Independent interiors brands I'm following
These small businesses are worth a look for stylish homewares
If you’ve been reading The Home I Made for a little while, you’ll know that a) I love a bargain; b) I enjoy finding something a little different for my home; and c) I think it’s the stories of our ‘things’ that make things a bit more interesting. While yes, of course, I shop at big-name brands and have lots of high street interior buys, I very much enjoy discovering cool independent interiors businesses too, which I think really deliver on the latter.
Much like my beloved “I found it in the chazza” (aka charity shop), sharing where something is from when it’s from a small brand feels nice. So in the spirit of sharing, I bring you the independent interiors brands that I’m following, some of which I have bought from or been lucky enough to receive something from one as a present. Since it’s gifting season, you might even find something for your loved ones (or yourself!) too.
Sunday Living
I bought a set of rattan trays from Sunday Living about two years ago and I love them. They get styled up with the changing seasons and I have one in my living room and one on the dining table. Run by sisters Sophie and Allie, they have a good eye for the smaller accessories that can elevate a room.
Tray from Sunday Living. Leap
Full disclosure, I was gifted a room fragrance pre launch at an event I went to a month or two ago (#ad to keep it above board, although I’m including it here purely because I like it). If you too like a nice, long-lasting room spray, I’m impressed with Leap’s Mars scent. The brand is now live to the world and selling via Etsy.
Yaya Studio
Playful prints for kids rooms and beyond. I’ve had a tab open for this print for months. My toxic trait is hoarding open tabs. Anyone else?
Wolf Noodle
Another print brand, this one is based in Manchester and run by Sammy whose love of colourful interiors is poured into her arty creations.Smart Vintage Home
With a base near the beautiful Peak District, Smart Vintage Home does the hard work for you and finds gorgeous furniture that’s already had a life, but has so, so much more left to give. Vintage wooden school lockers and artists trays are among my favourites.
AZP Ceramics
Founded in 2019 by Adele, AZP Ceramics offers up lovely tableware. I’m talking artisan plates, bowls, cups, pedestal fruit bowls and, occasionally, nice mini sculptures, too. I bought my little lady as a Lockdown treat (remember those?) and she sits proudly on my living room shelf. I can see her from where I’m writing.
Lady sculpture from AZP Ceramics. Southwood Living
Hayley Southwood runs Southwood Living and curates a selection of one-off finds, makes by fellow independents and also some names you may recognise. With an emphasis on slow living and a bit of a rustic vibe, the online shop makes for an enjoyable scroll.
A friend introduced me to this brand. It does what it says on the tin: tables. Bespoke ones made from recycled materials.
Belly Bambino Basket
“Chuck it in and it looks good. Even better, top it with a cushion or blanket to conceal what’s beneath. I like to mix and match the styles of baskets to add a bit of interest visually and you can use them to add some colour too,” said, well, me. On discussing stylish storage for non-stylish toys and my love of baskets. Not least my love of the basket aisle in Homesense. But this indie brand brings a lot of fun with its basket designs. Great for a play room.
Joyojoy UK
Much like I enjoy a restaurant with a limited menu, an independent interiors brand that does one or two things and does them well has my attention. The wooden light pull I have in my downstairs loo from Joyojoy UK is a thing of hand-turned beauty.
11. Hyem Homeware
I’m told we have no more space for ceramics in my kitchen. I beg to differ. Hyem Homeware makes small-batch ceramics in the north east of England, it’s the mugs that caught my eye. ‘Hyem’ means ‘home’, by the way. Any fellow Geordies reading?
Would love to hear about your favourite independent interiors brand discoveries, so do let me know in the comments below.
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