Karakter

21/01/2026

What is the outlook for mid-century design in 2026?

Nearly 75 years on, mid-century modern isn’t a fleeting nostalgia trend: it remains a foundational pillar of contemporary design. What is evolving is how spaces are styled today: warmer, more organic, and beautifully layered. Think tonal, earthy palettes, rich textures, and a thoughtful mix of modern and vintage pieces that add real character to a space.

If you’re in the midst of a design refresh, come visit us at karakter furniture, 120 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland.

This year, we have a few changes. Karakter furniture will now be open on Saturdays only, from 10am–4pm, or by appointment. That said, our full range of iconic mid-century furniture remains available online. And either myself or one of the team will always be close by next door at Karakter Books (open Tuesday to Thursday), ready to help.

23/12/2025

To all of our clients and supporters, a huge thank you for sharing our journey in 2025. We wish you all a fabulous Christmas and restorative Christmas break.

We are catching our breath, celebrating with friends and family and hopefully catching some sun. So karakter furniture and karakter books will be closed from Tuesday, Dec 23 until Wednesday, January 14th, 2026. However you can still browse and buy online. Go to www.karakter.co.nz or kbooks.co.nz. With heartfelt gratitude, Andy and team.

Karakter Ltd, known for mid-century and modern furniture in Auckland, now offers a curated selection of second-hand books. From art and design to photography and more, every book is carefully listed with images, summaries, and prices. Thousands more are on the way—explore the growing collection to...

15/12/2025

Karakter books is like the Tardis - so much bigger than it looks! Come, explore with us.

10/12/2025

Welcome to karakter books : Auckland’s pre-loved art, design and photography bookstore

I first fell in love with mid-century design when I was living in London: I bought Hans Wegner plank chairs for our first apartment. It appealed to the engineer in me - the timeless quality, the craftsmanship, the quiet confidence of objects built to last. But it was more than aesthetics. Every piece carried a story, a sense of character, that mass-made design rarely holds.

That spirit became the ethos of karakter, our mid-century furniture and design store in Newmarket, which we opened in 2012.

karakter books is a natural next chapter - a home for pre-loved art, design, photography, stories, and the human experiences captured within them. We believe beauty should be tangible. A book passed through other hands carries intimacy, history, and a spark of connection. In a world overflowing with the digital and the AI-generated, a physical book is an anchor.

We opened (quietly!) last week, and it has been a joy watching people wander in, curious, then linger to browse - rediscovering old favourites or finding unexpected inspiration.

What makes karakter books different?

A living catalogue of over 10,000 titles, updated and expanding weekly, for delivery or in-store pickup. Designed for ease and discovery.

Reading for every mood and moment: while our focus is on art, design and photography, we offer stories of imagination, expertise and humour across more than 10,000 books. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for, just ask.

A light-filled, modern space that invites you to pause, explore and reconnect. Bring a friend, bring your book club.

So come join us. We’d love your feedback and your company. Rediscover the art of the book.

Visit us at 118 Carlton Gore Road, or online at kbooks.co.nz
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm
Email [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram

Andy Jones
Founder, karakter furniture & karakter books

30/01/2025

Over the holidays Andy has been working hard getting Karakter Books ready to launch in a few weeks time. We have a lot of books on display which are ready to peruse and be purchased so if you fancy grabbing a coffee at a cafe in Newmarket and sitting down amongst some of the best Mid Century Design furniture in Auckland while looking at fabulous Interior Design, Art and Photography books (as well as many other books on other topics) pop in to Karakter on Saturday and make yourself at home 📚

18/12/2024

Holiday hours at Karakter

03/12/2024

Andy with some exciting news 📚

21/11/2024

We've done all the hard work for you and picked out a few of our faves from the store that'll make great gifts this holiday season, either as a treat for yourself (Cherner Armchair) or family, friends and colleagues.

1. George Nelson Bubble Lamp, $1740 2. Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection, $250 3. Range of gorgeous Art Glass, various prices 4. Pantone Espresso Cup Set, $120 5. HAM mug, $33 6. Danish Salt and Pepper Shaker, $95 7. Cherner Armchair, $3700

All available in store or to buy via phone to be couriered.

12/11/2024

We love this home designed by for Wanaka based artist Katherine Throne and her family. It has more than a nod to the mid century aesthetic we know and love with its concrete blocks, plywood walls and clay tiles. The infusion of mid century furniture is the perfect fit for this new build.

Via

29/10/2024

NEW ARRIVALS - Two mid century lounge chairs. Not a matching pair. Newly reupholstered in tan leather

21/10/2024

NEW IN - Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection

The most comprehensive collection of Slim Aarons photography ever released. This luxe edition gives readers an unprecedented look into Slim's private world.

In store now

17/10/2024

Here's Andy to tell us about Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Cylinda Line