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.

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 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 am deeply in lust with almost everything in this shop. Unlike Industria on Gertrude Street, the…read morefurniture in Nook feels really warm and homely. It's possibly because it's a smaller space and there is a lot of wood and primary colours. Whatever the reason, it's a totally gorgeous shop. The owners have clearly got a bit of a fetish for medical chic with everything from ointment bottles to a vintage first aid cabinet - very cute. There's also vintage clothes and accessories, and heaps of Brittannia owing to the English owners. The prices are pretty reasonable, and when I expressed an interest in an adorable industrial stool the lovely lady (who's name I can't remember despite chatting to for a good half an hour) offered to knock off $50 so clearly there's room to bargain. It's still not as cheap as some eBay vintage stores or flea markets, but given it's pre-curated and in such a central location it's good value. Besides, on my past few trips to Camberwell Market I've found the prices obscene and stall holders unwilling to barter.

Things to do once I win the Tattslotto:…read more 1. Pay off my credit card 2. Maybe throw some money at my parents 3. Head to Nook Vintage and redecorate my house I say this because I doubt I will ever have the money to buy anything from here. But hey, isn't that the same as every other vintage furniture store in Melbourne? This is a very small shop that stocks some very exciting stuff - wooden chairs, vintage cabinets, oversized pigeonhole shelves and old school luggage trunks galore. A great place to head if you are looking for a bit of inspiration or if you just love a good window shop! But if you are lucky enough to be able to afford anything from Nook Vintage I don't think we can be friends. Sorry.

so, I recently had a frustrating experience with Third Drawer Down while trying to purchase a gift…read morefor a friend. The item I wanted didn't include dimensions, so I reached out via email and phone to get this essential information. Initially, I called and was transferred multiple times, eventually providing my number for a callback that never came. After waiting three days without a response, I emailed again but received no reply. I decided to give it some time over the weekend and tried again the following week. Finally, someone provided the dimensions, and I went ahead with the purchase. However, after a week and a half without any shipping updates, I emailed for an update since I had already been charged. I received vague communication indicating that someone would follow up, but no one did. After another follow-up, I requested a refund if shipping details weren't forthcoming. I received a refund shortly after, but again, with no further communication from the company. Overall, my experience with Third Drawer Down has been extremely disappointing. The lack of customer service and communication throughout the process has left me feeling frustrated. I do not recommend this company--it's best to steer clear.

Absolute scam site. Ordered an item and box arrived without it. When I emailed them they claimed…read more"the warehouse doesn't have it in stock". Site still has the item available for purchase though. I emailed them multiple times and I still haven't gotten my money back. I still have not received a response from their trash-tier customer service. Stay away!

Cote Provence is kind of what your mum's house looks like. Classic, everything perfectly placed,…read moreand very 'grown-up'. I feel like I'm looking at my future whenever I'm in this store... and I like it. This shop has mostly French-style products; gorgeous armoires and bookcases, gorgeous pottery and copper ware (did I really just type that?!), and also gorgeous garden furniture, lighting and linen. I would compare Cote Provence to a more upscale and less commercial Laura Ashley. So if you are looking to redecorate, and you are officially an 'adult', AND also have cash to splash, this may just be what you're looking for...

We purchased a Fireclay sink, the external diameters were what we needed, no where on their website…read moredid it explain that there was narrowing inside, the reason we bought this particular sink is because the Fireclay sink that is in the kitchen doesn't narrow, which rendered the item we purchased from Schots useless. The first response we received from Suzanne Karras who is supposed to be their Customer Service Manager was "As you did not seek further information from our staff to find out if this sink would meet your requirements prior to purchase we cannot be held liable for the incorrect purchase made by you". She also included a highlighted section of their website that said "Never construct cabinetry without first measuring your actual purchased sink" to which we responded "we have not constructed cabinetry without measuring the sink. We do not appreciate you making an assumption and find it extremely insulting, and we ask that you refrain from making such claims" After explaining again that it was not advertised to have narrowing, we received from Suzanne Karras "We are at a loss to understand why this sink that you have purchased does not meet your needs." After explaining it AGAIN, we were met again with an insulting assumption "As the internal dimensions of the sink is not listed on our website, it is a shame that you have assumed that it would fit your special requirements of needing to fit a certain size dehydrator tray without consulting and seeking advice from our trained staff that deal with these products to ensure that it would be suitable." After many many failed attempts to contact Suzanne Karras, and even after a request to speak with the owner Neville Schot, we were then met with "I have spoken to the Director Neville Schot and he has asked me to advise you that he will not be contacting you by phone to discuss this any further." The lack of BASIC customer service, tact and kindness from Suzanne Karras and Neville Schot is disgusting. Buyer beware!!!! However, I would like to thank the young woman from their Clifton Hill Head Office and Jeanna from there Moorabbin show room. These ladies certainly know how to give PROPER customer service.

Everything you need for renovating your period home…read more Schots is serious business for the stylish do it yourselfer. Multiple levels of decisions await you from knobs to knockers, furniture to fireplaces, tubs to tiles, doors to decor and so much more. There were plenty of staff available and importantly they were willing to help, even on a busy Saturday. If all that decision making leaves you needing to quench your thirst or stave of hunger pangs there is an on site cafe. I am yet to try it though.

You can just tell from the building that houses Mark Tuckey's creations that the stuff inside is…read moregoing to be tasteful with clean, modernist lines. And that is exactly what the furniture here is like. Beautiful, huge wooden numbers with simple, functional design at the heart of it, the goods here are unaffordable to me, but a visit still makes for satisfying furniture porn. The interior of the building with its high ceilings and clean white walls makes for a meditative experience. It's shopping and design gallery rolled into one, and I find it very soothing to gaze upon such gorgeous woody creations. Quite fittingly, when I went out to take a picture of the Mark Tuckey building, it was the only building in that section of Johnston Street to be bathed in the light of the fiercely setting sun, whilst neighbouring buildings receded into the shadows.

If you have great taste and a penchant for reclaimed wooden furniture that errs on the side of…read moremodernism, you'll love Mark Tuckey. An effusively expensive but damn beautiful furniture and accessories shop on Fitzroy's Johnston Street. Specialising in simple but striking wooden furniture in at once pared down and sculptural shapes, Mark Tuckey is definitely the place to go if you have a thing for locally made, sustainable furniture design and have the $2000 odd spare required for, for example, a reclaimed oak table. If your budget doesn't quite stretch to such a substantial piece, Mark Tuckey also sells textiles - including some awesomely striking striped rugs - books, ceramics, mirrors and more, with the impeccably tasteful aesthetic of Tuckey's furniture running through everything sold in the shop. Mark Tuckey's Johnston Street studio itself is all high ceilings and vast, expansive white walls, with colourful textiles providing a beautiful counterpoint to the otherwise monochromatic - but for the wood - palette of the shop and giving it a fresh modern look. For design buffs and interiors junkies, there is none better.