A tapestry of tales – D Shop

The rich and storied history of Ibiza is woven into the fabric of its architecture, with a tapestry of tales waiting to be discovered in every finca, villa or home on the island. One such story is set within the rustic charm of an iconic 300-year-old farmhouse on the road to Santa Gertrudis – if the walls of D Shop could talk, they’d tell tales worthy of a Hollywood gossip columnist. Fortunately, for clients of Ibiza’s premier source of soft furnishings and upholstery fabrics, discretion has always been part of the service.

The finca – easily identified by its iconic triple-arched white façade and vivid pink Art Deco logo – has been an integral part of the island community for decades, but it was in 1979 when vibrant island personality Chiqui Uruñuela Zunzunegui took the helm that its story began to get more colourful, both literally and figuratively. Chiqui transformed the space into an interior design studio, working her creative magic on the very best homes in Ibiza. Around two decades years later, she handed the business to her equally fabulous daughter Paola Madurga de Uruñuela, who continued to build on her mother’s legacy.

Set within a 300-year-old Ibicencan farmhouse near Santa Gertrudis, D Shop is where sumptuous fabrics and cutting-edge design intertwine.

Fast forward another 25 years, and it became Paola’s turn to pass the design emporium’s baton – along with the legendary D Shop little black book – onto its newest creative custodians, British interior designer Kate Tilbury Cooke and her husband and business partner Damon (and their trusty assistant, Roxy, the island’s most fashionable canine). The pair, never shy of facing a challenge head-on, took over during the maelstrom that was 2020 and just four years later, this family-run business has masterfully taken the D Shop story into its next chapter, while maintaining its reputation as the go-to destination when it comes to Ibiza home design.

Kate’s background as an interior designer in London and New York equips her with the finesse to collaborate effectively with homeowners, architects, and designers alike. While her expertise and natural talent are a cornerstone of the D Shop philosophy, she attributes the store’s continued success and growth to her dedicated team and their commitment to personalised care and exceptional quality. “We do everything from start to finish,” she says. “From the first consultation to measuring, installation and all the detailed touches, including fabrication, which is all done here in Ibiza.”

Visitors to D Shop are invariably mesmerised by the extensive selection of fabric samples on display. Kate’s exquisite taste and discerning eye serve as the ideal guide through the treasure trove of textiles – a stunning variety of fine linens, sumptuous brocades, creamy velvets, vibrant prints, luxurious cashmere and more. “It’s a showroom more than anything else,” she says. “We have the largest selection of fabrics in Ibiza. At last count, there were over 180,000 samples and I’m constantly revising the collection.”

Integrating her own global outlook garnered from frequent travels, Kate is tuned into the desires of her clients and is seeing a slow movement away from the classic soft whites and creams synonymous with Ibiza’s aesthetic. “Off whites and linens will always be elegant but my eyes do light up when someone comes in looking for colour, pattern and a bit of wow factor.” In response, alongside D Shop‘s array of stunning neutrals, you’ll see bouclé in punchy mustards and golds, velvets in deep scarlets and blushing pinks and wools hand dyed in regal purples, washed blues and eye-catching prints.  

New D Shop team member Lou Yellowlees shares a moment with Kate surrounded by a selection of the 180,000 fabric samples on offer. 

Technological innovation has revolutionised the fabric industry, complemented by the D Shop team’s inventive spirit. Pertinent to Ibiza are the advancements in outdoor fabrics. “That’s been really interesting,” says Kate. “The new capabilities with outdoor fabrics are ground-breaking. Some of them are so good people are even using them inside as they resist mould and sun damage, which is often an issue on the island.” Boat grade netting is sewn into the underside of sunbed cushions for enhanced durability during unremitting summers. Motorised blinds are tailored with precision-matched materials for smooth operation and optimal sun defence. Polypropylene carpets mimic the look and feel of natural fibre but can be used outside and easily jet-washed.

Parallel to technological progress is the burgeoning industry-wide commitment to sustainability, a shift that has invigorated Kate and the D Shop team. “Many more eco fabrics are being produced,” she says. “I started with just a few sample books and now I have an entire rail, with many more coming soon. Almost all of our suppliers have launched eco-lines and they have a huge range of applications, from curtains and upholstery to voile and even blackout. They’re absolutely amazing.” Her current favourites include a recycled bouclé in earthy tones and recycled polyester Mallorquin print, versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use.

A unique collection of hand-picked vintage Moroccan carpets, knotted wall hangings and original artwork complement the soft furnishings on offer.

While curtains, blinds and upholstery are the foundation of any home’s soft furnishings, D Shop also produces custom-made valances, headboards, cushions, wallpapers and a distinctive line of roll-up blinds made from natural materials. Just as their vast range of fabric samples differentiates them from other stores in Ibiza, so too does their collection of made-to-measure carpets, vintage Moroccan rugs and other exquisite items such as handcrafted, knotted wall hangings, opulent beach towels, and original artwork. Kate fosters a dynamic design community through sporadic pop-up collaborations with artisans and artists, both local and international, reinforcing D Shop’s reputation as a nexus of home design.

As the tale of D Shop is woven into the future, the iconic showroom is a place where the aesthetic of Ibiza is both preserved and pushed forward, where timeless elegance coexists with contemporary boldness. Kate and the team don’t simply follow trends, they set them – ensuring that every piece, from the smallest cushion to the largest rug, is delivered on time and with scrupulous attention to detail – transforming a house into a home. As the island begins to stir with the rumblings of an exciting new summer season ahead, now is the time to visit D Shop to infuse your Ibiza home with beauty, functionality, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Global treasure trove – Casa Bedouin

Casa Bedouin is hard to miss, with an authentic Bedouin tent perched on its roof and its striking viridian green storefront beckoning like a tasteful beacon. Located on the road leading towards the sparkling waters of Cala Carbo beach on the south coast of Ibiza, this beautiful interior design store holds untold treasures within and without its walls. Founder Peter Fieret has poured 30 years of design experience into the charming space, filling it with an ever-evolving collection of antique and new furniture, exquisite art, and handmade homewares from across the globe.
 
As you step across the threshold, you may be lucky enough to be greeted by Isla, the furry sales assistant manning the Casa Bedouin floor. Don’t mind her laissez-faire attitude; she’s mostly there as the island’s best-styled dog and, after a yawn, will refer you to her beloved owner, Peter. It’s no coincidence that the various nooks and crannies of the store have the appearance of a glamorous movie set. Peter’s early days in the design industry were spent creating sets and vignettes for films, commercials, and fashion magazines.

Curated by Peter Fieret with a focus on originality, Casa Bedouin is an incredible source for unique and inspired furnishings, fabrics and homewares.

In addition to life on film, he honed his craft through dressing the windows of some of his native Holland’s most beloved department stores before moving on to design boutiques for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger among others. His skills and natural talents have evolved into a distinctive sense of colour, texture, form, and function. The essence of Ibiza is characterised by a harmonious coexistence with nature ­– an ethos that is beautifully embodied on the Casa Bedouin patio.

As a long-time visitor to Ibiza and a permanent resident since 2016, Peter understands that island life is lived differently. “Outdoor living is key in Ibiza,” he says. “Styling those areas of a home is a lot of fun.” At Casa Bedouin you’ll find an ever-changing stage providing endless inspiration. Think earthenware pots filled with juicy succulents, bamboo sunbeds scattered with cushions printed in bold colours and raffia parasols that shade vintage side tables set with whimsical vases. Inside, the vibe is more subdued but just as original.

With a list of contacts spanning decades and continents, Peter delivers a unique vision that blends vintage and antiques with current pieces, traversing cultures from Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Each handpicked item is placed just so, culminating in the store’s signature ambience, with a mood that is very homely, easy-going, and comfortable.  “My style could be described as surprisingly original,” he explains. Peter’s goal with Casa Bedouin is to create spaces that are chic as well as functional, with a message of contentment and tranquillity.

The floor at Casa Bedouin and the many private interior design projects Peter has executed allow a sense of charmed calmness. Every corner of your home is catered for, be it a modern sofa with an ottoman, tribal rugs, traditional and contemporary ceramics, retro tableware and artisanal scented candles, plush handmade lampshades and cushion covers. Each piece is a testament to Peter’s creativity, as vintage and modern fabrics are carefully blended, resulting in one-of-a-kind items. The diverse palette of colours, patterns, and textures ensures there’s something to complement every style.

Each perfectly styled corner, vignette and space at Casa Bedouin is a testament to Peter’s creativity, honed in the worlds of film and fashion.

Distinguishing itself from other interior design stores in Ibiza is the unique partnership Casa Bedouin boasts with a professional tailor located in the same building – an alliance that enables the creation of made-to-measure curtains and other home textiles. Simply choose your material from the exquisite selection of luxury fabrics downstairs, explain your vision – or collaborate with Peter on designing a bespoke look for your home – and let the expert team upstairs stitch your vision into reality.

An artist at heart, Peter has expanded his passion through a collaboration with an old friend who is a photographer by trade. Together they fashion mixed media images depicting details of Ibiza’s ancient traditions, printed onto linen and hung directly on the wall without frames; their ethereal essence and subdued colours are dreamlike and tinged with a gentle rusticity. Handmade and created with an insider’s love for the history of the island, the collection is growing slowly and will, in the future, become a staple part of the Casa Bedouin concept, complementing the store’s stunning collection of tribal art and sculptures.

Whether you’re looking for a complete home transformation, want to breathe new life into a single room or are seeking a statement piece to complement your existing style, you’ll find it within the walls of Casa Bedouin.

Peter, a seasoned interior designer, is also a trusted partner for residential and commercial projects, whether you’re planning a comprehensive home transformation, a room refresh, or simply need to find a special piece to add that final finesse to an office space. His passion for his craft not only radiates within the confines of his remarkable showroom but also defines his design philosophy, where creativity is infused with both joy and professionalism. Exploring Casa Bedouin uncovers an authentic and spirited aesthetic, where every corner reflects Peter’s flair for transforming spaces into genuine works of art.

The art of living beautifully

For Virginie Biron, founder of chic homeware store, Siempre Ibiza, objects are more than just things to be unceremoniously plonked in the corner of a room, never to be seen or contemplated. Rather, they are mementos from a particular moment in time that root us to the present. Keepsakes infused with distinct meanings of their own, they possess an innate power to transform a space from mundane into vivid, and in the process, stoke conversations that reveal things about us — where we’ve been, where we hope to go, and what’s important in our lives.

It’s with this concept in mind that Siempre Ibiza was born and it’s visible in every carefully curated angle of the Santa Gertrudis store, where objects sourced from around the globe tussle for space on the well-stacked shelves and every vignette tells a story. It’s no exaggeration to say Virginie traverses land and sea in pursuit of the perfect items to showcase, always searching for beautifully made objects and furniture that not only appease her personal tastes but also reflect an unmistakably Ibizan approach to living. “My passion is to find unique pieces for unique people,” she explains. And where better to base such an endeavour than Ibiza?

Virginie relocated to the island alongside her partner in 2019. Formerly the pair lived in France, where they owned and ran restaurants, and Virginie would plough her energies into bringing alive their different characters through decor. But on a quest for more freedom, their compass landed on the white isle, where the couple had spent sun-soaked summers visiting family, and now they live in the vibrant Ibiza campo surrounded by olive groves, from which Virginie’s husband creates the organic Finca Verde olive oil that’s sold exclusively at Siempre Ibiza, and she is afforded the flexibility to focus on her true passions.

“I always had an affinity for decorating our restaurants,” she explains from in front of a tumble of textiles within the store. “So, it made sense that eventually I would expand into home decoration.” Siempre Ibiza encapsulates that desire, becoming a showroom for pieces that Virginie has handpicked to suit Ibiza living, as well as a space in which islanders can visit for styling advice and suggestions. “When I meet people, I intuitively get a sense of what they’re going to like,” she smiles. “It’s like a special kind of vision.”

The store is reached by following one of the paved tributaries that funnels from the pretty main square in Santa Gertrudis to its end. There sits Siempre Ibiza, with an unassuming façade shaded by coconut-fibre canopies (that can be made to order) and that belies the treasures within. Virginie is present every Monday to Saturday, alongside dedicated store assistant Lotus, an adopted Ibicenca who knows the island’s style and aesthetic inside out and is always a huge help to customers. Both are on hand to discuss the bounty that’s housed within the store’s walls, because every item has been on a journey to reach this point.

Indeed, Virginie has roamed the world’s most diverse landscapes in search of the perfect items to line the Siempre Ibiza walls, shelves and corners. Venturing to India, South America and beyond, and then returning to collect objects from closer to home, what’s displayed in store provides a snippet of her vision for Ibiza living that’s been informed by her past. Take the jet-black La Chamba kitchenware sourced from Colombia, for instance. Made from a special kind of clay that retains heat and moisture, it enables a slow, balanced cooking process that prevents ingredients from drying out — a surefire nod to her history working in the restaurant industry.

Then there are the stunning set pieces visible on each table. Adorned with vintage glassware in gem-coloured shades, as well as cutlery and crockery that’s been diligently picked up from flea markets dotted around France, Virginie’s knack for dressing the spaces within Siempre Ibiza has been keenly carried forward from her days designing restaurants. It’s evocative to the point that you can picture yourself here hosting a feast, serving lovingly made plates of food to friends and family, deep in conversation about life’s twists and turns. And that’s before you’ve even taken any of it home.  

Elsewhere, and there are lavish soft furnishings from cult French brand Caravan, handwoven carpets from Morocco, intricate ceramics from Tunisia, lighting from Denmark and Mozambique, and candles made in Ibiza. Statement pieces include vintage chairs, chunky dining tables and sofas that can be measured up and made to order. It’s a standout collection that embodies colour, character and style, but more than that, it’s an ode to the concept of quiet luxury, which these days favours comfort over ostentation, and contemplation over flashiness — something Siempre Ibiza excels in.

Virginie’s intuitive approach to styling is to thank for the understated comfort that settles within the walls of Siempre Ibiza, and it’s why she extends her services to include personal home consultations. Her unrivalled skill lies in sussing out customers’ Ibiza living style, before going on to make stunningly accurate suggestions for their home. Offering the fresh perspective on interiors that’s distinguishable in-store, she’s able to transform homes, villas and casitas into havens peppered with intriguing items that complement different lifestyles. “I want each piece to become a talking point,” she explains. “To invite comment and thought.”

While in Ibiza, head to Santa Gertrudis and take a few minutes to soak up the ambience at the store. Tune into the laid-back soundtrack, browse the exquisitely curated displays and just for a moment, be transported elsewhere in the world. Perhaps you purchase something for your Ibiza villa, or maybe you’re visiting the island and you fall in love with a piece that you simply have to have shipped home. The magic of this store is its innate understanding of how the people, ideas, and objects that surround us are what makes a home. The foundations are built at Siempre Ibiza.

A life and home less ordinary – Heritage 53

With the arrival of the new year comes new hopes, new dreams and for many homeowners – especially here in Ibiza – new home decoration. While the pandemic is now firmly in our rear-view mirrors, one element that remains irrevocably changed is the desire to seek comfort, beauty and quality within our own living spaces. Enter Heritage 53, a high-end interiors website and consultancy service founded by Sophie Lee – a long-term Ibiza dweller whose personal journey led her to a passion for décor infused with colour and joy.

Heritage 53 is a twist on tradition; an ultra-luxe online shopping and interiors consultation service that takes the stress and uncertainty out of investing in statement pieces for your home. This is the new Ibiza style – for the bold, for the brave, for the renegades and the outliers. Those who wish to feel joy when stepping into every room in their home; those who wish to use furniture and décor as conversation starters; and those who’ve eschewed all-white, sterile decor or cookie cutter Buddhas and wicker furniture imported from Bali. While the initial idea stemmed from Sophie’s penchant for velvet-upholstery and vintage pieces with character and colour, the emotional connection felt by her customers when introduced to the Heritage 53 concept was palpable.

Sophie Lee is the island-based entrepreneur and interiors expert behind this innovative new online shopping and consultation service.

Sophie’s journey to the world of Ibiza style was ‘written in the sand’, as her Granny Boo liked to say. As a child in the 1970s, she grew up in an eclectic manor house in Hollowell in England, playing games and dreaming up scenarios that today’s youth would rarely know existed thanks to screen time and the internet. Surrounded by centuries-old tapestry-strung walls, art, antiquities, and mid-century furniture, her imagination ran wild and she was encouraged to live a life less ordinary, This was all thanks to her adventurous father, Humphrey Jones, who’d broken free from the humdrum of society in the early 1950s. It was 1953, to be precise – hence the name Heritage 53 – when he set sail for a magical Mediterranean island that beckoned the creatives, the free-thinkers, the bohemians and libertines. Those who transformed Ibiza into the island we know today.

Of course, this was well before Sophie was born but such traits are inherited and it was inevitable the young Sophie would also become entranced by the island her father so loved. She relocated to the white isle more than 25 years ago, where she created a home, raised a family, and set up a successful business, Ibiza Chair Company. As the island’s burgeoning wedding industry skyrocketed, Sophie rented luxury chairs (and eventually much more) to wedding venues and villas. Fast forward to 2020 however, and the wedding industry in Ibiza was put on hold due to the global restrictions on travel and group gatherings. It was at this point, her natural entrepreneurial instincts kicked in once again and Heritage 53 was born.

Islanders were forced to spend lengthy periods of times in their homes – whether small fincas and apartments or A-list style super-villas – while droves of people left the city and relocated to Ibiza for freedom and fresh air. One thing became abundantly clear to Sophie. Home was not only where the heart was, it was now also the centre of our universe. It needed to become somewhere that embodied our personalities while satisfying the practicalities of life – not just a place to lay our heads at night. And so, with Heritage 53, Sophie turned her unique eye for style and incredible attention to detail to helping friends and clients elevate their homes, helping them express themselves through single statement pieces or redecorating rooms or even entire villas.

Your experience starts online, where Sophie’s carefully curated selection of pieces from some of the world’s most luxurious, vanguard and creative brands (more on those later) can be viewed all in one easy place. From luxe lounge chairs, oversized benches, and elegant dining chairs to all styles of tables, chic bedroom furnishings, statement mirrors, incredible rugs, creative children’s furniture and décor, stylish work-from-home set-ups and more, there is everything you could possibly need for life on the white isle. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the site, that’s not a problem at all. Heritage 53 can source whatever you’re dreaming of, and even have bespoke pieces custom made.

For anyone who feels unsure about shopping online for luxury furniture, Sophie has thoroughly vetted all of the Heritage 53 brands and offers what she calls a ‘White Glove Service’. This means all pieces are delivered directly to the Heritage 53 warehouse, personally inspected by Sophie, and then delivered in person to your home by her team. The love and care that goes into the sourcing, buying and ordering products for Heritage 53 by Sophie is like it is for her own home – such is her passion for her work. In Ibiza, where physical furniture stores are few and far between with limited basic stock, this is a godsend!

For those who don’t necessarily have the confidence to mix and match from the website, but also don’t need to engage an interior designer, Sophie also offers private consultations (in Ibiza only), where she comes directly to your home with a selection of catalogues that showcase far more than the pieces selected for the Heritage 53 website. She digs deeper into your style, lifestyle, taste and desires, in addition to understanding the architecture and layout of your home and can curate a selection completely tailored to you. She also works with high-end estate agents and their clients to completely decorate new homes on the island.

What gives Heritage 53 a competitive and creative edge is the calibre of brands available. There’s Gufrum, a radical 1960s design house known for its Pop Art influenced pieces and the iconic BOCCA lips sofa; and Missoni Home – the legendary Italian design house’s homewares division, with its famed zigzag and multicolour patterns bringing vibrant colour combinations into the home, whether through sofas, armchairs, side tables and even beds. Reda Amalou is one of Sophie’s personal favourites, a French architect whose beautiful interpretations of classic mid-century pieces is like a masterclass in design. And then there’s Imperfetto Lab, a family-run brand that treats home decoration like a fantastical experiment, from lighting and seating to tables and shelves.

Other standouts include Edelgrund, who create extraordinary rugs made by Persian artisans using hand-spun wool, organic fibres and coloured with vegetable dyes, made with a Fair-Trade philosophy. Objectkto is a visionary French-Brazilian brand designed for connoisseurs of modernist architecture, with pieces that convey emotion, inspire imagination and push the boundaries of modern design – these are chairs that are like works of art, yet designed to be used and enjoyed for decades. And of course, there’s Thonet – the bohemian chairs that none other than Le Corbusier declared: ‘Never was a better and more elegant design and a more precisely crafted and practical item created.’

And that’s just the start. There are around 30 brands (and thousands of pieces) currently listed online, with new designers added regularly, plus a handful of exclusive high-end suppliers that Sophie works with behind-the-scenes. While all brands are completely unique, each can be combined to create spaces that are simply unforgettable and a pure joy to live in. Rich woods, bright colours, luxurious textures, exceptional upholstery, and timeless or whimsical designs simply ‘pop’ when juxtaposed against the all-white of Ibiza luxury villa or traditional finca walls and all pieces have been designed to stand the test of time. Speaking of which, there’s no better time than the new year to embark on a journey of elevating your home décor before the summer season is upon us, and there’s no finer supplier of luxury furnishings in Ibiza than Heritage 53.

Trusting in creativity: Katrina Phillips Interiors villa project

After giving a long and impassioned speech to a customer in her Portobello Road store about loving the nature and simplicity of Ibiza, and feeling as though the modern houses didn’t acknowledge it properly, interior designer Katrina Phillips – who spends her time between London and Ibiza – was surprised a year later when the same customer returned, saying she’d bought a house in Ibiza and would like her to decorate it! (more…)