From jamie.goodwin@hullcc.gov.uk | Tuesday 9 July 2019
Furniture, homewares and house plant outlet opens in Humber Street in the heart of the city’s growing creative community.
A new furniture, homewares and house plants store selling stylish, locally crafted products has launched in Hull’s Fruit Market.
Plant & Paint has opened its doors in Humber Street in the heart of the city’s growing creative community.
The opening is a landmark for owner Lara Roberts in more ways than one, as it saw the launch of the Plant & Paint brand, moving on from the previous Roberts’ Vintage Home name.
Lara said: “Since getting the keys, it’s been non-stop to decorate the new space, fill it with our lovely new plants and products, have our launch party and then open the very next day.
“I’m incredibly pleased with how the shop looks, inside and out, and the launch of my new brand has generated a lot of interest.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve had to be honest. The opening days have really exceeded my expectations – it’s been a whirlwind.”
Plant & Paint has a growing customer base and online following, building on its status as Hull’s only stockist of trademarked Chalk Paint and wax products by Annie Sloan, one of the world’s most respected experts in paint and colour.
As an official stockist, Lara is fully trained in delivering Annie Sloan workshops and practical advice on paint techniques and colour.
Lara Roberts will also offer Annie Sloan workshops and practical advice on paint techniques and colour from her new Humber Street shop.
Decorated in stylish graphite walls with light wood accents, her store is filled with leafy houseplants and locally-made homewares, including plant hangers; embroidered art; clocks; and a contemporary lighting range.
Plant & Paint’s range supports products made by local makers including planter hangers by Macrame Mama; embroidery hoops by Sew Botanical; lighting and clocks by Yormake; hand-poured cement planters by Hardware Craft; wooden plant stands and handmade benches by Craig Syrett; and handmade ceramic planters by Sessa Ceramics.
Lara also won a prestigious prize in The English Women's Awards (North) just two days after the store opened.
She claimed the Independent Retail Business of the Year category in the awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs, business women, professionals, civil servants, charity workers and many more across the North of England.
Lara added: “Winning the award was a complete shock. My opening weekend had been so busy that I didn’t have time to think about the awards ceremony at all, so it was a wonderful and genuine surprise.”
The redevelopment of the Fruit Market district is being driven forward by Wykeland Beal, the regeneration company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of the Fruit Market LLP joint venture with Hull City Council.
