Shops / Clifton arcade
Independent Shopping: Abode Furnishings
Abode Furnishings is a furniture and homeware boutique stocking an eclectic range of one off pre-loved Vintage and Retro pieces of furniture, accessories and scents for the home. Offering more than just the usual shop service, owner Tonya is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to vintage furniture and can find and transform the perfect piece to suit each individual.
What was your inspiration for opening Abode?
I’ve got a background in fashion design and marketing – I did a degree in London. I’ve always had a really keen interest in restoring things, not throwing things away, and in the things that have stood the test of time. I would prefer to buy something that’s a one off piece rather than something that is mass-produced. My inspiration came from doing my own house and friends liking what I’d done.
is needed now More than ever
What sort of items can people expect to find in Abode?
Well, it’s an eclectic mix of everything vintage. Anything from soft furnishings, candles, right through to vintage chairs, lighting and mirrors. There’s a lot of vintage mixed in with some retro stuff. If somebody comes in and sees something, if they want it altered or with a different finish or fabric then I can do that for them. Equally if someone’s looking for something to change a room in their house then they can have a discussion about what they’re looking for and I will source something.
Why should shoppers choose vintage or retro items over new pieces of furniture?
To save the environment! I just think they are so well made going back in history, the wood is better, the craftsmanship is better and they have lasted so long. Now if you go to a retailer I don’t think the workmanship is as good. It won’t last. It hasn’t got the finish on it you can rework. As a whole we need to be more conscious of this. You can buy an old wardrobe that’s been made for a hundred years or more and you can repaint it, finish it, sand it down and it is just a beautiful piece of furniture that will last – it will last well after we have gone!
How does Abode differ to other furniture shops in Bristol? What makes you unique?
My customer service. I do have a lot of my regular customers that, even if they are not looking to buy something, will come in and we’ll have a chat about what’s new. They come in if they have an idea about something, we’ll talk about it and I give them lots of inspiration. So people just come in for advice! I don’t think you can get that in a lot of shops.
Bristol’s independent retailers are thriving at the moment. Do you think they can survive alongside bigger companies opening?
I think so, especially in Clifton, because the only real chains that open up in Clifton are supermarkets. That’s one of the reasons for being in Clifton, it does support independents. I’m not going to lie, it is really hard work! But I think if independents don’t keep fighting and people don’t support them it will be a real loss to let the big chains take over. I’m a real believer in not going to chain retailers unless I absolutely have to.
01179732445
Unit 9, Clifton Arcade, BS8 4AA
Interview by Terri Cramer
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
