A former cinema is perhaps not the obvious place in which to house a fine furniture emporium, but when that cinema is the Northwick, it's a rather different story.

The Grade II listed building, a wonderful example of the Art Deco period, has been lovingly restored and given a new lease of life as Grays' Interiors, displaying an astonishing collection of furniture and accessories to dramatic effect.

David and Helen Gray, who bought the building in December 2005, used their years of experience in antique furnishings and interior design to restore the Northwick as sympathetically as possible, reinstating the 1930s grandeur as well as ensuring the products could be displayed appropriately.

The cinema was built in 1938 by John Alexander, and is one of only a handful of surviving Art Deco cinemas in the UK. The Grays worked with English Heritage, Birmingham Heritage and Worcester Conservation, carrying out improvements such as levelling the sloping floors, restoring the opulent ceiling and wall ornamentation and sourcing 1930s style lighting.

The building's high ceiling and changing levels such as the stage area and balcony provide a perfect showcase for the array of different furniture styles, ranging from the Victorian and fin de sicle eras right up to the present day. Many items are in keeping with the cinema's own period - Art Deco mirrors, mirrored bedside cabinets and dressers and monochromatic dining sets - while other displays take in colonial and Spanish-style furniture.

Alongside the elegant vintage-style items are more modern examples, such as 1960s-insipired stacking-cube tables and cushions in bold colours and prints, plus dining furniture in pale wood and glass. The displays include finishing touches like matching tableware, vases and lamps - all of which are also on sale.

Customers can puchase any item 'off the floor' rather than having to wait weeks for delivery, meaning that the stock changes almost on a daily basis.

Large and ornate mirrors are everywhere, and the Grays have taken full advantage of the high ceilings to hang opulent chandeliers dripping with crystals. The back wall behind the stage, painted in black, provides a striking backdrop for a row of lit chandeliers enhanced with rainbow-coloured fairy lights.

Customers could easily spend an hour browsing, with plenty of accessories such as clocks, photo frames, artwork and even a large Buddha statue to look at. In addition, the Grays have opened a sophisticated delicatessen and cafe at the front of the building, providing the opportunity to turn a visit into a full morning or afternoon out.

Helen and David also offer a full interior design service, working with clients to create their ideal home, and the Northwick's size enables Helen to display a wide selection of fabrics on the premises.

The Grays - no strangers to demanding renovation projects - recently carried out a full refurbishment of the 107-room Hampton Court Estate in Leominster, although they are keen to point out that the interior design service is applicable to a range of budgets.

A visit to Grays' Interiors is a must for anyone who appreciates fine furnishings - not to mention the fact that an important piece of Worcestershire's heritage has been secured for another generation.

Grays' at the Northwick Cinema

142 Ombersley Road, Worcester.

01905 754040

Hours of opening Mon-Sat 9-5.30pm, Sunday 10-4.30pm.