A few of my favourite things
21st February 2017
I often notice, when people first walk around the mill that they have no idea we had such a range of accessories and antiques, or any at all, displayed around the showroom. Many don’t even know our showrooms are hidden inside a 16th century converted watermill, surrounded by 12 acres of stunning grounds and the funniest little animals. It’s pretty cool seeing people’s reactions when they realise they haven’t turned up to any old kitchen or flooring showroom. There’s so much to see, right from the moment you enter the car park, even if you aren’t looking for a new kitchen or flooring, Cotes Mill is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery, discover the buildings history and leave feeling inspired; especially if you’ve never been before. I thought I would share a few of my favourite things with you around the mill, to give you an idea of what we have to offer!
Our resident swans on a frosty cold morning
I can be sure that there is a book here for everyone. Whether you like cooking, exploring, designing or making, the chances are you’ll find yourself flicking through some sort of book which has caught your fancy. If not for you, they really do make the perfect present for a friend or family member. My favourite books are the big chunky baking books, filled with loads of yummy recipes and endless amounts of pictures of cake. Amazing. I always think men are really awkward to buy for and if you haven’t attempted to buy them some sort of clothing, why not buy them a book on something they enjoy, like cycling, making things out of wood, beer? At least that way you know they’ll like it.
Claire’s hanging planters are literally the cutest things. Claire is full of great ideas, and created these little pots (with our favourite crackle effect) and carefully tied the string to construct this lovely little planter, which all our cacti rest in perfectly. I think these would look cool in any room. They’re quirky, kind of unusual and special, knowing they were made right here and displayed fresh from the ceramics studio. If you visit on a week day, feel free to visit Claire and see for yourself how she makes these and deVOL’s kitchenware range in her creative studio, sat just aside the mill.
We have a various selection of cards dotted around the mill. The cards we supply are from smaller card companies who design a range of stylish, bold and original cards. I honestly think these are some of the nicest cards around and there are so many too, I always notice people tend to buy a few different kinds as there’s just too much choice.
I hate going to a supermarket and trying to choose the least tacky card with the least cringey message inside. All of the cards we sell here are blank, which I love because it means you can choose any card you like for whatever occasion. You’ll always need to give cards, be that person who gives nice cards.
At deVOL we embrace the Scandinavian style, simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Our Pinterest is quite literally FULL of inspiration, our creative director, Helen, does an amazing job of scattering the antiques and accessories throughout the showroom to create an honest and uncomplicated homely feel. Our displays change regularly, so there’s always an excuse to come back and visit.
deVOL regularly visit antique fairs, and bring back loads of little antique pieces and furniture. We already have a cellar full of vintage tables, chairs and storage pieces, the perfect treasure trove if you’re wanting a rustic look for your kitchen or home. It’s exciting to have big pieces like Indian wardrobes or Hungarian benches, which have such character and charm to them, quite different from the modern shiny furniture we see today.
I could sit here all day uploading pictures of more beautiful accessories and antiques to show you, but you should just come to Cotes mill and see it all for yourself. There’s so much cool stuff to see. I’m sure you won’t have anything less than a pleasant, impressive and inspiring experience.
We are based in Cotes, just outside of Loughborough in Leicestershire. If Cotes Mill is too far for you to travel, hopefully one of our London showrooms in Clerkenwell might be easier to visit (the second one opening VERY soon) where you can find some of these antiques and accessories, which were selected and sent up from Cotes Mill.
We are open Monday to Friday 8:30-5:00 and Saturday from 10:00-5:00, we hope to see you soon!
