One of the things I miss most about my hometown of Sheffield, obviously other than my family and friends, is the scores of independent shops that are dotted around the city.
I’m often in awe of how they are merchandised and styled; love that I can bag a unique piece that no-one else has; enjoy the banter with the shop owner and like the idea I’m putting the money in the pocket of a maker or owner to fuel the local economy (and help put dinner on their tables).

Some of my favourite pieces in my house originated from privately owned sellers, the zebra print is my living room came from The Framery in Sheffield, my window pane style mirror came from Hilary and Flo, and despite not being a smoker, I adore the typography on a the print I bought from a little shop in Sandsend last year.

Truth be told, I don’t do enough to support these small independent businesses and regularly find my first port of call is the larger high street stores, however our recent feature with Lisa Dawson once again reminded me how important it is to shop independent.

Between us we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite purchases and hopefully will showcase a few new stores for you too.

Candles

  • My friend gave me a scented soy wax candle from Willow and Honey as a housewarming gift and the fragrance and longevity is amazing. The Black Pomegranate is my favourite.
  • I also stumbled across Curious Egg the other day when I was looking for some nude candles for my spare room. As well a range of hand-dipped tapers there’s also artworks, homewares and many beautiful handmade objects too.

Homeware

  • Last year we featured the pastel perfection home of Allison Sadler filled with wares from her own lifestyle store The People Shop and Lisa has a macrame hanging from Allison’s store in her Scandi-inspired living room.
  • Lisa is also a big fan of Liv in Solihull and bought the black lamp seen in her recent room tour. If you’re in the West Midlands it’s definitely worth popping in.
  • Last Easter, Lorna had adorable wooden bunny decorations crafted for her family from Fox and Weave and I’ve been the very pleased recipient of one of their house signs for my own abode.
  • I’m just about to place an order with Violet and Percy for one of their Catcooe ball vases which I’m thinking would be quite at home on my kitchen island.
  • Do you remember our gorgeous home tour last year with Kate Rogers? Most of the accessories in her bold dining room were from The Little House Shop or Mia Fleur.
  • Lisa’s kitchen window sill proudly hosts a collection of handmade pastel vases from Lilac Coast. So, so, so appropriate for your spring blooms.

Prints & Stationery

  • Lorna recently treated her bestie to the ‘Best is yet to come’ foiled quote from Sonni & Blush and I want to get this for my friend after her recent first wedding dance was to Van Morrison’s Someone Like You.
  • On the subject of prints, I have to do a shameless plug of my sister and her husband’s stationery from Bonny & Clyde as they do all manner of custom prints and cards.
  • Even though it’s been around for ages, I’ve been tempted by the Rifle un, deux, trois print from Tea and Kate. In fact they have stunning prints in their collection as well as lots of beautiful homeware pieces.
  • Scandinavian influenced lifestyle store Southwood Stores stocks a wide range of gifts for him, her and home. It’s worth checking out their prints and posters for some insta-worthy art.
  • For personalised cards and notebooks then look no further than Papier. Their designs are so beautiful and the personalisation element makes them the perfect gift.

Furniture, Fashion & Food

  • Lolly has commissioned handmade stools for her nearly finished pad from Head & Haft and can vouch for their incredible craftsmanship.
  • I’ve included Rachael’s carefully curated store Object Style under fashion thanks to this beauty of a tan bag however the homeware collection is a delight.
  • I have to mention my own wedding photographer turned baker, Rebecca of Honeywell Bakes who creates the most delicious hand-piped biscuits which James and I have sent to our family at Christmas. All year round there’s a beautiful selection of iced bakes for you to send to your nearest and dearest.

Obviously there are hundreds of other makers and sellers out there and this is just a very small round-up of stores. Therefore we’d absolutely love to hear your suggestions for independent shops you’d like to recommend. After managing to leave my debit card in the chip and pin machine at Tesco the other day, I have a feeling I’m going to be putting my brand new card to good use. If you’re after independent brands for any littles in your life than nip over to Rock My Family.