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I didn't expect to be blogging about 67 Westow Hill again so soon. I loved Salt & Pickle, that address's previous occupant, and like many of you I'm sure, was saddened to see it go. But it's great to see a new business, and such a stylish one, finally open in its place. As a business, Decorum isn't actually so new. It was started 5 or 6 years ago by Christina Karoulla, and initially she was selling products at house parties. She opened her first premises in Shoreditch Boxpark as a one week pop-up, with her nephew, Stav Agapiou, who has gone on to become her business partner. After the pop-up ended, they had to join a waiting list, before eventually securing one of the containers on a three month rolling contract basis. The site is still going strong, but Christina was keen to also have a proper shop, and had long aspired to finding one in Crystal Palace, which would be conveniently close to her home in Bromley. She was first tipped off about the former Barclays building along the road, but as lovely a space as it was, it didn't really work for her. After visiting, she spotted the To Let board outside No.67 by chance, and contacted the landlord immediately.
Christina's new shop was up and running late last year, and she was immediately taken with the warm reception she received, not just from customers, but also from fellow traders. The well known Crystal Palace community spirit now brings the Triangle's traders together for regular meetings about how to draw people to the area. The SE19 late night shopping evenings proved to be a successful initiative, and now discussions are under way about how to participate in the Overground Festival this coming summer.
The shop itself is done out in a dramatic and enveloping dark grey, against which the merchandise shines. A deep stained pine floor continues up the wall at the end, giving a lovely textured backdrop to a range of frames and mirrors, while off-cuts of the floor were artfully pieced together to form the front of the cash desk. The products are of a very specific style; warm industrial meets Scandinavian, thereby deflecting any suggestion that this is just another homewares shop, of which there are several on the Triangle. But therein lies the point; not only does Christina's range differ from that of other local shops, but the number, and diversity of homewares stores in the area, collectively draw people to the area, in the way a single store wouldn't. In a former career, Christina had been an interior designer, but has found owning a retail business much more satisfying, in that she can create the whole look and philosophy of the business to reflect her vision, rather than, as a designer, having to cater to a multiplicity of tastes of different clients. Products range from furniture and lighting down to accessories, and even a small line of foods. From locally produced bamboo toothbrushes, to stylish Danish designs and more mass produced items. About 40% is made in the UK, and prices are pretty affordable.
And while you're browsing this rich, dark interior, you can also sit and have a coffee while you absorb it all. It all makes for a pleasant atmosphere, and another good reason to visit the Triangle.
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| Christina Karoulla |
Decorum
67 Westow Hill
It's been suggested to me more than once, that I will surely run out of subject matter for this blog. However if the last year is anything to go by, I need not worry about a shortage of material. I would say there were more changes to the Triangle, both openings and closings, in 2015, than in the preceding 4 years that this blog has been going. And 2016 looks like being another busy year. I'm sure I will struggle to keep up.
Last year we said farewell to Popiel, Casa Cuba, Betty's, Violet Betty's, and Et Pourquoi Pas. Disappointingly we also lost the Butcher and Fishmonger on Church Road, which I'd never even got round to featuring on the blog. One bank also closed its doors, to be followed in the next few weeks by the other. On the plus side, there have been plenty of new arrivals, including 400 Rabbits, The Roasted Bean, Flaming Nora, a couple of fabrics and interiors shops, a green grocer, and the painting and decorating shop, Rafael Gabriel.
Meanwhile Papagaio has moved around the corner to new premises on Westow Street, and a couple of established local businesses have had a revamp. I was asked by both to come and take new pictures.
Do South relaunched with a smart new exterior and branding, new cash desk, and product ranges.
Heather at No.47 Westow Street, has renamed her salon/boutique, Backstage, and given it a sleek new look.
And finally, the ever successful twins, Laura and Jess, opened their biggest venture yet, with their first outlet on the Triangle, in what had previously been Casa Cuba.
Wishing you all a happy & prosperous 2016!
You're bound to find something you want in this four storey emporium, and I've certainly bought a few things there over the years. It's already 4 years since I first photographed it for this blog, so it was great to be asked back to shoot the images for their brand new website. And this time rather than working on my own, Ben Adams (Designs of Modernity) styled each space, helping to create a series of shots that were perhaps a little more considered, and clean, allowing items to stand out. Precisely what was needed for the new website. We were pretty chuffed with the results, hope you'll agree.
Jasper Road
020 8480 7042
Open 7 Days a Week
