It has been just over two weeks since we opened our first retail shop in Oundle, Northamptonshire and we are utterly overwhelmed with the positive response we have received from all of our customers.
It feels like it is only fair to give those of you that haven't had the opportunity to come and visit us a little guided tour of our lovely shop and tell you the story behind how it came to be how it is now.
When we took over the shop it had been a deli for years and was painted a mixture of orange and red with touches of black and had heavy stained wood shelving on the walls. It was very dark and not right for showcasing our products.
We spent a good week stripping back the unit to it's bones (it really was a labour of love!) and having the whole place painted an off white shade to really lighten and brighten the space up. We wanted to keep the palate neutral so that all our products would really "pop" out. The shop is located in a beautiful period property and we really wanted to draw attention to the original features. The shutters, corbels and archway were picked out in a lovely warm "greige" (not quite grey not quite beige, get it?) colour. The effect is subtle but definitely adds interest.
It feels like it is only fair to give those of you that haven't had the opportunity to come and visit us a little guided tour of our lovely shop and tell you the story behind how it came to be how it is now.
When we took over the shop it had been a deli for years and was painted a mixture of orange and red with touches of black and had heavy stained wood shelving on the walls. It was very dark and not right for showcasing our products.
We spent a good week stripping back the unit to it's bones (it really was a labour of love!) and having the whole place painted an off white shade to really lighten and brighten the space up. We wanted to keep the palate neutral so that all our products would really "pop" out. The shop is located in a beautiful period property and we really wanted to draw attention to the original features. The shutters, corbels and archway were picked out in a lovely warm "greige" (not quite grey not quite beige, get it?) colour. The effect is subtle but definitely adds interest.
It sounds obvious, but as soon as the shop was painted it instantly looked so much bigger, brighter and more welcoming. What we thought was a fairly limited space now seemed slightly daunting - how would we ever fill it!
I felt quite strongly that since our products are country inspired items designed to make your home feel warm, welcoming and individual, I didn't want to go for a formal, structured traditional shop fit. Instead, I wanted to create a welcoming space that almost felt like it could be your own home. We managed to use many items that we already owned (yes, our homes are looking slightly barer...) and luckily they seem to have all come together rather nicely. I like the history so many of the pieces in the shop have to me.
Two pine bookcases turned out to be the perfect fit for two alcoves in the shop - they were given a quick lick of white paint and were simply slotted into place and filled with stock.
I felt quite strongly that since our products are country inspired items designed to make your home feel warm, welcoming and individual, I didn't want to go for a formal, structured traditional shop fit. Instead, I wanted to create a welcoming space that almost felt like it could be your own home. We managed to use many items that we already owned (yes, our homes are looking slightly barer...) and luckily they seem to have all come together rather nicely. I like the history so many of the pieces in the shop have to me.
Two pine bookcases turned out to be the perfect fit for two alcoves in the shop - they were given a quick lick of white paint and were simply slotted into place and filled with stock.
The old pine kitchen table from my childhood home was pulled out of the bottom stable where it had been stored for the past few years since being replaced with a shiny new one. I had originally planned to paint it white but actually decided I rather like the beaten up wood look for now, next to all the other light colours in the shop. I may decide to give it a quick coat in the spring, but for now I like the warmth the wood gives at this time of year.
The hardest challenge when working out the layout of the shop was thinking of a way that we could screen off a small area at the back of the shop for storage. We didn't want to put up a stud wall as this would have blocked out light and was also a bit permanent. We decided to use Ikea Expedit shelving as it was sturdy enough to be used as a room divider (other bookcases needed to be nailed to a wall). I bought a bundle of vintage ordnance survey maps of Ebay which were stapled to the back of the units. The square openings provide the perfect display area for our kitchenware.
Another fabulous Ebay steal was the console table, which came in unfinished MDF. Grey paint brought out the beautiful carved detailed and a charcoal top is perfect for showing off our vintage silver cutely and glass frames.
I don't remember a time when this beautiful old trunk wasn't in the hallway of any of the homes I grew up in, stuffed full of my mothers sewing supplies. Luckily I managed to convince her to find a new home for them, as it was the perfect place to pile high our Bronte throws and cushions. Amazingly, the lid and sides are printed with the original monogramming 'RH' - for (The) Rounded House. A sign if ever there was one!
I wanted a slightly earthier area to display our range of garden accessories. When I knocked my kitchen and dining room in my cottage together a couple of years ago the original door between them was removed. It didn't feel right to get rid of it so it was stuck in my shed until I could think of something to do with it. I knew it would come in handy! Placed on top of wooden fruit crates it creates the perfect backdrop to pile garden wear on. I think the peeling paint just adds to the charm!
I had managed to pick up these old rugs a few years ago for only £10 each and they add a lovely warmth and texture on top of the practical terracotta flooring we inherited. I may put something lighter down in the spring, but right now they add a welcome hit of colour to the room.
I love the fact that when I sit at the counter (an old family desk, naturally) and look around at the shop I see items of furniture that have a history and link to me. I almost feel as though I am sitting at home, and I hope you feel that welcoming "coming home" feeling too when you enter the shop. A relaxed, informal atmosphere housing a carefully chosen selection of easy to live with products.
I really hope you like the finished result!
I love the fact that when I sit at the counter (an old family desk, naturally) and look around at the shop I see items of furniture that have a history and link to me. I almost feel as though I am sitting at home, and I hope you feel that welcoming "coming home" feeling too when you enter the shop. A relaxed, informal atmosphere housing a carefully chosen selection of easy to live with products.
I really hope you like the finished result!