A Coastal Celebration of Independents: Visiting Our Curated Abode & Kope + Loko

Independent retail is alive, vibrant, and wonderfully personal. Especially when it thrives at the heart of our coastal towns. On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of visiting two inspiring independents in Kent that we supply to. Our Curated Abode in Ramsgate and Kope + Loko in Broadstairs. Each offers something unique, yet both share a deep sense of community, creativity, and warmth and  four-legged shop assistants to welcome you in.

Our Curated Abode, Ramsgate

Our Curated Abode feels like entering a design wonderland. Owned by Emma, the store just celebrated its one-year anniversary, a milestone made even more special by the journey it took to get here.

Walking into the store, you’re immediately struck by its refined aesthetic: soft neutral tones, clean lines, and displays that feel as much like styling ideas as product showcases. It’s a space where vintage charm meets modern calm. The shelves quietly tell the story of considered sourcing, vintage homeware finds, statement pieces, and DIY materials, all thoughtfully layered to evoke a sense of possibility rather than clutter.

Emma, the founder, never intended to build a “perfect” shop from day one, she built a real one. She admits to pulling too many overnight shifts, starting early and ending late, in those early weeks, and opening while things were still very much a work in progress.

“I definitely thought it was the thing I should do … I was exhausted and not really present … I wasn’t hugely proud of it … but equally I didn’t want to cancel last minute … I’ve learnt to really let go of perfectionism, but equally to do things on my own timeline.”

Those words resonate especially when you look at how Our Curated Abode has evolved: it feels intentional, not forced; compositional, not chaotic. The vintage pieces are not relics on display, but functional objects with character. The DIY materials, paints, brushes and tools sit next to homeware as if to say: you don’t just consume design here, you’re invited to participate in it.

Their 1st Birthday Party, was open to the community and very much feels like a celebration of both growth and authenticity. If you visit Ramsgate, set aside time to linger. Examine the gentle juxtapositions: a worn brass candlestick paired with a modern vase, or a reclaimed wooden tray sitting beside a pot of organic mixed paint. Our Curated Abode doesn’t just curate objects; it curates creative invitation.

Kope + Loko, Broadstairs

A short hop along the coast, Kope + Loko has carved out a reputation as a lifestyle store with a difference. Founded in 2020 by Scarlett, the shop is a beautifully curated mix of fashion, footwear, jewellery, and Scandinavian-inspired homewares.

Every item is handpicked by Scarlett, reflecting her passion for quality and design-led living.

But what makes Kope + Loko truly unique is that it is also a coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee infuses the space, encouraging customers to linger longer and soak up the atmosphere. Shopping here isn’t just about browsing racks or shelves, it’s about enjoying a warm, welcoming experience that blends retail with community.

Scarlett’s mum Lindsey works alongside her, supported by team members Amanda, Kate, Carlotta, Georgie, and Ash. Together, they’ve created a family-like energy in the store. And of course, there’s Priscilla, the Italian Greyhound, whose graceful presence has made her something of a shop mascot.

Just as with coffee, these products help spark connection and conversation in-store, making them a natural fit for Kope + Loko’s warm identity.

Final Thoughts

What struck me most during my visits is the resilience and creativity that underpin these independents. From Emma’s determination to embrace the challenge and curate with authenticity, to Scarlett’s commitment to blending fashion, design, and coffee into one unique destination, both Our Curated Abode and Kope + Loko are testament to what makes independent retail so exciting.

As a Talking Tables customers, it was especially rewarding to see how our products live within these spaces - not as stand-alone items, but as part of the broader stories these shops tell.

Here’s to celebrating community, creativity, and the unique stories that only independent shops can share.

See how other retailers are bringing our products to life in store here.

Interested in becoming one of our trade customers? Find out more here

Blog and photography by Grace Ludlam, Marketing and Community Coordinator