Totara Store

The Totara Store is a next generation farm store concept created to connect people directly with local growers and producers. Offering farm-fresh produce, fruit, premium cuts of meat, farm-supplied milk, condiments, and a curated range of country-style gifts, the store celebrates the very best of paddock-to-plate living in North Otago.

Annabel Berry Creative was engaged to deliver the full scope of interior and exterior design and project management. The transformation began with the exterior, where existing hedging was removed to open the building to the road and create strong visual connection and presence. A bold striped façade was introduced to the building, referencing classic farm shirts and the nostalgic charm of gift wrapping — instantly establishing the store as fresh, modern, and memorable.

Inside, the scheme continues with a confident navy and white palette, inspired by timeless country tones. This provides a striking yet refined backdrop for the black refrigeration units and crisp white shelving. Warm accent tones drawn from Totara tar soils and surrounding farmland soften the space and bring depth, grounding the interior in its rural context.

The large original frame on the back wall offered the perfect opportunity to elevate the logo into a feature moment. Inspired by the owner’s love of dried florals, we introduced delicate floral installations at each corner, bringing texture, warmth, and a sense of organic beauty to the space.

The signature stripe motif carries through into the bathrooms, where the original stalls have been reimagined and refreshed to complement the overall scheme — ensuring every detail feels resolved and intentional.

The Totara Store sets out to take local grocery to the next level, and does so through a welcoming, high-impact environment that celebrates provenance, community, and quality. The result is a space that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to place — a modern country store with heart.