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Just over two years ago, designers Peter Knowles and Andy Bradshaw saw the potential of a run down, unloved building in Ludlow Lane, Penarth. They then set about putting their hearts, souls and money into creating two floors of unrivalled retail heaven known as...
HAMPTONS
AT HOME
Some of you may remember
the old building with a fruit and
vegetable
market on the ground
floor whilst above sat a dark and
dingy snooker hall. It was
difficult to be inspired, but once
they pulled the boards away
from the windows, they
immediately saw its potential.
With two floors of superbly
presented home and garden
accessories, there is something for
every room in your home. Quirky
greetings cards, a stunning range of
tableware, cutlery and glassware can
be found on the ground floor whilst
upstairs boasts a gorgeous selection
of interior accessories. Lamps and
shades by hot designers, mirrors in
fused glass, a crisp collection of hotel
style bedding and sumptuous throws
and cushions in velvets and silks.
Their beautiful range of furniture has
an eclectic quality and the bespoke
service enables you to choose exactly
which style, size and fabric suits your
scheme. Their ‘customer is king’
ethos is practiced without exception.
Andy and Peter source only the best
products for Hamptons and, because
of their interior design background,
they are always on hand to advise you
and help you to make the right
choice to complement the style and
colour of your scheme.
Also housed on the first floor is Andy
and Peter’s interior and garden design
studio. This is, of course, where it all
started for them. Andy trained in
design at the Royal Welsh College
of Music and Drama and has a string
of theatre and television credits.
While training he won the Pernod
Award for Design and his television
work has won two Bafta Cymru and
a British Bafta.
Andy’s interior design work includes
both private and commercial
projects, from themed restaurants and
bars to waterfront apartments and
also family homes and if you’re
considering commissioning Andy for
a future project of your own it would
be wise to put your name down
pretty quickly as there is a waiting
list.
Peter initially trained in horticulture,
developing a knowledge and passion
for plants. He later chose to specialise
in garden design and his design work
has won a coveted Royal Horticultural
Society Gold Medal. He has created
gardens in a whole range of styles
from cottage and country gardens to
contemporary and small city gardens.
Hamptons is a regular haunt for us
and we often make our way to
The Blue Pelican café for lunch.
The décor is enough to transport you
to the ocean with its white shuttered
windows, palms and Hawaiian shirted
staff. Saturdays are usually very busy –
but you know the saying... if it’s
worth having, it’s worth waiting for,
and their menu of homemade goodies
always is. We love the fact that even
when we’ve gorged ourselves on the
main course we can take our choice
of cakes home with us to enjoy later!
Everything in the store just shouts quality. Hamptons is a real lesson in customer service.
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The new spring collection at Hamptons will convince those doubting Thomases that you don’t have to go to London to find the latest in high design.
HAMPTONS AT HOME
In fact Hamptons was born from that very problem. The store’s founders, interior designer Andy Bradshaw and garden designer Peter Knowles admitted that they were constantly taking clients to London to view the latest collections and found it baffling as to why none of the products appeared to be available in Wales.
Hamptons has changed that in a big way. The quality and diversity of products is tremendous and Hamptons has quickly established itself as one of the leading independent interiors stores in Wales.
Their latest coup is securing a brand new collection from Sir Terence Conran and they are delighted to currently be the only stockist in Wales. Peter says, “We’re very excited about Content by Conran. The Conran team felt that Hamptons was exactly the right place to showcase the collection.”
For those who want texture in a big way, cushions by Dream Weavers from the United States come in a fantastic range of vivid colours and are perfectly complemented by a selection of matching rugs. The Pebble Rug really does look like the real thing until you step onto it!
“Texture is still very much a part of this year’s trend,” says Andy. “Our new range of lighting includes Mimo which has lacquered, turned bases with matching velvet shades. And for something that is pure indulgence, Desire has to be this year’s must have chandelier. Colour is definitely back with a vengeance after many years in the wilderness and while neutrals will always have their place, pattern for walls and strong deep colours for soft furnishings are appearing at all of the major shows.”
With many high street retailers producing ranges with similar looks it’s no wonder that Hamptons has proved to be such a success with those who want to find something that little bit more unusual. “Many of our clients want the bespoke look and we feel that our carefully sourced products give them the opportunity to tap into this field” said Peter.
The latest range of table glassware on offer at Hamptons follows one of the major trends this year and that is metallics. In gold, silver and copper, the Orsini champagne glasses from Polish glass designer LSA are elegant, sleek and perfectly complemented by wine glasses and delicate liqueur glasses.
And while on the subject of delicate items, Hamptons are proud to stock artificial flowers by specialists Ruckley who continue to lead the field with their stunning range of plants and floral arrangements. Orchids, peonies, lilies and tiny shot glasses crammed with spring flowers - you really have to see these close up to appreciate how real they appear, especially as the flowers appear to sit in water. And although hard to believe, the rose arrangements have a wonderful scent!
Of course Hamptons has its roots in design and the company's design studios are housed within the store. The design team are happy to advise on any of the products on display as well as talking potential clients through the interior and garden design process.
Both Peter and Andy are well recognised within their respective fields. Peter is a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal winner and a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers while Andy’s television design work has won a British Bafta and two Bafta Cymru.
Hamptons is an absolute must if you are searching for well designed and unusual furnishings and accessories. And with their excellent 40 seat café bar on the first floor you can also have coffee, a glass of wine or lunch while you shop.
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