Strollers ambling down the High Street in Lewes, East Sussex might stumble upon the chocolate-brown storefront of Margot, a new family-run homewares shop in an 18th-century Grade II-listed building. Anyone who enters will realize it’s not just another decor store—it’s a lovingly refreshed historic space filled with hand-glazed ceramics, breezy linens, and light fixtures, the sales of which benefit Cook School, a non-profit initiative dedicated to teaching children about healthy food and how to prepare it and whose supporters include Sir Paul McCartney and baker-to-the-royals Claire Ptak.
The entire operation is the brainchild of creative husband-wife team Kristan and Amanda Dean. He was raised by a builder father who introduced him to some of London’s best architects and designers from a young age, while she grew up with an aesthete mother who would make her own floor-to-ceiling curtains and cushions. These artistic upbringings led Kristian to restoring old French homes and Amanda to food writing before they launched Cook School together in 2019.
Margot is an extension of all the couple’s individual and joint ventures. “Amanda and I have always shared a passion for creating beautiful spaces—whether in the kitchen or through the antiques and linens we use every day,” says Kristian. “Designing our own line of homewares felt like a natural next step.” Let’s check it out.
Photography by Lola Mansell, unless otherwise noted.
Above: Margot is located in Lewes, East Sussex, where Kristian has strong familial ties. His grandfather was one of the craftsmen behind the town’s historic flint walls, and his father once ran the local pub. The Deans were drawn to the building itself for its character, south-facing light, and neighboring independent businesses, all of which wear their original awnings. “We loved the idea of being part of that heritage,” says Kristian. Photo by Catherine Benson.
Above: Kristian refurbished the shop himself. “When we found the space, it had been stripped back—just a white room,” he remembers. “We began peeling away the layers and discovered original tongue-and-groove paneling, beautiful old shelf marks, fragments of wallpaper, and the original lath-and-plaster and Lincrusta ceilings.
Rather than cover them up, we let them lead the design.”
Above: “Because we’re always filming recipes and tutorials for Cook School, we wanted Margot to have a fully working kitchen—not just for display,” the couple explains, nodding to the white-and-gold Bertazzoni oven. “From September 2025, we’ll be using the space to host supper clubs and chef residencies, both to raise awareness and to generate funds for the non-profit.”
Above: The large center island, which is ideal for prep work, is wrapped in a cream-and-charcoal striped skirt. “Rather than opting for fitted cabinetry, we chose a skirted design under the countertops,” Amanda says. “We’ve always loved the softness and flexibility this brings—it allows us to change the fabric seasonally or with mood, and it offers a charming sense of looseness that suits the informal, welcoming spirit of the space.”
Above: “The shelving was made bespoke for the space and is supported by elegant brass brackets—not floating, but purposefully visible to add a sense of classic structure and craft,” says Amanda.
Above: The duo opted for a palette of neutral, earthy hues to honor the age of the place.
Above: Tiles appear on floors, counters, backsplashes, and trims. “Our love for tiled surfaces is deeply rooted in personal experience, from our home in Northern Spain to time spent in France and Italy. These places have hugely inspired our interiors,” Amanda says.
Above: “We introduced key features that respected the heritage of the building, like a small marble basin from Spain, often used to hold fruit,” notes Kristian.
Above: Margot’s curated tableware, linens, and lighting take cues from antiques, leaning into timeless proportions, silhouettes, and patterns. “We’re drawn to textures and finishes that feel tactile and lived-in—things that tell a story, just like the homes we’ve restored over the years,” Amanda says.
Above: “One of our favorite pieces is the Margot Jug,” the couple says. “Our kitchen table always has a jug on it—full of seasonal flowers or iced water or a punch—so this felt like a natural item to design. It started as a partly glazed terracotta piece that gently ages over time, and we’ve recently introduced a soft, creamy, buttery version that feels perfect for summer entertaining.”
Above: The Margot Serving Plate sits atop the Margot Chocolat Gingham Tablecloth, which encourages al fresco dining.
Above: The Deans also sell select pieces from likeminded independent makers.
Above: As for the moniker, Margot was an easy choice for the duo. “Margot is a name we’ve always loved—it has an effortless elegance to it,” Amanda says. “It’s derived from the French Marguerite, meaning ‘beauty and rarity,’ which felt fitting for what we wanted to create. Our family cockapoo is also called Margot, so the name has become a bit of a talisman in our home.”
Above: Amanda and Kristian in their newly opened shop.
