Doris Home and Gifts Brixham

In the idyllic Devon town of Brixham, nestled into Union Lane sits an independent shop called ‘Doris’. It has a striking navy-blue exterior, and the windows are filled with cacophony of earthy textures and colour. The sign above the door says ‘Doris – A Goddess Who Ruled the Sea’. It draws you in. 

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This magical shop was brought to life by Karen Miller in 2001. Inspired by the sea, nature and the organic and natural world around her. Karen experimented at her kitchen table, making sculptures from driftwood. From this her ideas grew, her skills developed, and the magical shop ‘Doris – Home & Gifts’ was born. 

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In Greek mythology Doris was the Oceanid nymph wife of the sea-god Nereus. She was the goddess of the rich fishing-grounds found at the mouths of rivers where fresh water mingled with the brine. It’s easy to see why Karen felt Doris was the perfect name for her shop. Her sculptures are impressive and beautiful capturing the wild beauty of the waves and myths. 

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Karen and I chatted about her sculpture work and in particular driftwood. It seemed to me, that driftwood is a material with a life of its own. You have to connect with each piece and find a way to make it fit. You are compelled to feel the soft salty wash of the water on the worn wood. It’s such a primal thing that requires real focus and care. I am captivated by the process and the end result.  

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As ‘Doris’ grew Karen connected with the world-renowned artist James D Webb, who works mainly in driftwood and other recycled materials. He exhibits annually at Chelsea Flower Show where he twice won the coveted Best Trade Stand Award. Webb’s immediately recognisable work appears all over the world, notably in Singapore’s Iconic Gardens by the Bay where over 40 of his sculptures are on permanent display. Also, at Harelford Gold course in Marlow. You’ll find a selection of Webb’s work at ‘Doris’ complementing Karen’s work, ideas and philosophy. 

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I asked Karen how she chooses other home and gift products for ‘Doris’ and she explained that she simply chooses that which she loves. It’s a such a satisfying approach. Karen ensures that Doris is a shop dictated by passion, integrity and the natural world around her. It’s a welcome relief from the heavily repetitious nature of products you might find in chain stores. 

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Karen has an infectious energy and incredible style. She manages to keep ‘Doris’ looking beautiful and expertly curated, she also regularly takes on bespoke commissions. But most importantly for her, she makes time to connect with customers. Karen makes it clear that it’s the people she meets that inspire her too. Doris is a shop that will surprise and charm you every time you visit and believe me, you’ll want to visit it again and again.

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