This place takes your breath away before you even walk inside; the large glittery vases, lights and…read moredecorative mosaic balls are like magnets drawing you inside. If you are looking to add some grandeur with home wares and furnishings to your abode, The Natural House is sure to have something to your taste. I just love the range of products they stock with naturally crafted woods, from bamboo bordered wall mirrors, Buddha statues and small tables. The Natural House is known for its exquisite range of large floor vases; you can choose from natural wood varieties or the magnificent painted glass selection; which look as if a thousand pieces of beautifully painted glass have been painstakingly glued perfectly back together; the effect is amazing and those vases shine from every angle. Save your pennies and go in there to purchase a few items, the owner is lovely and is happy to drop the price if you're grabbing a few things; just don't be shy to ask.

At first glance Fantastic Variety may look just like your average junk store. Well, it is that,…read moreplus a little bit more. I've managed to decorate my home with some pieces from there that I've also seen in more prestigious home wares shops like Provincial Home Living and Homeart. The beauty is because the shop isn't pretty, and because the stock is just stacked together in bulk, you'll get the same item at Fantastic Variety for half the price. Last week I was pleased to pick up some bamboo sticks of different lengths and sizes to go into a large wooden vase that's been empty in my living room for about six months. The same pieces were at Homeart and would have cost me $10 more for the same amount. They've also currently got some lovely French pieces; old hat boxes and war style letter boxes with French art and war stamps printed on them. To accompany the collection, French Bordeaux clocks of assorted sizes are also in stock. From $10 to $20, similar decorative clocks are available at Provincial Home living for more than double the cost. And unlike most cheap rip offs, these collections at Fantastic Variety are pretty good, to the naked eye at least you can hardly tell the difference and they'll make your space look just as effective, particularly if you're decorating on a budget. Some of my other fave items here are the assorted varieties of Japanese hanging lanterns, as well as bamboo door runners. My husband has a unique collection of islander wooden masks, and the lanterns and door runner have really added to the effectiveness of our 'tribal room'. Since relocating to a bigger premises within the centre, I've noticed the range in store getting more stylish and of higher quality. The store owners have also gotten a lot better at merchandising their best stuff and so you can see the value of some of their pieces in the window displays which have been quite fetching of late. So, if you're in the mood for some interior decorating on a budget, check out Fantastic Variety first. The window displays might even give you some good ideas and at least you'll be able to cost compare if you do go elsewhere.

After going to all other shops and not finding what I want as I had specific sizes and colours for…read moremy new house I came here and was really surprised. They had a great range of pine and hardwood furniture. They were very helpful in getting what I wanted. The only problem I had was it took about 6 weeks to make as it was a specific size I needed, the salesman did explain that but I hoped it would of been quicker. Well worth walking in and asking them what you want.

From the owner: Find all styles of pine furniture, hardwood furniture, and timber furniture for your needs. High…read morequality Tasmanian Oak furniture (Tassie Oak furniture) and Victorian Ash furniture (Vic Ash). Custom designs made to order, you will find everything you need and will be assured of the highest quality and finish on every item as we offer a guarantee on all our products.

DOESNT EXIST ANYMORE. Sigh. Like maybe don't make people drive all the way there if the shop…read moredoesn't even exist anymore?

Went to one of their weekend Garage Sales. Found out about the fortnightly event on Facebook…read more Picked up some vinyl and an awesome table.

Tucked away from the bustle of Sydney road is the no car traffic street of Sparta. A little oasis…read moreof small unique stores, cafe, and artists hangout. The design store sits here, and sells a range of handmade kids clothes, blankets and other crafts. They also stock amazing Marimekko collection and small collections from independent jewellers, cards, and other things. It's a lovely little shop that you will surprisingly spend Way too much time in.

Christmas is less then seven weeks away folks!…read more The thought of heading to a shopping centre in December and aimlessly battling crowds in the hope that something, no anything will pop out at you and scream YOUR AUNT WILL LOVE ME is stressful at best. I may be able to help. If you have any or all of these dilemmas then Raging Earth is the place to head: -If your in the market for cheap gifts that look more expensive then the price tag then this shop in Plenty Valley Westfield is your new friend. -If you live in the outer North-East suburb of Mill Park or South Morang Raging Earth is a convenience store to grab a few things to make your house look even better. -If you don't know what to get your Mum, Grandma or really any female relative over 30, chances are something from here will delight them. Yes, Raging Earth is somewhat a glorified $2 shop, but in the best way possible. They have a great selection of Buddha statues, candles, photo frames, jewelry, home decor idea's and nick knacks type things. This really is your best bet for random gifts. Bonus points for the friendly staff who relieve you of anything you may be carrying while you look around their store!

It's great to see a locally owned business thriving! I love the minimalistic design and how each…read morepiece is made from recycled timber and is customised. They look wonderful and are also environmentally sustainable. The owner, Peter, is friendly and knowledgeable. He's outgoing and always happy to go the extra mile when it comes to creating a bespoke piece.

From the owner: We handmake custom furniture to your specification, using localled sourced recycled timbers that we…read moresource and refine ourselves. We make indoor and outdoor furniture, with a special penchant for minimalist designs and high feature-grade timbers.