The kitchen (above and
right), like the rest of the
house, is filled with
vintage finds, items
from small independent
makers, ceramics and
candles from their shop,
and handmade furniture- like the shelves Allison
fashioned from
scaffolding boards
I
n the past the suburbs have had something
of a reputation for mediocrity, but no more!
As creatives in cities move out to the ’burbs,
they’re no longer just settling down, but
setting up shop, too. This means some of the
best small businesses are now just a stone’s
throw from suburban streets.
Allison Sadler and her husband Christian
opened their shop, People, 20 years ago in Kings
Heath, just a few miles from Birmingham city
centre. “When we opened, not only was there
nothing like us around here, but the whole idea of
a lifestyle shop, selling fashion, gifts and anything
we loved, was almost unheard of,” explains Allison.
“We only had £1,500, but we had the same
dreams and drive, and knew we could make it
work. The shop is a ref lection of us and changes
as we do. It’s a proper family business, every
decision is a family decision – although obviously
I get the last say!”
The couple, along with their son Milo, 22, and
daughter Missy, 18, live around the corner, renting
a three-storey end-of-terrace house. “We owned ahouse ten years ago, about ten minutes down the
road, but the recession hit and I hated the level
of responsibility that came with a mortgage,”
explains Allison. “I much prefer renting because
I’m a free spirit. When we finally decide it’s time
to make the big move to Cornwall, we can just go- no strings attached.”
For now, Allison is more than content staying put
and, as she sits at the kitchen table with the light
streaming in, you can see why she wouldn’t want to
move. “Like most homes, the kitchen is the heart of
the house. Music is always playing and a lot of
dancing and drinking cocktails goes on.
“It’s a social space. We talk about design, work,
life – everything. I’ve had the dining table for 25
years and the kids have scribbled on it, we’ve baked
at it, started a business there – I can’t ever get rid of
it. Whenever I get tempted, I just paint the legs
another colour and fall in love with it again.
“The whole house has white and cream walls
because I treat it as a blank canvas. I prefer to
paint my furniture and change the cushions,
prints and candles.»
“I JUST PAINT THE TABLE LEGS
ANOTHER COLOUR AND FALL
IN LOVE WITH IT AGAIN”HOME TOURThe kitchen (above and
right), like the rest of the
house, is filled with
vintage finds, items
from small independent
makers, ceramics and
candles from their shop,
and handmade furniture
- like the shelves Allison
fashioned from
scaffolding boards
I
n the past the suburbs have had something
of a reputation for mediocrity, but no more!
As creatives in cities move out to the ’burbs,
they’re no longer just settling down, but
setting up shop, too. This means some of the
best small businesses are now just a stone’s
throw from suburban streets.
Allison Sadler and her husband Christian
opened their shop, People, 20 years ago in Kings
Heath, just a few miles from Birmingham city
centre. “When we opened, not only was there
nothing like us around here, but the whole idea of
a lifestyle shop, selling fashion, gifts and anything
we loved, was almost unheard of,” explains Allison.
“We only had £1,500, but we had the same
dreams and drive, and knew we could make it
work. The shop is a ref lection of us and changes
as we do. It’s a proper family business, every
decision is a family decision – although obviously
I get the last say!”
The couple, along with their son Milo, 22, and
daughter Missy, 18, live around the corner, renting
a three-storey end-of-terrace house. “We owned ahouse ten years ago, about ten minutes down the
road, but the recession hit and I hated the level
of responsibility that came with a mortgage,”
explains Allison. “I much prefer renting because
I’m a free spirit. When we finally decide it’s time
to make the big move to Cornwall, we can just go- no strings attached.”
For now, Allison is more than content staying put
and, as she sits at the kitchen table with the light
streaming in, you can see why she wouldn’t want to
move. “Like most homes, the kitchen is the heart of
the house. Music is always playing and a lot of
dancing and drinking cocktails goes on.
“It’s a social space. We talk about design, work,
life – everything. I’ve had the dining table for 25
years and the kids have scribbled on it, we’ve baked
at it, started a business there – I can’t ever get rid of
it. Whenever I get tempted, I just paint the legs
another colour and fall in love with it again.
“The whole house has white and cream walls
because I treat it as a blank canvas. I prefer to
paint my furniture and change the cushions,
prints and candles.»
“I JUST PAINT THE TABLE LEGS
ANOTHER COLOUR AND FALL
IN LOVE WITH IT AGAIN”HOME TOUR