Lices, Genevieve Levy and Tolix, whom they are sole distributors of here.
The store truly encapsulates the feeling of Mediterranean France. Rolls of the French Stripe throughout, teal and chalkboard walls along with the quintessential deck chairs, custom made with the fabric. They also offer custom made lampshades, cushions and Butterfly Chairs.
With this solid mix of desirable brands, they bring further richness to the store with locally made kokodema hanging plants and interesting trinkets, ceramics, glassware and metals sourced from Morocco, India and Asia. Much of the treasures are displayed on French vintage furniture, demonstrating that “je ne sais quoi” eclectic look that the French do so well.
Each time I visit there’s always a supply of lovely new stock, it’s easy to pass a lot of time there. I look forward to see what new brands they bring back with them after they attend Maison et Object in Paris this coming September.
Have a lovely weekend everyone and thanks so much for having me Erin, Darran and Athena!
Mel xx
Oh those are my favorite stripes ever. Grew up with them in the south of France, have two armchairs upholstered in one of them and numerous smaller accessories. Can’t beat Les Toiles du Soleil. I am so glad to see them all the way in New Zealand. The story of this company and how it was revived is a truly inspirational one.
It looks like a very dangerous place to me:-)The merchandising is really well done. I love seeing the kokedamas all over the world perfectly integrated in any kind of shop or restaurant. xx
Oh it’s a lovely store, we have found so many treasures big and small there. I’m so in love with kokedamas ever since I did that string garden post. I wish I could do a workshop on it like you did. xx
Such a gorgeous shop review! I am so pleased to see Madder & Rouge getting the credit it deserves. I might be biased because I used to work in the Wellington shop but I just think it is one of the most original & fabulous interiors shops in NZ. Erin always has the shop looking just delightful & her merchandising is inspired. The shop oozes quality, fun & a encourages shoppers to revel in the joy of colour, texture & beautiful objects with fascinating stories. Thanks so much for sharing these pics…. I haven’t made it up to Auckland for a few months so this was just the fix I needed! Sam x
Oh thanks Sam! That would have been such a treat to work for Madder & Rouge (and a bit dangerous). M xx
Lovely piece on Madder & Rouge! I had the pleasure of working for them a few years back and I’ve been in love with colour and quality ever since!
Hi Morag. It’s true that when you get to truly experience quality, it’s hard to go back. M xx
Beautiful images!!!
I love all the colours, the patterns, the real feeling of Mediterranean France… very nice indeed!
As someone who spends quite a bit of time in the South of France I think it’s great that they specialised and represent French brands.
Good luck with Maison et Object. It’s such a great trade fair.
Thank you Mel and Madder & Rouge xx
Hi Tina, actually all of those beautiful colours might be why you have a love affair with that part of the world? Have a great weekend! M xx
What a beautiful shop, I love the stripy fabric.
Emma x
Hi Emma, yes it’s a timeless classic. I dream of owning some of those deck chairs in it – to put beside that pool I’ll get of course:) x
I guess I save a lot of money by being at the other end of the world and not anywhere near this shop… It looks wonderful and your description and the pictures make me feel I just visited :)
I pinned your picture of the chair to my board, hope that’s OK with you – we have a chair in very similar condition and I have to convince my husband to leave it that way!
Love from the northern hemisphere
Alexandra
Hi Alexandra. Oh good on you for keeping that chair like that, so much beauty! Of course, pin away, so happy for you to. Have a lovely weekend:) Mel xx
Will be visiting soon, what a treasure trove, thanks Mel xx
You’ll find some lovely things there for your new apartment Donna. Exciting! Xx