Local Knowledge: Small Local Independent Homeware and Lifestyle shops to support
The second lockdown has begun and sadly that means that shops and restaurants have been forced to close once again. This is especially hard on small independent businesses as their profit margin are usually relatively small and the lead up towards Christmas would usually be their busiest time of year where most make halve of their yearly intake just in these two months. This is why I am dedicating this weeks blog post to small local homeware & lifestyle shops in the area that you can support by shopping online and buy all those unique gifts for your loved ones, I have also added which items I feel deserve a special mention.
Bells of Suffolk - Bungay
Image Source: Bells of Suffolk
Bells of Suffolk is an adorable store on the Norfolk and Suffolk border in Bungay. It is owned by Allan and Jackie Bell and has been trading since 2004. Not only do they have a wonderful collection of homely items to purchase but they also sell a range on furniture that is hand-painted in any Farrow and Ball colour of your choice.
We especially love their drip-free dinner candles from a Danish specialist candlemaker that burns for twelve hours. They come wrapped in hand-dyed ribbons, which are dyed at the shop and gives it a special rustic touch. We are also really loving their recycled glass vases in brown and green, theses give a real autumn feel to any room especially if paired with some dried flowers which they also sell on their website. You can also browse their collection of Christmas decorations which will be featured on their website soon, so look out for those! Click here to check out their website.
Hand-painted Farrow & Ball Bookcase, 2. Drip-free Dinner Candles, 3. Recycled Glass Vase, 4. Ceramic Soap Dish & Savon de Marseilles Soap, 5. Christmas Decorations.
Posy - Lavenham
Image Source: Posy
Posy is a pretty little shop in the beautiful village of Lavenham, known for its old Tudor buildings. The shop stocks carefully selected handmade items from handbags to kitchenware. Their stock is constantly changing and they only stock a handful of each item so it's best to grab an item when you see it. Their online shop sadly does not have a checkout area, but they regularly update their website and Instagram with their current stock. To buy something simple phone, email or DM with your request and they will happily place an order for you.
We are in love with all their cute pieces, especially their children's toys and their ceramic fish jugs. To check out their current stock head to their website here.
Ceramic Fish Jug, 2. Sass & Belle Handmade Photoframe, 3. Cermamic Oil & Salt set, 4. King & Queen Mouse soft toys, 5. Heart ceramic bowl, 6. Ceramic spoons, 7.Helaina Sharpley teacup artwork.
The Merchant's Table - Woodbridge
Image Source: The Merchants Table
I am just in love with this shop in Woodbridge called the Merchants Table, which acquired its name from the history of the 16th century building and a merchant once residing here in the past. The shop sells carefully chosen hand-crafted items made from independent British designer & artists. as well as selling beautiful objects, they also hold workshops and hold suppers events in order for the customer to discover the individuals pieces of work for themselves.
We are absolutely in love with Isla Middleton 'Growing through the seasons' Calendar showcasing her wonderful screen print designs. Charlotte Packe Horn table lamp has also caught our eye as well as Lydia Beanland Hand-Painted Frames but really we love everything they have to offer. Click Here to see for yourself!
1. Isla Middleton 'Growing through the seasons' Calendar, 2. 100% Natural Unbleached Premium Cotton Tea Towel, 3. Steven James Will Candlesticks, 4. Hand Painted Shells, 5. Charlotte Packe Horn table lamp, 6. Lydia Beanland Hand-Painted Mounts, 7. Rachel Dein Spring Tile, 8. Bonfield Block-Printers Eel Patched Poacher’s Cushion.
Vanil - Woodbridge
Image Source: Vanil
Vanil is a shop based also in Woodbridge, the shop curates a unique assortment of Scandinavian-inspired accessories, furniture and home décor which are from carefully selected designers. They feel passionately about championing partnerships with creatives who share a belief in slow design, which is all about taking time to create designs you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
We are just in love with all their Christmas decorations they have to offer this year, as well as Urban Nature Culture’s Candle holder which would make any table stand out. Check out their range of wonderful items here.
Tina K Home Quilt, 2. Tell Me More - Ivy Pitcher, 3. Urban Nature Culture’s Candle holder, 4. Rekindled Box Winter Village Paper Advent Calendar, 5. Dottir - Winter Stories Forest Candlestick Holder, 6. Dottir - Winter Stories Fawn Hanging Votive, 7. Maison Bengal Small Round Basket, 8. La Eva BLU Wash.
East Of Eden - Saxmundham
Image source: East of Eden
A new shop that opened this year and what a tough year to be your first is East of Eden, based in Saxmundham in this beautiful brick building pictured above. their philosophy is to sell decorative and functional items that can be used and enjoyed everyday. Sourced from all over the world from independent seller and crafter, they have a very wide range of unique and interesting objects from jewellery, stationary, homeware to gift ideas, there is no doubt you will find something you will love.
We are in love with their art print named 'Reading' which pairs well with their leather stool as seen below. The website has a lot of sold out items so better get in their quick!
Artifical Flower Wreath, 2. Art Print 'Reading', 3. Tall ribbed vase in black, 4. Leather Stool, 5. Hip flask, 6. Marble Lamp base & shade, 7. Leather Card & Coin Wallet.
Stag Interiors - Southwold
Image Source: Stag Interiors Southwold
This stylish shop on the Southwold high street, is the perfect place to find everything you need to style your home. Their homeware is not confined to one style but rather reflects a diverse collection which spans from contemporary to traditional furniture lighting, accessories, floral and antiques. Southwold is a popular tourist destination which this shop heavily relies on, however they do offer a lot of their products online but it is also selling out fast.
We are just in love with this occasional armchair below, paired with any bronze decorative item really and who doesn't love a huge clock!! Head to website here.
Black & Gold Clock, 2. Occasional Armchair, 3. Large Brushed Gold Leaf, 4. Hunting dog Sculpture, 5. Mango Wood Bedside Table, 6. Green Diamond Cushion, 7. Mirrored Marble Effect Tray.
Many shops are struggling this year and its very hard to compete with online stores such as Amazon and their crazy next day delivery service, I am also aware that not everyone has the money at the moment to spend on luxury items and that is also ok. My message is one of encouragement to support local when you are thinking of your Christmas gift list this year. Not only will your gifts be unique but also they will have a story behind them about coming together during this hard time for everyone.
Thanks for reading,
Ella
