A new furniture, homewares and house plants store has enjoyed a bumper launch in Hull’s Fruit Market, with buyers clamouring for its stylish and locally-crafted products.

Plant & Paint has opened its doors in Humber Street, in the heart of the city’s ever-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.

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 added: “I’m very grateful to my guest creators who have been helping me restock after a busy first few days. Their work is proving really popular and selling well – which is a great problem to have! 

“There are a few more makers we’re in discussions with, so there’ll be some new products appearing in the future too.

“I’m also looking forward to starting up our workshops again. The first Annie Sloan paint techniques class will take place in August and I’ve got others in the pipeline – it’s such an exciting time.”

Lara has a further reason for celebration, having won a prestigious prize in The English Women's Awards (North) just two days after the store opened.

Lara 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!”

Plant & Paint is the latest in a growing number of independent retailers that have opened in the thriving Fruit Market urban village as the waterfront area enjoys an ongoing wave of investment. The reinvention of the waterfront 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.

Opening hours at the fully-disabled accessible Plant & Paint shop are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 11am to 3pm.

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