Keeping It Local

As lockdown restrictions ease, indulge yourself in the sumptuous textures, glorious designs and stunning aesthetics of our interior and homeware shops and art galleries right here in Nappy Valley. Dina Shoukry highlights a few of the best finds

CLAPHAM OLD TOWN

Clapham Old Town is the epitome of urban chic with its Georgian square and independent businesses from quaint cafés, delectable restaurants, Saturday market food sellers, indie cinema, theatre,
pubs and interiors shops occupying this pedestrianised area that comes to life in the spring and summer months.

Common
Shop guilt- and plastic-free at this ecolifestyle shop and café stocking beautiful and sustainably sourced homeware and gifts. New in-store is the stunning handblown glass range from the Lake District, whilst the ‘Octo Candles’ made locally from soya are firm bestsellers.

Birksen 
Pick your way through the multitude of vivacious blooms and orchids, and dive deeper within for shelves heaving with elegant ceramic plates, vases, plant pots, candles, frames and tableware.

BATTERSEA PARK RD

The Mecca of interiors, Battersea Park Road has something for every budget. Well-established in the interiors world and home to designers, upholsterers, carpet fitters, furniture makers and renowned antiques dealers, it’s a must-visit.

New Vintage
Specialising in customised antique, vintage, retro and refurbished furniture, this Aladdin’s Cave of the pre-loved remains a favourite haunt for stylists and homeowners alike. Owner, Julie Rumble, also offers an interior design service for the sustainably minded.

Marmorea and Circa
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading antique fireplace dealers for the finest marble and stone chimney pieces, Marmorea’s inhouse design brand, Circa, offers exquisite mid-twentieth-century furniture and lights including tables, chairs, storage and mirrors from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Battersea Flower Station
Get lost in this magical and, quite possibly, narrowest urban garden in London. The award-winning garden centre and florist is resplendent with seasonal flowers, window boxes, house plants, pots and all sorts of gardening paraphernalia coupled with expert friendly advice, home consultations and same-day local delivery.

QUEENSTOWN ROAD

For the finishing touches, make a beeline for Queenstown Road, a cornucopia of interior design shops with distinctive styles from modern to rustic dispersed amongst restaurants and cafés – well worth the visit!

Decara Home 
Decara Home’s classic British to French country house chic style will blend in seamlessly in any home. Cast your eyes across the tranquil hues of greys, blues and whites, picking out gorgeous furniture, vases, bed linens and gifts, or let owner and designer Angie Pinkney design your home for you.

Loaf
Made for loafers, there is no rushing here, from the old fashioned quality handmade craftmanship to the slow repayment scheme the store offers, the super snug sofas and armchairs, dreamy beds, storage units, desks, drapes and more are the embodiment of home: safe, calm, comfortable, relaxing and beautiful.

The Brownhouse Interiors
Delve in for an eclectic mix of furniture, accessories, lighting and home fragrances, all handpicked by owner, Wayne Brown, from independent sellers. Items can be sourced or made-to-measure, and Wayne will happily provide an interior design service for small and large projects alike.

Cult Furniture
This furniture emporium is sprawled across a large, easily navigable showroom bursting with bold colours and striking iconic midcentury, industrial, contemporary, Scandi and Art Deco designs. If you want high-end at affordable prices, then look no further.

BELLEVUE ROAD

Laid back and chic, oozing confidence and style, take your time enjoying Bellevue Road’s boho-style clothes boutiques, cafés and art gallery overlooking the leafy expanses of Wandsworth Common.

Oliver Contemporary
Founder, Carolyn Oliver, brings together new and established British contemporary artists and sculptors in her eye-catching gallery. Advising locals for the past 20 years, pop in and be inspired.

BALHAM

Nestled between its famous neighbours, Clapham, Brixton and Tooting, Balham is firmly established as a destination in itself. It boasts an impressive cultural scene with a busy high street, so keep your eyes peeled and your purse to hand next time you need some home inspiration

Gallery Midnight 
Whether it’s scenes from south London, the snow-capped mountains of France or the Caribbean’s sun-kissed islands, local artist, Johny Midnight’s work is always full of colour and life. If that’s not enough, Johny also runs art classes for adults and children.

Balham Paint and Hardware Company
Beyond the obvious paint and hardware, the shop sells soft furnishings, clocks, lighting, mirrors, baskets, vases and a sweet children’s bedroom range. The funky neon lighting collection is to die for.

Mimi V. Artworks
A firm favourite amongst locals, Mimi V. Artworks offers vibrant affordable art and a bespoke framing service. If fun is what you’re after, then this is the place for you with its wild, loud, and unapologetically in-your-face original and limited edition posters.

NORTHCOTE ROAD

This, the beating heart of Nappy Valley, is jam-packed with interiors and homeware shops, from the vivid and sensuous décor of The Painthouse to the earthy and grounded hues of Maison Curate, the Northcote Antiques Market and the gloriously abundant art galleries and cafés in which to lose yourself.

Wallace Cotton
This Kiwi homeware brand, known for its handstitched velvet bedspreads, organic cotton duvets and silky smooth sleepwear brings Antipodean island life to south London. Our top buy is the reversible duvet covers: two styles with one flip!

The Painthouse
The Painthouse has been the go-to place for interior design in the neighbourhood for decades offering paint colour consultancy, interior styling, bespoke curtains and blinds services, upholstery and custom furniture. The store is packed with unique accessories and soft furnishings including a vast selection of designer paints, fabrics and wallpaper.

Clarendon Fine Art
New to Northcote Road, Clarendon Fine Art specialises in contemporary and 20th century artists. Find sensational works by celebrated artists, Mr Brainwash, Nick Veasey and Patrick Bremer – to name a few – plus original signed lithographs by Joan Miro, David Hockney and Marc Chagall, and works by sought-after bronze sculptors

Maison Curate
Warm, muted, earthy tones and botanicals, this place feels more like a home than a shop. Create the natural look with its taupe coloured lights, rattan and woven armchairs, cane and seagrass baskets, and softly coloured earthenware, glassware and accessories.

Lords
A treasure trove of kitchen and dining ware for anything you could possibly need from pots and pans, utensils, bakeware, glassware, candles, electrics, laundry and gifts – you name it, they have it!

Northcote Gallery 
Beautifully curated, Northcote Gallery’s contemporary art and striking sculptures by British and international artists never fail to impress. If it’s the wow factor that you’re after, then Northcote Gallery has you covered.

Foss Fine Art
A stalwart of SW11 since 2001, this intimate gallery (just off Northcote Road) showcases emerging and mid-career artists. Artists include Sir Peter Blake, best known for co-creating the sleeve design for the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

The Cabinet Room
Two shops down, is this charming secondhand haven of lovingly restored furniture. Owner, Lisa Daunton, sources and upcycles furniture, mirrors, plant pots and candle holders. She’ll even give your cherished pieces a second lease of life

BATTERSEA RISE

Situated near Northcote Road, the bustling Battersea Rise is alive with bars, restaurants, a clutch of furniture shops and an art gallery.

Ingo Fincke
Representing established and emerging contemporary artists, this gallery offers a unique service from sourcing artwork to framing, hanging and making bespoke mirrors. It also has the most enchanting collection of limited edition children’s prints by artists such as Quentin Blake, Helen Craig and Beatrix Potter.

Loungin’
Loungin’ is dedicated to the creation of bespoke sofas, armchairs, footstools and beds in all shapes and sizes. Transform your ideas into pieces that last a lifetime, built by hand at surprisingly competitive prices.

Futon Company
Experts in small space living, Futon Company sells a wide range of space-saving furniture from handmade futons and beds, to home textiles, accessories and desks.

WEBB’S ROAD

Adjacent to Battersea Rise and dotted with art galleries, a bespoke jeweller, a luxury stationery shop, great cafés and a deli, Webb’s Road is definitely worth the detour.

Blackbird Bespoke
For something like no other, visit Blackbird Bespoke, specialists in contemporary metal furniture handcrafted in their London workshop with skills honed over three generations. Customise an existing design or commission your very own, you’ll be the envy of your neighbours!

The Last Supper
Prepare to be intrigued by the thought provoking conceptual art at this popular gallery. Established in 2014, founder Andrew Wenrick focuses on craft and minimalism for a clean and stylish aesthetic by artists from all over the world.

Webb’s Fine Art Gallery
One of south London’s finest galleries, founder Liz Cranwell-Ward has been specialising in modern Impressionism and bespoke framing for the last 25 years. Brimming with breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes, Liz helps customers chose art they’ll love forever.

TOOTING

If you are going to start anywhere in Tooting, head down to the market. Tooting Market is a multicultural hotspot hosting an eclectic mix of haberdashery, art, upcycled furniture, and even a bazaar. Take your time to wander through and visit some of the delicious eateries whilst you are there

Boho Homes
A small social enterprise with a big heart, founder Tullika Bhalla works with artisans and Fairtrade suppliers from across the world to bring you ethically sourced and eco-friendly homeware. The mango wood serving platter and bowl range is a must-have.