Independent shopping: Dig Haushizzle

Dig Haushizzle is a unique homeware and furniture store, selling antique and vintage pieces which have been handpicked by owner Cassie and her partner Edd.

Located at the top of the Christmas Steps, Dig Haushizzle has become very much a destination shop in Bristol. Set foot inside and you’ll find it hard to leave within the hour. The deliberately dingy, rough-luxe style shop is a treasure trove of unusual and unexpected pieces, with a distinct Victoriana and industrial theme throughout. 

The space is carefully curated by the pair and visitors will find anything from old taxidermy, industrial tables and chairs, indonesian crowns; to books, artwork, mirrors and lighting.

Looking around, it’s not hard to believe that Cassie’s unique style has landed them a number of interior design jobs outside of their usual remit, including one very high profile celebrity’s new home in London.

Luckily for the people of Bristol, Cassie is happy to give advice in store and tells us that people coming into the shop should never be shy of asking. Interiors are clearly something she is passionate about and she finds genuine pleasure in helping individuals find the right pieces for their home. 

While it’s by no means a cheap shop, there are things to suit most budgets in Dig Haushizzle and even those on a minimal budget can find something to transform their home; whether it’s a Victorian taxidermy dome with 13 exotic birds in it, or a vintage-look filament light bulb at less than £20. 

What’s the story behind Dig Haushizzle?

It started about 3 years ago – I was working in retail, but wanted to do something a bit more creative so I started restoring furniture and selling it online.

Then we did a pop-up shop with Antlers Gallery in Cabot Circus and it was amazing. That was when we realised that we could actually do this as a business rather than a hobby. 

You do a bit of interior design on the side as well don’t you, is that part of the service?

At the moment it’s a side thing, but I think in time it will become part of the business. 

When people come into the shop I try and give as much of my experience out as possible because I’m forever looking at blogs, books, magazines, etc. So I think in time we might start helping people do room plans, things like that, and show them other places they can get ideas and other pieces that will fit in with things from here.

A lot of people are a bit scared to ask, but we’re honestly very happy to help as much as we can.

Is there a concept behind Dig Haushizzle?

We buy what we like, that’s the main concept. But Edd and I really differ on what we like – I love Victoriana, I love anything like black ebonised furniture, taxidermy, anything that’s probably going to be a house filled with too much stuff! That’s what I like. Edd’s much more into design pieces and mid-century masonic chairs, things like that. So it’s two people buying what they like, but luckily it kind of fits!

Where did the name Dig Haushizzle come from?

It came about during the design process. I was working with James Watkins, who is such a great graphic designer, and we were sat at his computer. It was just called Dig at the time, but it wasn’t quite enough. Then we had ‘house’, and we thought if we use the German spelling that just looks cool. Then we realised, “shizzle! Haus -shizzle! We sell shit for houses!” And that was it.  

What kind of things can people expect to find in store?

People can expect to find something much more individual. They are going to find something that will be a statement piece in their home. And you build from that. 

There are things that don’t stand out so much as well, we’ve got lots of tables and chairs which are going to be very practical, but also stand the test of time. Hopefully that they’ll still have in 30-50 years. 

www.dig-haushizzle.co.uk
07789 145 175
51 Colston Street, BS1 5AX