Since its arrival in 2021, Kayu Studio has shaped a distinct aesthetic, one that now finds new expression with the opening of its third showroom in Aotearoa. Here, the retail environment is reimagined as something more considered.
Kayu Studio’s collections are defined by timeless design, natural materials, and a devotion to craft. Minimal forms meet organic textures. The result is a language of calm — an immediate sense of ease that lingers in the spaces these objects inhabit.
“We don’t see ourselves as being for a specific demographic; it’s about people who appreciate design and value quality, whether buying a candle or vase, or sourcing furniture and homewares for a whole home,” says founder James Mitchell. “We want to offer something unique, and that lasts, both in how it’s made and how it feels to live with.
The first Kayu Studio store opened in Mount Maunganui, James’ hometown, as a place to share pieces gathered from across Indonesia. Today, he divides his time between both places and the offering has evolved to mainly original collections. “With a dedicated team on the ground, we maintain a direct connection to our makers and specialist manufacturers,” he explains. “This close collaboration allows us to refine details, adjust finishes, and respond quickly to the evolving needs of our customers.
The result favours thoughtful construction and materials chosen for their unique characteristics and for aging well over time, from solid wood and marble to handcrafted ceramics.”
To mark five years in business, Kayu Studio opened its new showroom on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna. Like its Grey Lynn and Mount Maunganui spaces, the new location invites visitors to linger, explore, and experience the brand’s refined collections in a setting designed for discovery and respite.
