Hstorie in the making

Homewares meet art at Hstorie on Hunter Street, beautifully curated by interior designer Stewart Horton.

Made well and made with character. That’s what Stewart Horton believes makes something worthy of a place in your home, and in his new store, Hstorie.

An interior designer by trade (he heads up Horton & Co design studio) Horton worked in Sydney for many years designing retail space fit-outs, so it’s a full-circle moment now that he has a store of his own.“I’ve always wanted to cross that barrier between interior design and design retail,” says Horton.

“So I thought this is a great opportunity to give people a peek behind the curtain and show the public all the suppliers that I have access to.”

“A lot of the pieces are by designers that I’ve known and loved over the years, and then a mixture of local artisans and craftspeople… It’s a collection of new and vintage finds, so it’s things with a little bit more character, not just cookie cutter, mass-produced stuff.

Hstorie is Newcastle’s exclusive stockist of Sydney designer Greg Natale, alongside other notable artists like potter Craig Spencer of Spencer Ceramics (his ceramic lamps are divine), and a range of emerging talent.

“It’s such a beautiful, light space, with these huge four metre ceilings, that was just calling out for a gallery… I really wanted to bridge that divide between retail and gallery space, so it’s kind of a one-stop-shop, trying to create a context for people to understand how art can translate into their own homes.

As part of our services, we also do custom furnishing, furniture and bespoke interior design.”

As for the striking store name, Horton shares it’s where history collides with a new beginning. “I carry some vintage pieces that already have their own history, but it’s also about creating your own history with new heirlooms and beautiful quality things that you’ll want to keep forever. Plus my name, Horton – it’s my story too.”

Hstorie is open Tuesday through Saturday.