'It's my happy place': Meet the business owner who opened her dream interiors shop in Wombourne and helps people decorate their homes for Christmas

“I had always wanted my own shop since I was young but I went down the path of fashion,” says Andrea, who worked as a visual merchandiser for a number of luxury brands before starting her business.

“It was when I was renovating my own house that I realised there was a gap in the market for homeware.

“My little boy was one and I decided just to go for it and open the shop,” says the 37-year-old.

Andrea sells a carefully curated selection of homeware and gifts including decorative objects, photo frames, vases, candle holders, faux flowers, mirrors, kitchenware and soft furnishings.

She also has her own home fragrance collection including scented and decorative candles.

Andrea describes the shop in Planks Lane as her “happy place”.

“It’s just that peace it brings you and that’s what I wanted to create for my customers.

“Everybody that comes in says how calming it is and that there is a lovely scent as soon as you walk through the door,” she explains.

“It’s all about taking that time for yourself so you can take in all of the beautiful things around you.”

In 2023, Andrea rebranded Peony Lane which included a new timeless black and white logo and shop front.

“Lovely boutiques are few and far between unless you go to tourist places. Wombourne is the perfect place to be,” she says.

Since starting the business, Andrea has built up a large following for Peony Lane Interiors on social media and has attracted shoppers from far and wide including Yorkshire.

“People have travelled for two or three hours just to come into the store,” she says.

Customers will find shelves stocked with homeware pieces from all over the world.

Andrea devotes a lot of time to sourcing the perfect products and visiting trade shows.

“"It’s the most time-consuming job because I’m not an impulse shopper or buyer with anything,” says Andrea.

As well as British-made items, she has imported pieces from countries including Sweden, Denmark and Portugal.

When finding new products to sell, Andrea says she looks for “unique, everlasting pieces” that will stand the test of time.

“When you put these pieces in your home, they transform your space and you want them to be in your home for years to come. Whatever trends come and go, they will still be there because they are classic,” she explains.

“I’m always trying to find something that’s a bit different that you don’t find in every other homeware store,” adds Andrea.

She is always more than happy to offer customers advice on styling the items and also provides a home styling and design service.

Her expertise has been in great demand for Christmas and floral installations as well as photoshoot backdrop styling for brands.

“I go into people’s homes and style their Christmas decor. I feel very privileged that they trust me to do this.

“I have also installed the Christmas decorations for Birmingham City Football Club’s training ground and stadium including installing a 26ft tree,” she explains.

“At Christmas the shop is like a grotto,” adds Andrea, who enjoys creating eye-catching window displays and has hosted festive wreath-making workshops.

Running the shop is very rewarding for Andrea who loves helping people to make their house a home and providing a tactile shopping experience that customers cannot get when browsing or buying items online.

“I love buying and sourcing products from all over the world, that’s probably my favourite thing to do.

“I love merchandising because I come from a merchandising background.

“I enjoy meeting the customers who come into the shop, I have made so many friends.

“The best thing is when people come in and I hear their feedback on how beautiful the shop is,” she says.

Andrea will be celebrating seven years of Peony Lane Interiors and launching the shop’s autumn season on September 13 from 10am until 4pm.

For more information, see www.peonylaneinteriors.co.uk or www.instagram.com/peonylaneinteriors or www.facebook.com/peonylaneinteriors