Koko Classics

I am not such a big fan of this place like a lot of people; it is kind of alright in regards to a few things — like the collection of toy robots, a unique and varied item you don’t see regularly around, especially in such good condition). Also, the walking sticks — $ 59 I think I recall, very stylish and unique too. The large mirrors were nice, but beautiful big mirrors are kind of generic now.
This store had some things highly priced, but overall I don’t think that it was expensive as many other people have stated. Koko are trying to cash in on a select market with trendy household furniture and décor, and that will always come at a cost higher than what the department stores offer. The prices were a bit hit and miss, those walking sticks I mentioned earlier, I would have expected over $ 200 each; the mirrors seem expensive but upon comparison (and I have looked around Auckland a lot for mirrors) they are about average. The kitchen stool and dining chairs are, on the other hand, what I would consider, over priced.

This has got to be one of my favourite home décor stores because they focus on the industrial trend. It’s not a trend for everyone and it can also be hard to get right but this place has everything you could possibly need as well as the help and knowledge of their friendly staff. The have a large selection of animal hide rugs which can be hard to find and are usually very expensive. The best part about this place though is there selection of chairs that hang on the outside of the building. They are all industrial inspired, I have a serious obsession with chairs, so much so I could probably own one of each of the ones they have here. They are much cheaper than the originals such as the Eames chair but still have an incredible likeness if you are after that designer feel but don’t fancy the price tag.

If only I could afford to buy one of the gorgeous industrial style filing cabinets they sell here. I can’t think of anywhere else that sells them and when I next have a spare grand or so I’m getting one. Not so much with the cowhide rugs, cushions and throws but each to their own.
There’s a cool mix of stuff here, mostly reproduction but no less appealing for the fact and the one-​offs they do find are truly beautiful pieces. It’s kind of industrial meets rustic meets gentlemen’s club and I particularly love the range of brightly coloured metal chairs. There’s furniture, furnishings, lamps and cool signage and wall hangings.
The shop is a beautiful space in a gallery-​like building and although you have to be a bit careful of the pedestrians (and traffic light poles!), there’s a couple of carparks right outside.

I first stumbled across Koko Classics when they had their Jervois Road store (no longer there, it’s moved to the top of Williamson Ave I believe) and I could have spent hours taking it all in — there’s a lot of stuff!
It’s totally my style — vintage and rustic but with touches of modern flair. I found the perfect antique bar stools for my kitchen breakfast bench but at $ 350 a pop I had to internalise that dream.
It’s not an everyday furniture shop, but if I had the money to invest in a few key pieces of furniture I would definitely be making some purchases here. Beautiful items that are built to last.

When driving down Mt Eden Road recently the colourful chairs outside Koko Classics caught my eye and lured me inside.
Upon entry I was greeted by a particularly friendly chatty woman who happily gave me a tour of the store. Koko Classics stocks furniture and eclectic objects — or ‘objects of desire’ as they call them — that are imported from around the world.
Wrought iron letters, vintage clocks, taxidermy, wooden drawers, chandeliers, huge lamps, writing desks, ottomans, platters — the store has it all and I literally loved everything. Except the large zebra hide that was draped over the staircase. Zebras are my favourite animal and that was kind of hard to stomach!
The beautifully large ornate mirrors were probably my favourite thing in store, though they ranged in price from $ 400-​$ 1400, I might have to wait a while to buy one!
Even though Koko Classics is a bit out of my current price range, if I was decorating a house especially one with large living spaces, I would definitely want to invest in some of the fantastic things this store has to offer.
Tip: One of the most commanding objects in the store was a mounted moose head. It was huge, and apparently weighs over 50kg! It’s worth popping into Koko Classics just to have a look!