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Fresh paint, fresh purpose: Thrive op shop’s stylish makeover

05 Mar 2025

In the heart of Bell Block, New Plymouth, a humble op shop has undergone a stunning transformation – one that not only elevates the shopping experience but also embodies the values of the Northpoint Community Trust.  

Thrive by Northpoint, a charity store dedicated to providing accessible and affordable goods while supporting community initiatives, has been given a fresh, modern makeover thanks to interior designer Candace Schrader. With a shoestring budget, an army of volunteers and a carefully curated Resene colour palette, the space now radiates warmth, style and a welcoming embrace for all who step through its doors. 

Alice Haworth, the manager of Thrive by Northpoint, wanted the store to be more than just a second-hand shop – her vision was for a ‘boujee’ op shop, a place where quality meets affordability. With the goal of creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere that would appeal to a wide variety of people, Alice sought the help of Candace to bring this vision to life. 


A light sandalwood pink, Resene Rascal, was one of the colours Candace used to define spaces throughout Thrive. 

Candace worked closely with the existing branding of Northpoint Community Trust, ensuring that the colour choices not only aligned with the organisation’s other ventures but also created a space that felt modern and enticing. The interior cleverly uses colour blocking to define different zones while maintaining a sense of spaciousness and light. 

The carefully chosen hues work harmoniously to craft a warm yet contemporary aesthetic. The walls are predominantly painted in Resene Half Blanc, a soft and airy white that keeps the space feeling open and bright. To create focal points and define different areas within the store, Candace introduced earthy yet vibrant tones: Resene Siam, a rich green, and Resene Rascal, a warm, muted pink. 


To bring an earthy palette into the store, Resene Siam was used in different areas. Surrounding walls are painted in Resene Half Blanc.  

“We wanted colours that felt warm and inviting to entice people in while still feeling modern and fresh,” Candace says. “It was important to create a versatile backdrop for an ever-changing variety of goods while also tying in with the brand colours of the Northpoint Community Trust.” 

One of the standout design features is the strategic use of Resene Siam on the back wall behind the checkout counter. Not only does this create a striking focal point upon entry, but it also visually extends the space, making the shop feel larger and more inviting. Meanwhile, the horizontal panelling, painted up to the top of the interior walls, enhances the perception of height, giving the shop a more voluminous and airier feel. 


The warm undertones in Resene Siam create an inviting environment for customers while helping to define each space.  

With the entire project running on a not-for-profit budget, every design decision had to be impactful yet cost-effective. “With little money to completely transform this space, paint was an easy way to get the biggest bang for your buck impact-wise,” Candace says. 

Thanks to a generous donation of cladding from Taranaki Pine and the hard work of dedicated volunteers, the makeover was achieved in just a few short weeks. The build and painting process became a community effort, reinforcing Thrive’s core values of authentic love, generosity and compassion without judgment. 


Pinks and greens are a great combination, and Candace has paired these beautifully in the store with Resene Rascal and Resene Siam. With a base of Resene Half Blancpainted on surrounding walls, this op shop is now a calming, stylish space that showcases its many treasures.  

By using colour blocking, the design naturally creates zones for different types of merchandise – books, homewares, clothing – while still maintaining a cohesive and uncluttered feel. Schrader’s biggest triumph is seeing how the earthy undertones of the Resene palette help ground the ever-changing mix of second-hand goods, ensuring the space remains stylish and intentional no matter what’s in stock. 

“It’s amazing how colour blocking did exactly what we planned – giving one open-plan space distinct areas while still feeling unified,” she says. 

With its fresh, inviting atmosphere, the op shop is now more than just a retail store – it’s a reflection of the community spirit that drives it forward. 

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Published: 05 Mar 2025