From French-style décor and homeware, to elegant fashion and gift items, we are passionate about bringing our customers wonderful items inspired by French culture.

Here’s our story... 

Meet Nathan and Michael 

French & Wilder is the creation of Nathan Wilder, whose lifelong love of design has shaped every corner of the shop. Nathan studied fashion and textile design, spending three years in Paris where he worked for Jean Paul Gaultier, even helping prepare costumes for his idol, Madonna! 

Nathan’s husband, Michael, is also part of the story. Many will recognise them from Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau, where Michael’s surprise proposal to Nathan - and later, their intimate wedding at the château - became part of their journey.  

Together, they bring passion, creativity, and a touch of romance to everything French & Wilder stands for. 

“For us, French style is about effortless elegance. It’s sophisticated yet welcoming, refined yet full of character. It’s the blend of heritage and reinvention that makes French style endlessly inspiring.” 

From Beaminster to Hexham  

French & Wilder began its journey in October 2017, when we opened our very first shop in the charming town of Beaminster on the Dorset-Somerset border. Nathan and Michael lived nearby, and had a vision to bring the timeless elegance of French style décor to the English countryside, blending antiques, textiles, and decorative pieces with a modern twist. 

“We have always been inspired by the way French interiors balance history with modernity — a gilded mirror against a rustic wall, a bold fabric paired with a simple chair.” 

A few years later, we moved up north to Michael’s native North East, and in November 2023 we brought that same spirit to Hexham, opening our first Northumberland store on St Mary’s Chare.  

The response was so warm that, just a year later, in November 2024, we moved into a larger, more central location at 25 Market Place, Hexham, where you’ll now find us today — a treasure trove of French-inspired décor, homeware, fashion, and gifts. 

We love local  

We are passionate about producing items locally. Not only is this ecologically and economically sound, but it supports other like-minded creative individuals, helping to build and grow a vibrant creative community in the area:  

What’s more, we use UK-based small businesses for many of our other items, including our lavender bags, flower diffusers, wax melts and handmade cushions. 

“We find pieces that are perfect just as they are; other times, we upcycle  or reimagine them, giving them a new lease of life.”