Donna & Ryan - Williams & Parfitt
Antique sourcing has been a huge part of the Restaries design process. We’ve spent hours—sometimes weeks and months—searching for the perfect pieces to bring character and soul to each of the accommodations. Luckily, Suffolk and Norfolk are home to some incredible places to hunt for treasures, and along the way we’ve met some truly brilliant people.
Two of those people are the talented duo behind Williams & Parfitt. We first discovered them in a small unit about half an hour from the farm. They had a quietly brilliant presence; their eye for curation was immediately clear, and their warmth, passion (and wit) made them impossible to forget.
Since then, it’s been wonderful to watch them flourish. It’s always a joy to see talent rise to the top, and this month marks the launch of their beautiful flagship space in Wymondham—the perfect backdrop for their carefully sourced finds.
We sat down with them both over a coffee (or was it a glass of wine?) to talk about their journey.
Our Story:
From a young age, I was always playing shops—rearranging shelves, imagining customers, and dreaming of owning my own shop. I remember visiting Romford Market with my auntie, mesmerised by how I could buy things off the drop-sided lorry and sell them to neighbours on my street. My first real job was with a large department store, where I quickly progressed to managing multiple locations. Retail was in my blood—but so was something else: a deep and enduring love for antiques and interiors.
That passion led me to run a pitch in my local antiques shop 20 years ago, which soon evolved into supporting the owners in running the shop, which has been in our market town for over 50 years. But the dream remained unchanged—to one day open a shop of my own.
A conversation with my good friend Ryan proved to be the final piece of the puzzle. With his shared love for sourcing antique and vintage furniture, Williams & Parfitt was born.
From our rural Norfolk HQ, we scour the country to find timeless pieces that tell a story. For us, it’s not just about furniture—it’s about heritage, craftsmanship, and creating spaces filled with character.
We’re shopkeepers through and through. And this is just the beginning.
Favourite era:
I have a deep appreciation for Georgian elm and oak furniture, but I’m always captivated by merchant antiques. I’m also a sucker for a beautifully crafted glass cabinet.
Style:
No definition—buy what sings to you.
Top tips for buying:
Quality. Craftsmanship. Practicality. Beautifully made, built to be used.
What makes us stand out:
We like to engage with every customer, taking a keen interest in them and understanding what they need. We are as passionate about finding furniture a good home as we are about meeting our customers’ needs.
What was our best find:
A Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty Circus for a local toy collector—a rare and cherished find, discovered in a grand hall where it had remained with the same family since its original purchase in 1903. Passed lovingly through generations and now into my care, its journey is as magical as the toy itself.
Best and worst thing about sourcing:
Best – Meeting people with a shared passion.
Worst – A lack of appreciation for quality craftsmanship, people wanting quick-fix furniture, and the time management required behind the scenes.
Website - https://www.williamsandparfitt.co.uk/
Instagram - @williamsandparfitt