Creative & Commercial Consultancy
Creative direction with commercial understanding, for design, interiors and lifestyle brands.
I help independent businesses develop distinctive identities, curate thoughtful collections and create experiences that connect with the right audiences. My approach combines creative instinct with thirteen years of first-hand retail experience.
Selected Work
Harry C. J. Wix
Woodbridge, Suffolk · Ongoing project · 2026–present
Creative and commercial consultancy for an independent design destination, connecting furniture, objects, art and architecture through retail and a cultural programme.
Scope: Brand positioning, e-commerce, buying, visual merchandising, content, events and partnerships.
Highlights: A sold-out architecture talk, a developing exhibition programme and new collaborations connecting the store with its wider community.
The brief
To develop Harry C. J. Wix into a compelling retail destination with a coherent identity across its physical store, e-commerce, communications and events.
My role
Working closely with the founder, I combine creative direction with practical delivery across:
- Brand development and positioning
- Website development and e-commerce
- Buying, sourcing and product curation
- Visual merchandising and seasonal displays
- Content, social media and digital campaigns
- Exhibitions, talks and collaborative events
- Brand partnerships, collaborations and audience development
The approach
I approach the store as a complete experience. Product selection, presentation, editorial content and events work together to express a clear point of view and give people reasons to discover, visit and return.
The cultural programme brings the collection into conversation with artists, architects and makers. Exhibitions and artist presentations sit alongside a sold-out talk with Charles Holland on How to Enjoy Architecture, an evening with Ian Macready exploring Alvar Aalto, and Dominic Bradbury on the Festival of Britain and Robin Day.
A forthcoming two-day pop-up with Lavenham, beginning on 19 November, connects Suffolk manufacturing heritage with contemporary fashion and design.
For the festive season, I conceived and developed the Christmas Window Experiment: an open call inviting creatives to propose an installation for the store. With the potential to become an annual commission, it offers a platform for creative talent and a new connection with Woodbridge’s wider community.
The outcome
A developing design destination with an identity spanning its shop, digital presence and cultural programme. My work connects the daily demands of independent retail with the ambition to build a recognised place for design, discovery and exchange.
Abbey Yard, Suffolk
For Harry C. J. Wix · Interior curation, sourcing, installation and styling
One house. One complete creative vision.
From empty rooms to a fully realised interior, I conceived and delivered the furnishing and styling of Abbey Yard for Harry C. J. Wix.
Scope: Creative direction, sourcing, logistics, installation, assembly, styling and support throughout the architectural photography.
Outcome: A complete, shoppable interior, with the collection catalogued and priced through Harry C. J. Wix. An Instagram post showcasing the transformation reached more than 12,000 people.
Every selection, every arrangement and every finishing detail formed part of one cohesive vision, with sole responsibility spanning sourcing, logistics, installation, assembly and styling.
Set within The Abbey Bakehouse, a Grade II listed home reimagined by award-winning architects HAT Projects and Nest Developments, the project called for an interior equal to its setting. Exposed timbers, soaring ceilings and expansive rooms offered a striking backdrop and the challenge of bringing warmth and intimacy to a substantial architectural space.
I brought together contemporary furniture, sculptural lighting, tactile textiles and Japanese ceramics, balancing statement pieces with quieter details. Artwork sourced from Louise Craigie, alongside works by Jeremy Young and Sam Hodge, introduced colour, depth and individual character.
The ambition was to create a compelling sense of home. Places to gather, read, retreat and entertain gave purpose to the generous proportions, allowing prospective buyers to imagine life unfolding within the architecture.
I sourced the collection, coordinated its arrival and worked hands-on through installation and assembly before composing each room. I subsequently assisted Alex Sarginson throughout the architectural photography, refining the styling for each view.
The house was brought to market through The Modern House and Fine & Country.
Interior curation, sourcing, installation & styling: Kate Bradbury for Harry C. J. Wix
Architecture: HAT Projects
Development: Nest Developments
Featured artists: Louise Craigie, Jeremy Young and Sam Hodge
Photography: Alex Sarginson
Tea + Kate
Founder-led independent retail · Established 2013
I founded and developed Tea + Kate over thirteen years as an independent design and lifestyle store, bringing together established international brands, emerging designers and carefully sourced objects.
Scope: Buying, brand relationships, e-commerce, creative direction, content, events, customer experience and community building.
Responsibility for every aspect of the business gives me a practical understanding of how creative decisions connect with the day-to-day demands of independent retail.
Services
- Brand development and positioning
- Retail and e-commerce strategy
- Buying, sourcing and product curation
- Visual merchandising and styling
- Content, social media and campaigns
- Events, partnerships and collaborations
I work on individual projects and on an ongoing consultancy basis.
Experience
I’m Kate Bradbury, founder of Tea + Kate. I bring more than thirteen years of experience across independent retail, design, e-commerce and brand development, alongside an established network of designers, makers, retailers and international brands.
My approach combines a strong visual instinct with practical commercial understanding and first-hand experience of building and evolving an independent creative business.
Research & Inspiration
First-hand research informs my approach to sourcing, curation and retail.
Japan
A JETRO-supported visit exploring independent makers, manufacturing and retail across Osaka, Mie, Nara and Tokyo shaped my approach to sourcing, materiality and thoughtful everyday design.
Copenhagen
Regular visits during 3daysofdesign bring together showroom visits, exhibitions and installations with meetings with international brands and designers. They strengthen relationships, introduce emerging talent and inform my understanding of contemporary Scandinavian design and retail.
Milan
Visits to Milan Design Week offer first-hand insight into exhibitions, installations and new collections, helping me identify emerging materials, designers and directions in international design and retail.
Start a Project
Whether you need a clearer brand direction, support with your retail business or a thoughtfully curated interior, I’d be pleased to hear about your project.
Consultancy services are provided independently by Kate Bradbury, trading as T + Kate Consultancy and not by Tea + Kate Ltd.