My shows for the year have come to a close and my first one in 2026 is not until February. With the pressure of getting ready for shows, packing stock, setting up my booth, packing down and putting everything away over for the time being, I can once again begin to dream about my future shop.
It’s time to start thinking about my goals and plans for 2026 and what that looks like in regards to doing shows and trying to open up a shop space. Do I want to commit money towards paying for booths at shows or put that cost towards bond? How much stock should I be buying in when I’m running out of room to store it in my home studio? How can I raise the capital to open up a shop?
These are all important things to think about and muddle through, but today I want to share a bit of inspiration with you. I have dreamed about what my shop might look like and how it will feel for a long time but it’s time to get that vision out of my head and create some mood boards.
The Shop Space
My absolute dream shop space would be in a country style cottage, with a verandah and gardens, big windows to let in lots of natural light, timber floors and high ceilings. The rooms would be large and not too pokey, though a view smaller cozy spots would be nice too. The walls would be white and preferably timber lined. The lighting will not be to in your face, just enough brightness to make the products shine. I almost can picture the inside of a white greenhouse, with white timber trusses and pot plants and flowers dotted throughout the space.
Of course the reality of finding a cottage is extremely low! But no matter what space I end up with, this is the feeling I hope to create within it’s potentially small four walls.
While the bones of my shop will be predominately white, light and bright, I hope yo inject a warming notion of cozy Granny Chic mixed with a bit of shabby chic charm. These and French country are the interior styles I most gravitate towards. I hope to create cozy corners with seating and tables, layered up with fun cushions, quilts and crochet blankets. I want to find unique furniture pieces, tables, chairs and cupboards that can be painted in fun colours with that shabby chic patina. I want the space to feel collected and homey, not like a normal retail shop with rows and rows of identical shelving and displays.
Throughout the shop will be little vignettes of products, all carefully curated and styled to create a bit of whimsy. Old chairs and stools, baskets, buckets and watering cans, tins and jars will hold a delightful mix of products from lace and haberdashery, to threads and fabric, notions, books, tea items, gifts and vintage treasures.
As a lover of handmade decor the shop will be decorated as such with bunting and garlands, artworks, lamps and wall decor. Quilts will hang on walls, on ladders and the backs of chairs. Fabric streamers and crochet garlands will swoop around the space, vintage plates will adorn the walls and lamps will create a cozy feel. I think I am most looking forward to being able to decorate my shop space, to style the products and create beautiful window displays that entice you in to see what treasures you can find. I look forward to decorating for the holidays and I already anticipate getting a big pink Christmas tree!
I hope you have enjoyed this little vision quest and collecting inspiration for my future shop. If you would like to see more be sure to check out My Dream Shop Pinterest Board here.
Happy Stitching friend and I hope you have a beautiful day or night.
Miss Leela x
Patterns and Kits
I love seeing your vision Leela. It’s beautiful and inspiring! I can’t wait to see it come to life one day!