Do not adjust your vision

11 May 2026

Located within the farming community of Totara – formerly Totarahitahi – on the outskirts of Oamaru, The Totara Store is a vibrant waymarker that is turning heads for all the right reasons.

“The brief was to create an exterior that felt instantly recognisable, warm and welcoming – one that visually communicated the values of craft, authenticity and connection to the land, all before the customer even steps inside,” says interior designer Annabel Berry, founder and creative director of Annabel Berry Creative Co.

“Using paint as a visual expression of rural heritage reimagined for a contemporary audience, the stripes – inspired by classic men’s country shirts – reference generations of hard work, practicality and integrity. These garments were synonymous with life on the land. In translating this familiar textile language onto the building façade, the architecture itself becomes dressed in rural symbolism.”

After studying colours prevalent within the surrounding countryside, Annabel settled on alternating stripes of Resene Gargoyle and Half Parchment for the front face of the former hall.

Owners of The Totara Store, Kate and Nick Webster, at the newly installed post and rail fence, finished in Resene Woodsman in Treehouse. The existing hedge was removed to open sightlines both to the store and from the store to the surrounding countryside.

“We also had to consider the current roof colour which was Karaka Green, so needed an earthy tone that spoke to the environment. For the main colour, we chose Resene Gargoyle – a strong sand beige to reflect the environment – and paired it with Resene Half Parchment to highlight the limestone soils.

“The exterior finish was specified in Resene Lumbersider, selected for its exceptional durability, flexibility and performance on exterior substrates exposed to demanding rural conditions. The product was applied to the building’s rough-cast exterior cladding, providing excellent coverage, weather resistance and long-term colour stability — essential for a high-visibility rural retail façade

“Doors, signage and gates were finished in Resene Lustacryl – in Mondo or Gargoyle, Safehaven and Gargoyle, respectively – because of its durable finish, excellent adhesion and ability to withstand high-use and climatic conditions while maintaining a refined appearance. Together, these Resene systems provided both the technical performance and aesthetic precision required to support the architectural vision of the project.”

Exterior signage was also refreshed and finished in Resene Safehaven with framing in Eighth Parchment.

Annabel says the success of the stripes has extended well beyond the exterior, to become a defining graphic element used for in-store collateral, as well as wider marketing material, reinforcing a consistent visual language at every customer touchpoint. The integrated approach helping build strong brand recognition and emotional connection with customers.

“Since opening, the business has experienced outstanding customer traffic and trading success, with demand exceeding expectations. The owners have been overwhelmed by the level of community support and visitor engagement, with many customers commenting specifically on the exterior and how it invited them to stop.

“This project demonstrates the power of paint – as well as thoughtful exterior design – to act not only as a surface treatment but as a driver of wayfinding, storytelling, brand identity and commercial performance. All credit goes to Kate and Nick for believing in the vision and to the team from Darryn Stewart Painters and Decorators, whose expertise was critical to delivering the design intent at the required standard.”

The Totara Store was recently named winner of the Resene Commercial Exterior Tone-e Award at the Resene Total Colour Awards. 

Photography by: Rachel Wybrow. 

Published: 11 May 2026