Homeware gems — the lesser-known places to shop interiors

By Jenny Brownlees

Many of the Insta influencers we follow for outfit inspiration are now showcasing their exceptional taste when it comes to homeware style, too.

Looking at their beautifully decorated rooms has inspired us to revamp our own interiors. Since we’re spending more time at home now than ever, it’s a great time to spruce up our spaces, ensuring they’re as comfortable and calming as possible. Interiors are having a moment right now, with both Cottagecore (that’s a farm-inspired idyllic country aesthetic) and tablescaping (dressing a dining table in an artful way, as if hosting a mini banquet) trending.

Elsewhere, the emerging trends for S/S 2020 include rattan and cane, terracotta, mid-century vintage and sea-inspired pieces. Whilst the high street, (we’re looking at you H&M and Zara Home) is providing some real gems, if you’re looking for something a little bit special, independent stores and retailers have the best items to breathe a new lease of life into your décor. Whether you’re looking for furniture or decorative items, the following stores have curated the best buys for every budget. Get ready to bookmark these seven sites…

Rose & Grey

We head to Rose and Grey for all our interior accessory needs. Founded by Lyndsey and Guy Goodger in 2008, this stylish site is always ahead of the curve on upcoming trends — making a point to source the next must-have pieces made with quality craftsmanship. Rose and Grey is our go-to for design-led homeware, with hundreds of unique items that are guaranteed to spark joy — Marie Kondo style.

Trouva

Simply put, Trouva is an interior-lovers dream. If you can’t travel the world to source stunning homeware gems, allow Trouva do it for you.

The site has cleverly teamed up with independent stores worldwide, so you can purchase your dream buys, even if they’re currently housed in a characterful little boutique thousands of miles away. Trouva began in 2015, when co-founders Mandeep Singh, Alex Loizou and Glen Walker realised there was a gap in the market for one-of-a-kind, globally-sourced homeware products available to browse and buy easily online.

Since its launch, the site has gone from strength to strength, showcasing indie design talent from every corner of the globe. The fashion crowd love this site for its unique, not-on-the-high-street finds that scream good taste.

So, if you’ve always meant to make your space more homely with a few extra-special details, now’s the time to shop.

Juicy

We head to Juicy Home for affordable, luxe-looking items to add personality to any space.

Whether you’re looking to embracing colour and pattern or evoke a minimal vibe, there’s something for everyone.

It’s an ideal haunt for of-the-moment pieces — filled to the brim with trending IT items to update your space.

Anna and Nina

This is a personal favourite brand of ours, but we’re letting you in on the secret, too. Much-loved jewellery label Anna and Nina, founded by Anna de Lanoy Meijer & Nina Poot, has expanded into homeware — and seriously stylish homeware at that. In case you didn’t get the memo, shells are a big deal RN, both in the world of fashion and interiors.

We will be embracing our inner mermaid with Anna + Nina’s stunning underwater range — this is fashion-focussed homeware done right. The collection was inspired by the founder’s travels across Thailand, Bali and India, and each unique piece looks well beyond its price point.

Decorative accents like the below picks are an easy way to update a space – no full-redecoration required. Whilst delivery to the UK is priced at €8.95, Anna + Nina shared the latest exciting news with HLN — the brand’s interiors collection will be available online at Liberty London in the coming weeks.

Race you!

RE

We love this Corbridge-based store (which has recently reopened with new Covid-19 safety measures) for its eclectic treasures.

Jenny Vaughan & Simon Young started RE in 2003, housing the truly one-of-a-kind store in an old converted workshop. Every item sold is either recycled, rescued or restored, coming to the shop from an exciting range of worldwide suppliers. Sustainability, ethical products and practice are at the heart of RE’s ethos, they regularly work with Fairtrade organisations and local co-operatives to ensure fair pay and working conditions. We love that RE has never used plastic bags, preferring recycled paper shoppers stamped in house.

Their mail-order packing is also 100% paper. We promise you’ll be as obsessed with their wares as we were the first time we visited — knowing you’re helping the planet as well as making your home look stylish is an amazing feeling.

Shabby Store

Whether you rent or own your home, it’s important to make a space feel like you. The right accessories can make a room, and are an easy way to trial a trend without making a spendy investment.

We head to Shabby Store online to browse their expertly cured interior gems. Their fantastic range is updated daily, meaning there’s always an excuse to check out their latest stylish pieces. As the name suggests, there’s a wonderful mix of Shabby Chic, Art Deco-inspired items and classic items.

The store also stocks reproductions of many iconic chairs, tables, light fittings and accessories from the mid-20th century, which are proving so popular right now. The following buys will refresh any room, with a little affordable luxury.

Edition 94

We guarantee you will have seen Edition 94’s highly sought-after scallop placemats and swirl candles on the grids of the chicest Instagram influencers and editors around.

Browse their ultra-stylish site for a perfect curation of new and vintage treasures — think gingham, coloured glassware, quirky ceramics and more. Founder India Whalley created the site and store after a career in interior design and gallery curation. Edition 94 was born after India discovered some vintage treasures at a Parisian fleamarket and wanted to create a space that showcased her finds.

Whilst their lighting and bespoke pieces are on the spendy side, their decorative wares are perfect to complement your space and up your homeware-game, without breaking the bank.