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.

We were lucky enough to be given a tour of the Matt Blatt showroom by a friend who works there and…read morewere very impressed by the array of furniture they have on offer and the sheer size of the showroom space. Some of the pieces are extremely tacky and some are extremely classy. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They do make a number of replica products that are remakes of classic furniture designs across the years. This means you can get classical designs for cheaper than otherwise. They do specify that these products are not affiliated with the original designers whatsoever but still make for very interesting pieces and designs. You could easily spend a couple of hours here deciding on what suits and there are pieces to suit a number of different budgets.

Impressed with the customer service I received for a bulk order of Tolomeo wall lamps. It was an…read moreurgent order for the JIFF 2013 and with the help of Laura (Showroom Manager), we managed to deliver the product to our client on time. She went above and beyond the call of duty and help coordinate a successful courier pickup from their warehouse to our office. Great customer service and products at an affordable price. One of the best places for replica designer furniture.

Wilkins and Kent stock some beautiful things. Kitchenware, ceramics, organic soaps and candles, and…read moreof course well-made and divine woodwork are scattered around the space. On my last visit I spent a lot of my time eyeing a long handmade redgum bench. Sleek and simple it stood in the middle of the store and radiated comfort. Unfortunately the price tag (well over $1000) and lack of space in my house meant that I didn't have a hope in hell. But I can dream. Wilkins and Kent have some great kitchenware ranges including the Nigella Lawson range, and some exquisite ceramic bowls. On my last visit I bought some ceramic birds that hang from the wall - glazed with beautiful colours they are beautiful little pieces of art and around the ($50) mark, weren't too expensive. The service at Wilkins and Kent is always great, although the store can get very busy so it may take a while to get some service. But friendly and well meaning, the sales assistants are helpful and knowledgeable about the products.

Wilkins and Kent is one of those must-visit stores for me on Brunswick street. Filled with a…read morekaleidoscope of products from pretty table ware to chic bakeware and printed lamps. This is also one of those stores that you need to slowly work your way through in order to appreciate it for what it really is. Incidentally, it would be easy to mistake this shop as a homeware store, but in actuality, Wilkins and Kent specialise in custom designed furniture. And from what we hear, the bosses Jeremy Wilkins and Stephen Kent are the actual furniture makers. If you're looking to create a custom designed piece or are just looking for something to complement your home with, check out this lovely store. Wilkins and Kent also carry a wide range of household décor items, stationery, gardening tools and other bits and bobs - perfect as gifts.

Bohemio is a furniture store that sells everything in dark wood. Not to be confused with the word…read more'bohemian', a person who will not be likely be a customer of this store. But for those inner city yuppies out there with a like for dark wood and an Asian slant on furniture Bohemio is the go to place. Bohemio has a range furniture including dining tables, side tables, bookshelves, entertainment units, sideboards, coffee tables and beds amongst other things. The stock is traditionally made and is quality furniture. They have frequent sales and while not being cheap are not overly expensive for the quality of furniture.

As Gabriel P. has observed, Bohemio does an effusive line in furniture made out of very dark wood…read more Almost exclusively dark wood. In two words I would describe Bohemio's furniture quite simply as a) heavy, and b) dark. Prices are hugely reasonable with a giant dining table setting you back roughly $1,000 rather than the $2,500 upwards you'll fork out at Mark Tuckey or one of Johnston Street's other furniture retailers. In the sea of artfully distressed furniture shops on Johnston Street Bohemio definitely stands out for its vaguely different aesthetic. Sourced from around the world Bohemio's range of solid wood furniture has a definite Indonesian feel to it and if you like your furniture substantial with an exotic edge you'll probably buy into the look.

I was walking down Smith Street when I discovered a lovely store I hadn't seen on my prior trips…read more Meet Oliverbirch- a boutique store where their buyer (Marissa-sp?) takes pride & care in selecting beautiful products that invites all of your senses- smell, touch, see etc. From linen shirts, dresses, and pants that are good for summer & travel for any future destination, to accessories for the home (think gorgeous decor and that little tiny bowl you just want to drop your earrings into), this place is a must-stop for a gift you have been seeking for the special persons in your life-including yourself! While I was there, I enjoyed perusing through all the leather bags (some are created & made in Australia or produced in India/China), in addition to nice linen/cloth totes that are practical but stylish for everyday chores & wear. I also loved all the different candles that are perfect for gifts- such as "Bestie" or "Soul Sister" etc. And this place is not just for the ladies. Men will find curated shaving goods and hand lotions that will fit on your bathroom counter but give it that extra pizazz before you start your workweek. The location is on Smith Street very close to the corner of Gertrude Street (about one block down) and on the opposite side of where Crumpler is located. There are glass windows surrounding the boutique which gives it a light and fresh atmosphere for those who need relief from the sporadic Melbourne weather & heat. I couldn't decide what I wanted to buy when I was there (I was eyeing a green leather Tasmanian designer tote or a soft sage green linen tote). It was so much fun to look at how everything was placed for visual acuity. But I hope to return after much contemplation of things I may want to buy. It's a beautiful space w/ lovely staff that will attend to your needs but not overly doting, which is a good combo.

I can whole heartedly recommend Thomas & Co. to anyone looking for something a little more unique…read morethan is ordinarily found in homewares stores in Australia. Beyond the vast (and eclectic) range of goods, the service from all staff is exceptional. They are truly willing to go well beyond expectations to make absolutely certain you are happy with your purchase. Having purchased a custom made Salon couch from these folks (that ended up not fitting in the house - long story, but the store is looking after the issue perfectly), I can honestly not sing their praises highly enough. I've read a few reviews from unhappy customers and simply can't understand how their situations arose - you'd really have to try to have a negative experience here.

Thomas Gannan is one of those great shops that just seems to attract people. From its clever window…read moredisplays and quirky products, it certainly seems to have a lot going on. And this is very true. The busy store carries a wide range of homeware - from dazzling lighting, jazzy cushions, trendy table matter, witty décor pieces and functional kitchen ware. It also has a lovely range of children's toys, room accessories and gifts. But more importantly, Thomas Gannan carries a good mix of exclusive Jardan sofas and stunning Arthur G lounges. It also features a selection of environmentally sustainable Australian timber furniture, which can be custom made to suit your needs. I've bought quite a few presents from this store and have always been impressed by the service. It's not often that a sales person asks whether you would like a new piece but they do here!

I love Melbourne for its broad range of décor styles and influences. And I love The Industrial…read moreRevolution for opening this brave new world to Melbournians. Think huge metal letters (I really mean life sized), vintage style metal cabinetry, old medicine cabinets, cool trolleys, functional buffets, décor wall hangings and a wide range of seating matter. Since the store has a good mix of old, new and reproductions, there's an edgy ambience and you can get inspired with your own décor scheme. Mix it up and add in one or two old pieces for an eclectic appeal. I love that this store carries some very worn pieces of furniture and décor, including life-sized wall hangings and quirky elements that will give any space a focal point or an individual twist.

The Industrial Revolution shop is a fantastic place to look for interesting, unique, designer and…read moreappealing products to fill out your home. I really loved window shopping and even in taking a photo I caught two others peering through as they became entranced by the pretty objects that you can't help but picture being somewhere in your home. There is so much character here where their rustic, older pieces mixed amongst the newer more designer items just seemed to create a beautiful setting where (if I had the money) I would love to have picked up a bunch of decorations to complete some rooms in my home. Some of the hanging lights and macramé hangings were so cool and would look great in a window with some flowers. I got a bit carried away here but of course, it always comes with a price.

If you like leather furniture, it might be worth your while to check out the Furniture Liquidation…read moreCentre in Brunswick East. However, if you're looking for really cheap furniture, it is best avoided in favour of the old favourites, op and pawn shops, Fantastic Furniture and Ikea. It's not just leather couches, though there're certainly enough of them to go around the store. You can also get chairs, tables and the odd entertainment unit. A lot of the furniture has a vaguely art deco, modernist vibe to it, and anyone who loves white furniture is might see something that they like. The prices seem pretty standard for your long term furniture investments. Most of the couches I tried were fairly comfortable, but they all seemed to be on slightly to obtuse an angle for my particular taste, so slouchers will probably enjoy them more than people who like to sit relatively upright. A lot of the stock can also be found and purchased online.

Jimmy Possum is a furniture store for grown ups. Free from directional floor arrows, children's…read morecreche and $2 hot dogs Jimmy Possum's price tag includes assemblage. The Jimmy Possum store is on Alexandra Parade, bordering Clifton Hill and serves as a showroom for domestic desire. The range of products is centred around their classic timber furniture range and extends to occasional furniture, soft furnishings, lamps, paintings, rugs, candles etc. Jimmy Possum designs include a high level of quality and warmth that makes the house look like a home and not a contrived gallery space. Their pieces are user friendly while still conveying relaxed luxury. I like this companies philosophy, they are "the "largest producer of furniture manufactured from recycled timbers" and also create furniture from new timbers sourced from commercial/sustainable forestry. Their philosophy comes with a jaw dropping price tag. Not gonna lie a gorgeous massive timber dining table will set you back around a cool $5000. Excuse me while I lie back and quietly lust after (recycled) wood.