Ask design-conscious friends in London where they go to find one-of-a-kind gifts, and the first response you are likely to get is Mint. The two-level shop on Wigmore Road has an exquisitely edited selection of furniture and objects, with everything one needs for a stylish home...
And the irregularly shaped space itself -- with its whitewashed brick and stone, charming cubby holes and variously colored walls -- is an inspiration, making artful use of every corner.
The help could be a little more accomodating, and there are foreboding Don't Break the Merchandise or Pay in Full signs everywhere. But the unfailing quality of the goods will put you in a forgiving mood.
- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. She can be reached at kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com
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Comments (5)
I am really enjoying the AT:Europe series. And this store is beautiful, I'd seen it blogged before but never with images from the actual showroom, so cheers to you.
A quick question in regards to snapping images in stores, how do you go about approaching them to ask permission? Are they pretty easy going about it England and France? I know that here in the states (at least in New England where I spend most of my time), most shop owners are excited about the idea of being seen on a blog, but when I was in Germany last year, I experienced mixed reactions -- store owners that ran either hot (so amazingly gracious and excited) or cold (extremely upset and would not allow it at all).
Your experience so far in snapping photos of stores has been _____ (fill in the blanks). I'd love to know, Kristin.
Holly
Holly,
I have gotten the same mixed reactions in Europe that you have -- usually coming down to the simple fact of how blog savvy the owners happen to be.
Kristin
Nice post... the store is quite interesting. Still don't like those font clocks, though.
What's the price range?
Thanks for the great photos, Kristin! I haven't been to this store in a few years, so I'm quite pleased to have a peak inside. It is definitely my favorite housewares store in the UK. I like that the owners have a distinct point of view, and it's not what I'd classify as a trend based shop. I also think The Cross in Notting Hill is quite good. Any chance you'll be going there anytime soon? :-p
Opera Glass,
Will make a point to visit The Cross on my next visit!
Shani-o,
Remember we are talking British pounds here, worth more than 2 to the $. But they have a range of prices, from modestly priced small objects to very expensive pieces.