Specialising in antique and furniture restoration, and antique chandeliers, carefully sourced from the UK and Europe, Agapanthus Interiors is a superstar amongst the local independents in Stockport Old Town.
Founded by Zoe & Tom in 2014, over the last 15 years the pair have nurtured a community of talented designers and accomplished craftspeople to bring beautiful furniture and homewares to their magical shop and online store.
If you’ve never met a French chandelier you didn’t love, Zoe’s Top 5 local independents are recommendations worth dipping your quill for….
1. Van the Welder
Behind a row of Terrace houses in the West of Manchester resides Van The Welder’s small perfectly formed fabrication shop. Stephen (affectionately known as Ste-van) started his fledgling business after an unexpected redundancy, mid pandemic, September 2020. Having worked over 31 years as a welder/fabricator both in the UK and for a time in Barcelona, SteVan has the capability to create anything you can imagine in a metal of your choice, from Crittal style doors, camper van roof racks to bespoke furniture.
Why is it Top 5? I’ve loved observing the launch into self-employment from Ste-van after taking redundancy on the chin due to Covid-19. This welding talent creates not only functional pieces but also fun decorative wares for the home and garden. I can vouch for the quality too having just ordered our 5th piece.
2. Still Life Story, 16 Merseyway, SK1 1PJ.
Homewares and lifestyle pieces selected to promote slow living. With their collections Still Life Story aim to transcend trends and help you to create your own unique story.
Why is it Top 5? A fellow shop owner in Stockport who brings bright, fun and stylish homewares to the area. Ruby adapted so well to the changing demands over the lockdown periods which also included delivering weekly seasonal bouquets to your door. Now situated on the Mersey Way with a pop of yellow shop frontage, this temporary space is certainly still a highlight in Stockport.
3. Underbank Studios, 11 Underbank, SK1 1LA.
Underbank Studios is an artist and designer collective of four local women with a vision to open a not-for-profit, multi-purpose artists studio space and cultural hub in Stockport Old Town.
Why is it Top 5? An exciting and refreshing space opened by four creatives in June 2021 on the Underbanks. The project was crowd funded and they are keeping the campaign going to help fund workshops. This dynamic hub adds a new dimension to the area which I can’t wait to see more of.
4. The Old Potato Store
Karen Barlow Interior designer and stylist set up The Old Potato Store, specialising in decorative accessories that make a space individual and personal, such as period mirrors, original antique artwork, faded and aged decorative architectural salvage and traditional handmade practical objects.
Why is it Top 5? We have a shared passion for beautifully worn decorative pieces, Karen’s feed is filled with her curated flea market finds, beautifully styled.
5. On The Brink
On The Brink Studio is a Manchester based collaborative brought to you by furniture ace Gareth Batowski and photographer extraordinaire Elle Brotherhood.
Why is it Top 5? This dynamic and forward thinking duo continues to inspire us. We’ve collaborated with them for years on both professional and home projects. Their unique and authentic approach to each project they embark on is refreshing to see.
Find Agapanthus Interiors online and at 77 Wellington Street, Hillgate, SK1 1FE. Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Brothers & Sisters 