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A Visit to Future & Found

You may be familiar with this month’s Design Store(y) pick, Future & Found, thanks to its strong online presence. We were tickled pink (literally, from the looks of things), to find that it’s a brick & mortar too. Owner Andrea Bates, who unlike many of the shop owners we’ve featured, has a long history in retail as a home furnishings buyer. In winter 2011 Bates launched online, and followed up with the physical boutique in London. Let’s explore.

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Why did you pick this neighborhood?

I have lived in this area of North London for years and I have always really wanted some more design-led shops to open around here. I used to get frustrated at having to travel to other areas of London just to pick up a gift for friends. So, I assumed I wasn’t alone, put my money where my mouth was, and set up shop in Tufnell Park.

Where did you get the name for the store?

It took me a long time to come up with a name that represented the intention for the brand. We have an appreciation of what has been, and love discovering new gems and up-and-coming designers. A friend suggested Future & Found and it stuck.

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What’s one of the challenges you have with the business?

Well, that our shop is a little bit tucked away can be a challenge. We have lots of local customers who consider us to be a hidden gem, and so far remain loyal. We are being discovered by new customers every day, and people are starting to travel across London to pay us a visit, so that’s really encouraging.

What other stores have you worked in before opening this one?

I have been in retail for years, and have been lucky enough to work for great brands, such as Paperchase, Jamie Oliver, and Heal’s.

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What’s your favorite item in the store right now?

I am completely smitten with Balthazar by luckyboysunday and I currently have my eye on the J104 chair from HAY.

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What is this season’s inspiration?

Well, as we are currently in the throughs of Summer this season we are focused on the outdoors and products that are flexible and timeless working as well inside as out. We are focusing on simple, understated design. But we don’t like to take ourselves too seriously, so with our signature style, we have a pop of fluorescents to lighten the mood—our favorite being neon yellow.

The four circle prints on the top shelf are by Hannah Jordan.

The four circle prints on the top shelf are by Hannah Jordan.

Are you carrying any new products and/or undiscovered gems you’re particularly excited about?

We have just started stocking a couple of products from the Danish foundry Playtype. We love typography and their playful approach is very in keeping with our ethos. We are also currently loving our range of outdoor products that we have sourced from Portugal, in particular our Speckled Melamine bowls that are selling quickly.

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What’s been a consistent best seller?

A consistent best seller, and something of a phenomenon, is the porcelain fly tea light holder.

Does the store have its own line? 

We are currently designing a range of our own that will include, pillowcases, tea towels, candles and more. Watch this space…

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Any special events on the horizon?

Yes, we are hosting an event for the Italian brand Seletti in mid-June and we have several exciting ideas up our sleeves. Our recent move to a bigger space means that we have a courtyard and more space to play around with. During the Summer we will be hosting marketplace events for our favorite designers and makers and come Christmas we are hoping to have a grotto.

Owner Andrea Bates' home.

Owner Andrea Bates’ home

Do you have anything from the store in your own home?

Yes lots! I have to restrain myself when new stock comes in, otherwise I’ll end up with one of everything!

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Visit Future and Found, 225A Brecknock Road, London, N19 5AA and online here.

Marni Elyse Katz is a Contributing Editor at Design Milk. She lives in Boston where she contributes regularly to local publications and writes her own interior design blog, StyleCarrot.