Case Study: Oliver Bonas: Newcastle Store Fit-Out

When Oliver Bonas announced the next stage of their national retail expansion, the brief was clear: create stores that are brighter, larger, and more experience-led, while maintaining the distinctive aesthetic that defines the brand. For the opening of their new Newcastle location, DDS was appointed to deliver the full decorative package, transforming the space into a warm, contemporary environment that aligned seamlessly with the retailer’s design standards.

This project required not only technical precision but also an understanding of how surface quality, colour selection, and finishing details directly influence the overall customer experience. As with most retail fit-outs, the schedule was fast-paced, with multiple trades working simultaneously. Our team worked cohesively within this environment to deliver a high-quality finish on time and with minimal disruption.

Delivering a Consistent Brand Aesthetic

From the outset, it was essential that the store’s front-of-house areas reflected the calm, modern identity that customers associate with Oliver Bonas. The walls throughout the customer-facing space were finished in Valspar’s ‘Welcoming White’, a carefully chosen shade that complements the brand’s palette and offers a soft, clean backdrop for product displays. To achieve the smooth, uniform appearance required, our decorators carried out extensive preparation before applying the final coats, ensuring that the surfaces were free from imperfections and that all edges, joints, and transitions were sharp and consistent.

The MF ceilings and bulkheads received a full emulsion finish, providing a bright, even plane above the shop floor. Ceilings are one of the most scrutinised aspects of modern retail environments—especially with track lighting that can highlight every flaw—so additional care was taken to create a continuous, visually balanced surface.

As part of refreshing the existing elements within the unit, DDS also redecorated the security shutter at the main entrance. Although it is a small detail within the wider scheme, this work ensured that the entryway matched the newly finished interior and presented a cohesive appearance to customers entering the store.

New door architraves in high-traffic areas were completed with a durable gloss finish. This provided a subtle contrast to the matte wall surfaces, offering a clean, premium look that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for daily use.

Supporting Back-of-House Functionality

While the front-of-house environment focuses on aesthetics and customer experience, the back-of-house spaces are designed to support staff workflow, stock organisation, and day-to-day operations. DDS completed all decorating works in these areas using Dulux Max Pure White Matt, a bright, simple, and highly practical finish that maximises visibility and gives the space a clean, organised feel.

Even in areas the public never sees, DDS maintains the same high standard of preparation and finish. A tidy, well-lit stock room plays an important role in the efficiency and professionalism of the entire store.

Specialist Surface Preparation

A significant proportion of this project involved preparing new and existing surfaces to ensure a flawless final outcome. Our team completed taping and jointing across all newly installed walls and ceilings, bringing each area to a Level 4 finish suitable for high-quality emulsion. This work included feathering edges, applying multiple layers of joint compound, and sanding between each stage to produce a smooth plane with no visible seams.

Where the existing ceiling required repair, DDS undertook careful patching and blending to make sure the old and new surfaces worked together as one. Once the preparation was complete, the final decorative coats could be applied confidently, guaranteeing a seamless result across the entire store.

Working Within the Programme

As with all retail fit-outs, timing and coordination were essential. The Newcastle store required decorators, electricians, joiners, shopfitters, and other specialists to work in close proximity, each carrying out tasks that depended on the progress of the last. DDS worked collaboratively with the main contractor throughout the project, planning daily around the movements of other trades and adjusting sequencing where necessary to avoid delays.

Despite the fast-paced environment, quality control remained central to every stage. DDS decorators carried out regular inspections, monitored drying times, checked for surface defects under differing light conditions, and ensured that every area met both the client’s expectations and our own high standards.

Final Outcome

The completed store presents a clean, bright, and inviting atmosphere from the moment customers step inside. Walls and ceilings meet seamlessly, colours reflect the Oliver Bonas brand identity, and the decorative finish enhances the overall retail experience. Back-of-house areas provide a tidy, functional space for the staff, supporting the everyday running of the store.

By delivering a polished decorative package on schedule and to a consistently high standard, DDS helped ensure the successful launch of Oliver Bonas Newcastle and contributed to the brand’s broader vision for its expanding retail presence.