The Best Shops In London
Mint Shop, Knightsbridge
The N + B HQ is dangerously positioned above The Conran Shop – the Mecca for interior spending. Nadine and I often go downstairs using thirst for inspiration as an excuse, or for last-minute presents, we then potter around practising a large repertoire of swooning sounds. The Conran life is sadly unattainable for most, however a universal appreciation will never waiver. The shop houses iconic and modern designs; an education in style. Therefore, we are kicking off the list with The Conran shop, don’t worry we will move further afield….
…..but not yet because the second on the list is a stone’s throw away from the office - oh the joys of being positioned in the Brompton design district. Mint is very cool; this is where we discovered the Dirk Vander Kooij tables. It is an awe arousing shop, where every piece and object has a narrative.
The Conran Shop, Chelsea
Mint Shop, Knightsbridge
Retrouvirus in Kensal Green is an inspiring place -their belief is that good materials and well-made things are precious, so they salvage and acclaim old furniture and fittings. Now that consumers are getting conscientious about where products come from, we expect more establishments like this to reach the radar. Plus, one-off pieces make a home.
We love ceramics, so have chosen Contemporary Ceramics Centre in Bloomsbury to represent this. This place is a benchmark for the craft and has regular exhibitions, we recommend a visit.
Contemporary Ceramic Centre
Twenty Twentyone on Upper Street (showroom also in Islington) is on our list due its vast range of good design. Top tip: check out their clearance section on line.
Both the Regent Street and Kings Road Anthropologie stores are beautiful spaces full of beautiful things, I couldn’t leave them out.
We don’t like to give away trade secrets so listen carefully at this one off: we get fake flowers and plants from Neptune. We plan every detail of our schemes and packages and make orders on line, however the last purchases of a furniture package project are played out in this shop on Wandsworth Bridge Road. This is where we do a reasonably priced – spree for finishing touches just before, or during installations. It’s a lot of fun.
Number eight on this list is Forest London in Farringdon (another fantastic district for design shops), they specialise in the ever so popular mid-century Scandinavian style. This is where you will buy the authentic rosewood sideboard you have been dreaming of.
Anthropologie, Kings Road
Sofa.com has made the cut because we constantly get asked where to buy a sofa that does not cost the world. We have sofas made bespoke, having specified hundreds we know the specific measurements, shapes and fabric we are after, and require a certain standard. However for a home purchase we recommend going to this Lots Road showroom. The customer service is impeccable, even offering you a proper drink! The space is special, and they have all the available styles to seat-try along with fabric selection. It’s a good experience.
Last but not least, we have chosen Darkroom; an ode to design. It houses an effective stark contrast with black walls and bold colourful prints. We like this shop because they are committed to the industry, they host workshops and a range of crafts. And they encourage collaborations. Its personality is bold and brave; kudos to that.