Feature: Crane Brothers

We recently worked with Crane Brothers on their new store opening on Ponsonby Road, Auckland.

Taking inspiration from Parisian buildings, Murray Crane stayed true to the style of the building, keeping the stained glass and leadlight windows, and painting the exterior plaster in a bespoke Aalto colour 'Delphine', a rich navy blue.

The interior was kept pared back, with a soft bone shade adorning the walls (Aalto Salt 1/2) in the Aalto Waterbased Enamel Flat to maintain a chalky, matte look.

"We’ve worked with Aalto for the last 24 years in all of our stores and showrooms. The Aalto archives record our house colour as simply “Crane Brothers Interior”, a bespoke duck egg blue that you will have seen in store and across aspects of our brand identity.

I've spent years getting lost exploring the arrondissements of Paris, wandering down avenues and alleys, through numerous courtyards and hidden squares. Each door and facade tells a story and holds a secret.

With our new Ponsonby store we wanted something new (but familiar) and it was only natural that we once again worked with them to develop something special. The result is named after a dear friend; “Delphine”, a deep and bold navy blue inspired by the exterior doorways of Paris. Ponsonby has that same appeal.

Aalto has been around for 35 years. They are New Zealand owned and operated and their products are proudly made here, something we really value. Aalto are experts in their field and they have always offered a wealth of knowledge when it comes to their product. Being local has allowed us to build a close working relationship with them as we continue to grow."

Murray Crane