Henley boutique owner bringing own style to High Street

THE owner of a new boutique in Henley says it is a “dream come true”.

Monika Turska opened Riviera House, in Bell Street, where she has lived since 2022.

Originally from Poland, Miss Turska moved to the UK 19 years ago and worked in the architectural sector from 2016 to 2024.

She said: “When I was 19, I designed my first home in Poland with my uncle, who was an architect, and my grandmother, who was a dressmaker. I have always loved art and interior design. This was a tough challenge but I absolutely loved it.

“This experience strengthened my passion for interior design and architecture and helped me to develop my ability at creating spaces that feel balanced, elegant and thoughtfully composed.”

As a child, she learnt most of her designing skills from her grandmother and would watch her as she made dresses for customers and make dresses for her Barbie dolls.

She said: “After working on so many projects both here and across the world, I wanted to have my own shop full of beautiful things. By opening Riviera House, my dream has come true.

“I thought that Henley needed something a little bit different by way of a boutique. This is my own style through and through. This is what I like by way of furniture and interior design and I hope people like it too.”

Miss Turska runs the shop with one other team member, and her French Bulldog, Nala, seven.

The shop stocks a range of products, including chandeliers, vases, lamps, scented candles and diffusers, books and mirrors.

Miss Turska said she travels for product inspiration and has bought stock from countries including Germany, France, Italy and the United States.

Miss Turska said: “I wanted people to have lots of choice when they visit my shop and the reception has been very positive. I am so happy that I have been able to bring this to life and very excited to be a part of Henley’s independent retail community.”