Pacific style

First know your market it's one of the key rules for any company looking to gain an edge. Adaptability is another. Being able to tailor a campaign to suit the target market is vital.

For global bathroomware manufacturer Kohler, opening a new showroom in Nadi, Fiji provided an ideal opportunity to do just that. Although the company has an established corporate look that is repeated in most of its showrooms around the world, Kohler knew it needed to take a different approach to the Fiji showroom.

The company commissioned Auckland designer Paul Izzard of Paul Izzard Design to design a space that would reflect a more laid-back, resort lifestyle.

The solution was to create a simple, yet elegant store, using natural local materials, including dark-stained, indigenous Fijian timbers. These timbers make an ideal backdrop to the white porcelain. They also work well with the limestone-style porcelain floor tiles, and other bathroom products on show, says Izzard.

"To further convey a Pacific Island feel, we incorporated large graphics selected from the Kohler range. These reinforce the resort-holiday theme they showcase lush greenery and blue seas, which enhance the tropical look."

The showroom incorporates working models, including the Kohler WaterTile shower, and the Purist Suite, which transforms the bathroom into a spa environment.

The designer worked closely with Kohler and Russ Baumann from Paradise Interiors, the company that distributes Kohler products in Fiji.

Kohler products are available in New Zealand from selected distributors nationwide. For further details, freephone 0800 100 382. Website: www.kohler.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas