In the Netherlands we're used to buying affordable but still good-looking things for the house. We swap them out quickly and almost everyone follows an interior account or two on Instagram. There's a reason Look a Like interiors got so big. Maybe you've bought yourself a decent base – a good sofa, a solid dining table – and you top it up with on-trend pieces from shops like Kwantum, Leenbakker or Karwei. The furniture is cheap, but it still looks stylish. A lot of it comes from the popular chains that offer furniture perfectly in step with the latest trends, without you paying a fortune for it.
But once you're in Spain, you notice pretty quickly that things work differently. The furniture here is often of a higher quality, and you'll find beautiful, handmade pieces that radiate that Mediterranean feeling. That's how I first came across a couple of fantastic furniture shops in Javea. Every time I walked past, it was almost impossible not to have a peek inside – what beautiful things! Only, the prices weren't quite in line with my budget.
Spanish furniture often has a craftsman-like, colonial look – gorgeous, but not always what we were after for our own home. The good news is that after some digging we've now found a few stunning shops in the region that suit our taste perfectly. Here you'll find top-quality furniture, but with the typical Mediterranean flair you come across so often here: soft beige tones, unusual pieces with a hint of colour, and items with real character. They lift your home to another level and fit beautifully with the relaxed, warm atmosphere you can expect on the Costa Blanca.
So although the choice in Spain is different from what we're used to in the Netherlands, we've finally found the perfect places to buy not just lovely things, but something that genuinely suits us and this sunny region.
A Concept Store – Moraira
A shop you'll want to take your time in. The atmosphere is relaxed, light and warm, exactly how we like our interiors best. I get a little restless myself when everything is nothing but beige and white. A Concept Store mixes the beige trend effortlessly with colour, and sells beautiful pottery you won't find anywhere else. Think imperfect bowls, tableware that's far too lovely to hide away in a cupboard, and vases with character.
What we love here is the way they combine Scandinavian simplicity with soft Mediterranean influences. Think linen fabrics, pale woods, ceramics in warm tones, and then just that one accent in mustard yellow, terracotta or deep blue.
Styling tip: Use pottery not only to eat from, but as a styling object too. Put a bowl or a vase on an open shelf, a cube unit or in the middle of the table for a natural eye-catcher.
Borja Home – Jávea
The first time I came here was just before Christmas. I remember thinking, perfect – when mum asks what I'd like, I can just say I want everything in this shop. Borja Home is a feast for the eyes. The collection is varied: from designer lamps and tableware to decorations and cookware. The nice thing is that you see all sorts of styles side by side here, yet everything works together. From modern furniture to classic details, it feels stylish, but never stiff.
As well as furniture you'll find lovely Le Creuset cookware here, and that's exactly what sets this shop apart. So this is the place for your tableware, pans and accessories too.
Styling tip: In the kitchen, go for quality you can see. Put a beautiful pan or dish on the hob or an open shelf as a focal point, and combine it with marble accessories or wooden spoons for a natural feel.
Hinedito – Jávea
The collection is made up of home accessories, textiles, ceramics and the best-smelling scented candles. Everything is chosen with care and sits within a calm, understated colour palette. Sand, white, greige, with the odd natural accent in wood or stone. It's the kind of interior that calms you down. But you can also buy clothes or beautiful earrings here.
What appeals to us is that this shop isn't crammed full. There's space. You look differently, you feel differently, and the result is that you go home with exactly the piece that really adds something. There are plenty of samples here to help you choose the loveliest fabrics and materials. And, not unimportantly, it smells wonderful, partly thanks to the Baobab Collection candles.
Styling tip: Put a large scented candle on a coffee table or sideboard, combine it with ceramics or books and turn it into a little styled corner that instantly creates atmosphere.
House of Thallo – Jávea
As far as we're concerned, this shop is the perfect balance between natural elegance and worldly influences. You'll find well-known Dutch accessory brands such as HK Living and &Klevering, but also made-to-measure furniture produced specially in Asia, plus a few vintage finds. The furniture is often understated, in natural colours, with soft fabrics and unusual shapes. It's calm, but the mix of materials makes it layered rather than boring.
The lovely thing about House of Thallo is that you discover something new every time. From accessories to furniture and textiles, the range is varied but always stylish. The owner is Dutch. You can happily sit at the bar with a coffee, a tea or a glass of wine while you talk through what you want for your home.
Styling tip: Dare to pick one unique piece of furniture – a table, a chair or a cabinet – and build the room around it. Keep the rest quieter, so that one item gets to shine. Go for a calm base with a single eye-catcher.
Muebles Signes – Gata de Gorgos
When you walk in here your first thought is, what a jumble. I came in during the siesta and there wasn't even anyone about. At least I had time to look around in peace 😉 For anyone who loves wood, craftsmanship and character, Muebles Signes is the place. Here you'll find typically Spanish tables, chairs, cabinets and sideboards, mostly in solid wood. The wicker accessories are absolutely worth a mention too: from mirrors to baskets and lampshades, all with that warm, natural look that suits the surroundings so well. Gata de Gorgos is known for its wickerwork.
What we appreciate so much is the combination of quality and price. You're not buying a standard piece of furniture here, but something made with real craftsmanship that will still look good years from now. We found our look-a-like Artisanhttps://www.misterdesign.nl/merken/artisan/stoelen/ chairs here, for instance – sleek, stylish and well priced.
Styling tip: Wicker accessories are ideal for adding texture to a room. Hang a wicker mirror in a white hallway, or combine wicker lamps with linen curtains for an airy, relaxed look. In a modern interior especially, wicker brings warmth without making things busy.
Mondo Vesta – Dénia
At Mondo Vesta it's all about simplicity, light and flexibility. The furniture is often modular, handy if you like to change things around or haven't much space, and the accessories bring the colour and warmth. Think Scandinavian design with a soft Mediterranean touch. What struck me here is that a lot of the accessories are really well priced. Nice mirrors, side tables and vases. But you'll also find practical things for the house like bins and tableware.
Styling tip: Use open shelving as a stage. Alternate books, ceramics and textiles and keep it minimal. Repeating a colour or a material creates calm.
La Luciole – Jávea
One of the loveliest shops if you're a fan of pottery with character. Everything at La Luciole is chosen with care: rough textures, warm tones and ceramics that give your interior something unique. You fall in love with the pottery here without meaning to. Dishes with fish or cabbage leaves on them. Properly Mediterranean. The pieces are often handmade and come from local and international makers.
What we love: you're not buying mass-produced here, but something that really adds something. Something with a story.
Styling tip: Group pottery together in clusters, at different heights. On a shelf or in a cabinet, for example – that way you naturally end up with something striking that still feels calm.
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