We are based at our “urban cottage” in South London, where we live, work and play. Bringing the countryside to our London home has always been a passion and all of the decor within our cottage was bought on a shoestring, with the occasional antique piece. Our friends and visitors were so impressed at such style on a budget (one friend describes it as classy clutter – a term we loved so much we had to use it in our shop!) that the concept of Shabby Chic Originals was born. What more could one want out of life than turning their passion into a cottage industry?
Dinner parties have become kitchen suppers as the dining room is transformed into a wrapping & packing department prior to the afternoon post leaving, whilst the mornings are reserved for creating, distressing and making unique and individual gifts, homewares and furniture. For now the sitting room remains intact!
Guests have to share their bedroom with some of our stock – this is actually a wonderful marketing ploy with many of them not able to resist leaving without a little treat for themselves or a pending birthday/anniversary! I don’t like to point out that Henry and Winston from our little warehouse can always squeeze a few more items in and the stock in the bedrooms is not totally necessary!!
I love birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas – any excuse to buy a present for those close to our hearts. The expressions of joy, delight and sometimes even pure amazement is worth every minute spent searching for or creating that special gift. Antique shops have always proved a wonderful hunting ground for the perfect present, unfortunately it isn’t always possible to find time in our busy schedules and manic lives to make the trip or spend the time searching, which is why you will love our unique shabby chic page. We have taken away the time constraints so you can browse at your leisure day or night and hopefully find the perfectly beautiful, individual, yet affordable gift.