SHOP OF THE MONTH
Discover Collate, a treasure trove of artisan and vintage homewares in Devon
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN BRICKS-AND-MORTAR STORE?
I’ve never really known what I wanted to ‘do’. After I finished my degree in graphic design, I certainly knew what I didn’t want to do… Instead, I spent a number of years trying different jobs, from working for the National Trust and various auctioneers and antiques dealers to managing an art gallery. These endeavours all had one thing in common: they were creative and included a retail element. When I decided to open Collate, I was working in someone else’s small shop, which was very beautiful and stylish, but also minimal and muted, which isn’t how I would have done it. It was then I realised I was resting on my laurels. Encouraged by friends and family, I used my skills and know-how to open my own shop.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE MAKERS YOU FIND AND THE PIECES YOU SOURCE AND SELL...
Here at Collate I only stock makers and creators who are living and working in the southwest. They must be full-time makers – I don’t stock hobbyists, not because they aren’t any good, but because working with professionals keeps the quality high and consistent. Most of the makers I stock are friends or have become friends along the way. I also only sell work I actually like. This way, I can talk to visitors about all the pieces with real integrity. I love to source vintage and second-hand items, too, which I usually buy at auction or in flea markets – I think mixing things up works well and creates an eclectic, vibrant and fun feel. It also keeps me focused on smallbatch craft and older pieces. I avoid anything mass-produced.
WHERE DO YOU FIND ALL YOUR IDEAS FOR THE WAY YOU CURATE YOUR SHOP?
I’m very inspired by nature and the changing seasons, which I reflect in my window displays. Last year, my summer windows showcased various outdoor pursuits and a table scene set in a garden under a silver birch. The products don’t tend to change as much with the seasons, although I’ll add a few specific pieces, such as blankets in the colder months, and maybe some straw hats in summer. I have a style alter ego who also influences me and helps me to play out my more eccentric side, resulting in the slightly ‘out there’ vintage pieces and shabby, worn homewares (the kind that can’t be created and only exist because of their age). They aren’t necessarily the most fashionable pieces, but they always seem to sell well!
To find out more about Collate, visit collateinteriors.com