1. Tell us something about your look.
I’m always asked to describe my look, and never know quite what to answer – it’s quite eclectic and is not linked, say, to a certain era. Michelle Ogundehein, editor of Elle Decoration once coined it as ‘Vintage Floral Bohemian’ – I think that pretty well sums it up – thanks Michelle!
2. …and what about the shop?
My shop Caravan is definitely an extension of my look – it’s a platform to showcase things I find and like.
We have a very eclectic and unusual selection of pieces – from light-activated singing birds to knitted dogs for cats; decorative glassware and ceramics to French industrial style lighting and hand-tufted rugs. There is something for everyone and our prices range from £2 to £2200.
3. How do you decide which products make it into the store?
My background is in interior styling and I’m a published author (I worked freelance on magazine, book, and catalogue projects before opening my shop). I’m always on the look-out for things, wherever I go, so most trips turn out to be buying trips in some way. I found our singing birds when I was on holiday in San Francisco, and we sell cushions made from fabric found in New York flea markets. Even I’m surprised at the contents of my suitcase when I return from somewhere! I buy for Caravan in the same way as I would buy for myself. This generally works well, but I do have to remind myself it’s not a shed or an attic to fill, the products must move on to make room for others!
4. Does art and design influence the products your store?
My art and design interests are generally not academic. I gravitate towards colours, shapes and materials that I like, regardless of what might be the current trend. If there is a cross-over then it’s generally a coincidence. For instance, Caravan the UK’s main stockist of industrial-style lighting by the French company, Jielde. I have always liked the lamps and admired the extensive colour-range, but they had very little presence in the UK until we started selling them 5 years ago. They are now very popular.
5. Who shops at your store?
I am happy to say the Caravan-customer is every age and gender! We sell hand-crocheted baby boots to expectant ladies, our bug-printed plates make great wedding gifts, the animal lamps are good for any age, and we have sold singing birds to elderly people in nursing homes. Our resident shop-cat Bagpuss loves visitors so he often entertains children while parents are free to browse.
6. What’s your favourite product right now?
Now that’s a difficult one, and I would have to choose between the Bambi lamp, or the pineapple wall sconce or perhaps a Jielde desk lamp would be more practical.
