Found – A New Interior Concept Store

Whilst on holiday in the quaint British seaside town of Lyme Regis, I chanced upon a wonderful little interior decor shop called ‘Found’, no pun intended. I was struck by the considered design of the shop; copper piped shelves and exposed lighting displayed home-ware stock that was both unconventional and useful.

Run by Alice & Michelle, the shop has been open just two weeks. Both of them are mothers with five children between them and a string of accomplishments. Alice used to run a stall at Bridport market selling vintage and her own handmade children’s clothes. Michelle was originally a personal shopper before launching a career in interior design. They have also both run B&B’s in their time.

Amidst a whirlwind of passers-by, dropping in to wish the girls well and say hi, I was lucky enough to grab fifteen minutes of their time. Here’s what they had to say:

Q: Why did you start Found?

Alice: Last year I was building a house with my husband, but when that finished I decided I had to get a proper job! I was walking along Broad Street when I saw this shop up for rent. I immediately called Michelle and her first question was “well have you booked an appointment to see it?” Michelle then booked the appointment.

Michelle – Yes she sometimes needs a gentle shove! It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision, if we’d thought too much about it we would have probably talked ourselves out of it. Although after we’d committed we realized we’d missed all the trade shows!

Q: So where do you get your stock from?

Alice: A lot of it is local products from people I’ve known all my life. But our philosophy is that it has to be well made, good design and we have to both like it. If it arrives and it’s not right we don’t put it on the shop floor.

Stock includes hand printed cushions, British made mohair throws, locally hand turned bowls and organic soaps and balms from Trill Farm which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Q: So what type of design inspires you?

Alice: I love 1950’s and also Scandinavian design. In 1946 my Grandpa became a furniture designer selling to stores such as Heals. I have some of his original pieces and my plan is to recreate them. For example these candle stitch holders were his original design, and we’ve had them turned by a local artisan. (see photo below)

Q: What else have you got in the pipeline?

Michelle: So we’re planning our own range of lighting, currently it’s at the development stage. We also run our own design projects predominately in London through our company Ryder & Hinks. These are design and build projects and not just interiors!

Talking to Alice and Michelle was an inspiration, it made me want to become an entrepreneur! If you don’t fancy searching for fossils on Lyme Regis beach, then can I recommend a trip to Found?

Visit Found at 30 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QE.

Tel: 01297 443304