Colour makes people happy. Full stop!
I first came across simon’s first shop in clapham back in 2004 after reading and article about it. All I remember is that there was a paint shop where they had individual painted wooden clogs in their entire colour range… how cool is that? Meet simon.
The story is that he decided to open a paint company, went to holland, created a brand and found his shop in london. That was then.
Fast forward to 2007. Simon closed the shop, and started selling his paints through liberty for 2,5 years… “I made their purple (they’ve now changed it).”
“All the while I was looking for a for a place to live. Then I found this place I’m in now, in dulwich, originally bought it to live in, not to open a shop… I was still selling my paints on the internet… I had a warehouse in acton…I produced TV paint, I sold it through a prop place in acton.. then I did decide to open a shop here and it took me 2 years to get it ready as I did it all single handedly . It opened in 2009.
When visiting I was greeted by simon and puccini’s madame butterfly and I knew I am already in love! The shop is bright, vibrant and wherever you look there’s something reflecting Simon’s taste and personality. It’s quirky, interesting and full of little gems.
So what does ‘colour makes people happy’ offer? Well, they mainly sell paints. There are 96 colours, people buy mostly off the charts – there are sample pots… there’s wood paints (for floor and furniture) and wall paints. Simon travels to holland once a month to make the paint, so most of it is made in holland. “Here, I simply customise the paint like add a bit of iron to make it magnetic etc.”
They also sell coloured flex. Cool, eh?
Then there are the parties, the children entertainment, the hen parties, the film screenings. So, it’s a shop, a gallery space, a screening room. There are spinning machines, they even make waffles and dutch chocolate milk!
I was fascinated by the spinning machine. It produces art for everyman! Magic. The best part is that when there is a group of 3-4 years old at it, the parents then decide to frame their young geniuses’ artwork and hang it in their room. Fabulous idea!
Another part of the business is the colour cards, hand done colour cards. For £75 you can make your own colour card. Simon explains:”Simply send in a list of 25 pithy sayings that you really like and i make you a colour card you can frame! They will be our own colours!! We’ve been doing this for a year and a half now and it’s very popular. You come with the sayings…it’s great as gift! We are developing it on the site a the moment. You’ll soon be able to order it online.”
Some more colour stimulation for you…
The accents on dutch is to be felt throughout.
Simon lives upstairs but the kitchen is downstairs. Full of retro and personal belongings, I wanted to invite myself for breakfast:-)
All I know is that it’s a place for people to have fun, be inspired and come away with something exciting!
Simon is quirky, an individualist, loves colour and making people happy. Asking him about future goals, he told me he wants more shops in london (10, to be exact) and is currently also looking at berlin, as well as within the UK. I say, fill this town with colour and get everyone smiling!
Simon, see you soon:-)
Let’s see? Who of you loves colour? Have a great weekend everyone. See you monday! x
31 Comments
Tina, not only are you a colour genius, but also a mind reader – did mention to you I’m moving and about to paint the front room?!
I’ve been looking for a paint company that has a palette more in my kinda colours – and I have now found it – hooray!! There’s teal colour I think I may opt for – for a feature wall round the fireplace, and then the rest of the walls white (and ceilings, trim etc). Then I want to chuck in some neon pinks and yellows (which I have already) with cushions and vases etc.
I so need to visit this shop, and Dulwich is v nice isn’t it – I love the little Museum there – I think it was designed by Sir John Soanes (another fave of mine!)
Yep – colour does indeed make people happy (works for me anyway!) xx
Wow! No, didn’t know you’re moving… and?
LOVE teal colour… feel free to call Simon and discuss colours. He’s such a nice chap!!!!
Oh, neon pinks and yellows. Where did you get those from? He also does magnetic paint, chalkboard paints etc etc etc
Dulwich is quaint and one of the best things about it is the Dulwich Picture Gallery…am not sure it was designed by Sir JS
Thanks, colour friend x
What a fabulous place-great find Tina. A real gem xx
Thanks hun x
Colour definitely has an impact on anyone. Looking at it from any perspective, evolutionarily, culturally, emotionally – we have a deep rooted and complex relationship with colour. It’s very important in our lives.
I love that you, Ms. Colourliving are introducing us here to Simon, a fellow colour cheerleader! A perfect post and an inspiring story. I would love to see one Simon’s shops in Berlin. I think it would be extremely well received.
Awesome images too Tina! The one with the red flasks is my favourite. You did know my favourite colour is red right? I know, shocking coming from Mrs. Grey. But it’s true. My colour preferences are very much dependant on the context. So I’ll bet you know what my top choices are when it comes to home interior spaces 😉
Xx.
Well said, Holly darling.
I still miss your Design Research Fridays….:-( LOVED THEM, especially all the colour ones!
Haha. Simon is a colour cheerleader and maybe he is Mr Colourliving, the same way you are Mrs Grey
Yes, don’t you think this would be so cool in Berlin?? I can just imagine it!
OF COURSE I know red is your favourite colour!!!! What do you take me for? I read every post you write xx
Hi Tina, what a great post. My favourite picture is of the clogs- what a fun way to display different colours. x i
Ha. I first saw them in an article in a newspaper when Simon appeared and thought – how clever is this???
Thanks x
Another address written in my book. This place is amazing, can’t believe I don’t know it already. Beautiful images, love those bottles with the paint running down the side.
ALison, I think this would be so you… (I think:-)… thanks. x
Well this is certainly the antithesis of a visit to Farrow & Ball. It’s pretty crazy looking and obviously run by a guy who loves what he does & loves colour. That I adore.
However, it’s not for me. No surprise there I would imagine. I just wouldn’t feel inspired in a place with so much creative chaos. Yet I love the Dutch connection and the idea of a space that is used for various things… even Simon’s kitchen.
I hope Simon’s ambitions come true. Best of luck to him.
Gxx
Ha. I love that you have an allergy to creative Chaos. I need it. I, in turn, have an allergy to the musoleum spaces that inspire your creativity:-)))
Go on, one day I’ll take you there and see whether we can’t lighten you up a little (excuse the pun) xx
I know I know…
Me again… colour does make me happy, so long as it involves lots of grey with some brighter accents 😉 xx
Hi Tina,
What a gem you have stumbled across here. I love the look of this creative space and would relish the opportunity to go potter around inside for an hour or two. Seeing this totally makes me want to grab a paint brush and cover my magnolia home in an array of beautiful bright paints. The clogs on the wall are such a fantastic way to showcase the paint colours and really help you see what shades go well together. Thanks for this inspiring post Tina! x
MAGNOLIA HOME…. shock horror!!! Stacey, you are a design writer…. how could you live anywhere with MAGNOLIA? Just typing it makes me dizzy:-)
Yes, the clogs are just a triumph because they are clever, different, practical and dare I say it – playful. Everything other paint shops aren’t and why not???
Thanks for your comment x
that is just so awesome! I love the colored clogs, and the color wheel, and he seems like such a wonderful, inspiring creative spirit! Such a cool place, would love to check it out!
Thanks. I feel the same way as you do… err, bar the checking it out:-)
Thank you for visiting!
Awesome! What a gem! The quirky Dutch touches are really funny (being a Dutchie myself). And color makes me really happy too 🙂 Thanks for the color overdose, Tina!
Haha. Love the colour overdose reference. You are the colour queen with your fab pad in Sistermag…
I know colour makes you happy. It does me too!!!
Hi Dutchie:-) x
Simon is bringing excitement to retail! Something that’s sadly lacking in alot of stores. It would be so much fun to visit and I think it’s really clever how he not only sells paint but has diversified into parties, film screenings and has spinning machines that make waffles and dutch chocolate milk! Who wouldn’t want to visit this store..very clever. xx
EXACTLY – he really stands out from the crowd and is so passionate about it too. xx
I think I saw those painted clogs at a show many moons ago. Great shop, great colours, love the madness x
Madness is a great description. Simon would agree! x
Love the colours. I too remembered seeing those painted clogs somewhere, I think it was Living etc. Really nice to get a tour. Love the spin paintings, what a great idea for the kids to create their own room art. xx
Yes, what a fab idea for kids. Can you imagine when they hang a framed (professional looking) piece of art in their room, really at any age…. love it xx
I love Simon and his shop, he is such an inspiration and fun to be with. His shop is a must visit.
Hi, how are you? I haven’t seen you since Sania’s book launch at Liberty? You ok??
You are sooo right. A must visit. Glad you go there. Are you local?
Thanks to your Facebook post I was reminded to come over to your blog again 🙂
What a great way to show of you paint colours. Love the clogs! The blue and white pottery is uber Dutch…did you know it’s made in my birth town Delft, where I lived for 19 years? Next time you come to Holland I’ll give you a tour.
Always listen to the expert:-)
Knew you would love the clogs, you dutchie:-)))
Actually, no, although I know the blue/white pottery I didn’t know it was made in your home town. Gosh, you learn something new everyday.
Is Delft far from where you live now?? I can feel a tour coming along:-))
I love this! The colour explosion definitely makes me happy! I adore the playful, joyous image of the clogs…. xx
It is colour heaven, right??? Can you imagine Miss S in the shop? I can!! xx