The Design Depot was founded by Raylene Marsh in 2011, with a vision to be “an edgy and inspirational design store”. Drawing from her knowledge of running an award-winning home staging company, Raylene created a store that not only stocks furniture, homewares, lighting and bed linen – but inspires homeowners to dream.

After the initial success of the Hamilton store, a Mount Maunganui showroom soon followed in 2015, with a focus on furnishing for the relaxed beach lifestyle.

Following Raylene’s passing in 2016, daughters Larisa and Kylie have carried on the family tradition, managing both stores and staying true to the original ‘more than just a retail store’ philosophy. They attribute the continued success of The Design Depot to the wonderful team that are so very passionate about what they do.

Recently The Design Depot has been acquired by McKenzie & Willis Interiors, a leading New Zealand retailer in the furniture and interiors industry. Both businesses have enjoyed a long relationship of mutual support and cooperation over the years, and are excited that this marriage of two proud family businesses will allow us to showcase a greater interiors and design offering.

As a combined entity, we will continue to provide the very best product range, design advice and customer service with the same look and feel that you’ve grown to love. In addition we will be able to bring you a much larger product range, more services and better value by being part of a national entity- the very best of both worlds.

While ultimately we see the value in bringing both businesses together under one brand, The Design Depot stores in Hamilton and Mt Maunganui will retain The Design Depot branding for the next patch of time. When change does happen it will be part of an exciting relaunch which will allow us to bring an even greater interiors offering to our customers in each area. Watch this space!