Islington is heaving with interior design emporiums from the sleek and modern to the kitsch and quirky from the antique and precious to the eclectic and niche.
Why not start your adventure at SMUG in Camden Passage, the brainchild of local Islingtonian Lizzie Evans. It’s jam packed with1950s furniture, handmade toys, gorgeous stationery, quirky kitchenware, and chic ceramics.
You are spoilt for choice because a few doors down is the delightful french country & shabby chic Home and Pantry. The beautiful faux flowers are exactly the same as in other....... well let’s say more famous design houses at a fraction of their price and yes they are the same ones that Red magazine rave on about. They are rather popular so don't uuum and ahhhhh, snap them up.
Home & Pantry Faux Flowers
As you wander in the direction of Decorexi, ignore the big bad STRICTLY TRADE ONLY signs outside and go boldly in search beautiful mirrored furniture. Why do you think they put all irresistible trinkets outside so you practically trip over them on the cobbles on your way down the passage? Yes! To entice you in to have a look so don’t be scared.
Decorexi
Once you’ve had a proper look and you fancy a change of scene, If you can manage to resist a cheeky Prosecco at Frederick's before hitting the canal then you are a better now than me, if so.......
follow me in the direction of Angel Station.
Alfresco Dining at Fredericks's
Take a left down Duncan Street and at the end of the concrete paved road, bounce your way down the ramp onto the glorious Regents Canal. All of a sudden it’s another world with lock gates, canal side apartments, river boats, paddles, swans and gushing water.
It all makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll to the Narrow Boat - the perfect rest stop for a summer jug of Pimms, whilst playing musical chairs from the bar to balcony. You see ... everyone sat inside keeps a sharp eye on any slight movement outside, in order to slip into a recently vacated hot seat at a moments notice. Now... you may be able to share two, but one jug of Pimms is all I can manage if I want to be safe walking along the river on the interior trail.
Follow the canal all the way past Gainsborough Studios on your right and head up the stairs at the Baring Street exit onto Southgate Road where the Thomas Brigg Studios will be on your right.
Regent's Canal Walk
There you’ll find 2&4, design home of furniture designer Maurice Nugent and ceramics/ glass artist Mia Fihnborg.
Its crammed full of mirrors, vases, lighting, sofas armchairs and you can even commission a bespoke piece.
After you’ve had a good browse and said hello to Ed the cat, 2&4’s indoor cafe or outdoor relaxation space can help sober you up from all that Pimms. The coffee is great and so is the iced mint tea. The cakes even better, if it's on the menu try a slice of Pistachio, home made and deserves a medal.
I’ll leave it to you to wander back along the canal to Angel or hop a cab to wherever else you please.
Interior Shopping Camden Passage to Southgate Road MAP >
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