Comfortable and Inspired – Deadly Ponies Newmarket by Katie Lockhart Studio

When asked to design a new store for Deadly Ponies in Auckland’s Newmarket, Katie Lockhart sought to reflect and build upon the leather accessory brand’s existing design language. This was a vocabulary she was well versed in, having collaborated with Deadly Ponies on six previous stand-alone stores.

“Our clients asked us to further evolve our existing Deadly Ponies palette for this store and to really consider how the front window would act to engage the customer from the street,” says Katie. “Our response was to add stainless steel to our existing palette and incorporate this into the front window through a custom stainless steel chain-link curtain and by including stainless steel on the tiered plinths that have become synonymous with Deadly Ponies stores.”

To bring window-shoppers in, Katie designed a one-of-a-kind rotating plinth for the window display. Cabinetry and shelving are all bespoke and the store’s soft, warm colour palette is accentuated by original paintings by local artists and unique designer furniture pieces, which give the store an inviting, home-like feel. The result is “an environment that reflects the brand, that is welcoming and where everyone feels comfortable and inspired.”