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.

Lock up the credit cards! You're going to want just about everything in this store to make your…read morebathroom smell better, your kitchen look pretty, your bedroom feel cosy and your loungeroom more achingly hip. From the rafters adorned with leather bunting down to the floors that hold baskets overflowing with nic-nacs and gorgeous items you simply can't live without, The Shelley Panton Store is an absolute delight to explore. I love the tables filled with colour co-ordinated items, the book selection (food, design and travel genres all well represented), hand-made ceramics and the items dangling from the roof (THAT bunting, light fixtures and even feather dusters!). There's complimentary gift wrapping too, which is perfect if you're in the market for a special gift. They'll offer a variety of papers and twines to match your purchase and the vast gift card selection makes this a one-stop-shop for all your gift giving needs.

Quick! Hide your credit card when you come here! It has an amazing array of home wares and art for…read moreevery single room of the house, and every occasion you can think of. This is my idea of heaven. Seriously. OK, I admit it. Sometimes it feels like us Southsiders are a little hard done by with a lot of cool crafty places north of the river. Shelley Panton helps to fix this with an eclectic range of products - whether you're looking to buy for yourself or for a gift, you're bound to find something here that tickles your fancy. The shop is beautifully decked out - visualise baskets of good overflowing with cute little pieces, colour coordinated products lovingly laid out on tables and also friendly service. Leading into Christmas and special occasions, they will have late night trading (complete with glasses of prosecco and a cheese platter - for real) and special dinners for events such as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Best of all? Shelley who own the place also has her own pottery for sale (visualise gorgeous plates and kitchen goods) and Jess the resident rescue dog is a beautiful black lab that often wanders around for a little bit of customer love. OK, I admit it. I want to work here. I want to be surrounded by beautiful things, play with Jess all day and lovingly wrap presents and adorn them with ribbons

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.

I love this store! They have so many beautiful and unique pieces. So inspirational, every time I go…read morethere's always something new.

I just received my first purchase from keeki online and couldn't be happier! I originally stumbled…read moreacross the keeki page on Facebook and loved how chic and simplistic their products and layouts were. After searching for a while for the perfect rug I decided to check out keeki online and found exactly what I was looking for. The rug is great quality and looks perfect in my space. Quick delivery and a very smooth transaction. Thanks keeki!!

Went down to St. Kilda Bazar today and had the most lovely time. The shop isn't one hundred percent…read moreset up yet, but from the bits that we saw, we can't speak highly enough of it! The articles were all beautiful and well priced and the gentleman setting the store up was absolutely wonderful. He was so helpful and couldn't speak highly enough of the respective people involved in the business. His plans for the store sound absolutely incredible and we can't wait to see what happens with the store. It's a perfect mix of nostalgic pieces that remind you of a time where dishes, rent and all the other annoying things about being an adult didn't occupy your mind and unworldly articles of history that make you want to don a pair of bloomers and churn some butter. We can't wait to fill our little apartment with the quirky oddities and absolute gems that we know we will unearth here! I know where my paycheque will be going in the future!

From the owner: More than 20 vendors; offering art, antiques, handmade crafts, vintage wares, collectibles and all…read morekinds of unique treasures you won't find anywhere else.