Wow, what a gem! I wish I had discovered this earlier…read more Located within walking distance from Broad St, and has very good transport links, this handy business sells everything from ornaments, furniture, flooring, Chinese antiques and arts, to clothes, fabrics and jewellery that are unique and distinguished in character. This is an ideal shop that has it all to fit out your home with all the decor, and more, whether your a first time buyer, or just in need of some stuff. I really liked this outlet, as it's not like the Ikea's of the shopping world, it's a great independent outlet. You feel like your walking through someones home as it's so nicely fitted out. It would be nice if the shop offered gift vouchers, as there is so much housing in the city. That way, if your not exactly convinced of a purchase, you can still buy a voucher where friends and family can choose instead.

With neighbours including a hair salon, a beauty spa and a newsagents, Curzon's is an unusual…read moreaddition to the mini commercial district in the otherwise residential area along Sheepcote Street near the NIA. Stocking a wide range of Chinese furniture, ornaments and clothing, Curzon's is well worth making the trip. The family-owned business also offers traditional Chinese teas, interpretation and translation services, and tutoring in Mandarin Chinese. The staff are really chatty and happy to assist you with making your purchase, and the shop often has special offers on a wide variety of stock. You might expect a shop like this to be found nearer the Chinese quarter, but given the number of apartment complexes in the immediate area that might benefit from an oriental makeover, it makes sense to something a little closer to home.

If you like exotic pictures, statues and ornaments then you'll love this shop. I was amazed at how…read moremuch they sold and was almost captivated by all the products. Their products range from giraffes as tall as you to animal masks to brightly painted pictures to unique African style ornaments. They could really spice up your home. With all this going on it made the shop look a bit cluttered this was a minor issue for me because I was so amazed at the products. Who knew a little taste of the exotic could be so close? The prices are good as well and if you've read any of my other reviews you'll now I like a bargain. The paintings were about ten pounds and small ornaments were on offer for less than £5.00. Being in here temporarily took my mind of the real outside world. If I had the money on me I definitely would have taken something home!

I really like wooden carved ornaments and unique art pieces, so I thrive on visiting these sorts of…read moreplaces. When I first discovered Exotic Homeware, I was literally amazed at the amount of cultural creativity that they sold, especially considering that the store is not far from where I live; I feel like I should have discovered it sooner. From wooden crafted giraffes to elephants to masks to brightly coloured birds to cages to canvases, the shop sells a great selection of organic and hand created objects, which really do make your home look more interesting and cultured. The price of items isn't bad either; usually when you go to similar shops, they put a high cost on these sorts of unique gifts. But here, you can pick up a medium sized collection of three wooden owls for £5! Bargain! I really wouldn't mind buying every item in this shop to be honest. Then I'd be able to develop my own haven of all things exotic to escape the drudgery of Birmingham. (from time to time)

This tiny but beautifully formed shop is tucked off Knowle High Street so might take a bit of…read morehunting down. The quest would be worth it as you will find some adorable pieces and find it difficult to not buy anything at all. The theme is home decor and interiors store stocking French Country and New England styles. They also stock British designer Bronte's At Home blankets - they were around £70 so not cheap but very beautiful.

This is just one of those shops you love as soon as you walk in.There is something for…read moreeveryone,price wise some things are reasonable,and there are the larger items which are a lot more expensive.There are beautiful light holders,pottery,throws,dressers etc.I could go on,the staff are always friendly and helpful too.I challenge you to pay them a visit and not buy anything.My husband and I have not manged this so far,its heaven.I love showing my friends and family what I have bought,they love everything too.Roll on Christmas,if your looking for something different,elegant,stylish without breaking the bank go, you know you want to, happy shopping.

Decoron is a specialist decorating store that sells wallpapers, paints, tools and brushes and much…read moremore. It is a family run business that has been running since 1966 and is also an award winning company. If you are looking for a store that specialises in decorating, Decoron could be your answer. Decoron regularly update their showroom with the latest designs and colours but they also offer contemporary and traditional wallpapers. I did like the wallpapers on sale but to be honest they were on the expensive side. Decoron offer a range of paints and colours so there are plenty of paints to choose from. The staff are very friendly and they will help you if you need it. Decoron is worth a visit if you need guidance on decorating a new room(s) or need new wallpapers.

Nook Interiors is a lovely looking shop in Harborne that sells a range of products - lighting,…read morecushions, desks, vases and smaller items of furniture. They are also able to produce bespoke pieces upon request and offer interior design consultations so if you are looking to decorate but don't know your magnolia from your hint of macaroon then this might be the place to go.

This is a wonderful business and offers some truly lovely bits for home and also good advice about…read moreinterior design. It has some beautiful items for sale inside that are great as house gifts or just perfect accessories for your own home. I came in here to seek out something nice for a friend who had recently moved into her first home. I was really impressed by all the pretty little bits and bobs inside and I ended up distracted by things that I thought would like nice in my home, instead of my friend's! The staff were really friendly and very helpful and asked me if I needed any assistance or advice. In the end I bought a couple of candles and a cushion. The prices are moderate, but the items are very much worth it. This place also offers various interior design assistance for any projects or requirements that you may have. Overall, a great place!

Specialised in 20th century vintage design furniture and gadgets for home, Fragile Design is a fine…read moreshop to stop and take a good look around, with no pressure or hurry, if it's possible! If you're looking for a unique home design fix, this is the place to be! I have looked for a new coffee table over past few weeks and I was glad to find some gorgeous samples at Fragile Design. As their collection includes an exclusive and stunning memorabilia, it's likely to be undecided about what to get. The pottery decorative pieces are amazing and this is just a snapshot of what you can expect from this shop. There are pieces and prices affordable for all kinds of pockets and honestly, for an outstanding vintage shop like this; I didn't find it expensive at all. Fragile Design is placed at Custard Factory, inside the Zellig building, and it's open from Tuesdays to Saturdays (from 10am to 5.30pm) and Sundays, Mondays and Tuesday by making an appointment in advance.

I first came across Fragile by accident about a year ago but only recently managed to get in due to…read moreits limited 'designer-esque opening hours (Wednesday to Saturday or by appointment only)! However, I'm glad I made it inside this wonderful oasis of 20th century furniture! It looks like the house I grew up in with furniture of browns, greens and oranges and yet the furniture looks new. Most items have been refurbished to look like new but still distinctly retro. I was after a very large but unique lampshade and what they actually sell are new ones (albeit made with vintage materials) I thought it was odd that the gentleman didn't take my details to sell me one but instead gave me a flyer of the designer in London that makes them. Fragile Design do offer 'looking for something' form on their website so the store is fantastic if you have something very particular in mind, as I tend to when it comes to furnishings.

From the outside of Muji I think its quite hard to work out what kind of shop it actually is....the…read moreclothes in the window give the impression of a fashion retailer but you can clearly see office supplies inside the door. Confused I ventured inside to have a look around. The place is a home and fashion retailer stocking stationary, homeware, bedding and clothing. All of the items in the shop are very well designed and have a very crisp vibe. I like the attention to detail in the shop with the very minimalistic approach to the layout making everything very easy to look at at and make your way around. On a personal note there was a cuckoo clock I saw while inside the shop that I think now has my name on.....it was really special. Ill think twice before going in for a look around again it could be an expensive habit!!

Muji can easily be seen from the ramp as you leave New Street station. Head past Jane Norman (on…read morethe corner) and head up towards Centenary and Muji is located on the right hand side. It's a strange old shop, originating from Japan, their mission statement to develop new simple products at reasonable prices by making the best use of materials while considering environmental issues. They sell stationary, bedding, furniture, and clothes. The stuff they produce is very basic and simple, well made but I find that it's rather expensive. (The last time I looked, dressing gowns were £40). I do have a brother who hates labels and likes simple clothes that are enviromentally friendly so for christmas presents it is always worth a look.

A fantastic addition to Banbury's old town area. Whether you are looking for a 'statement piece' to…read moreanchor a room or the perfect accent to finish off a shelf or cosy corner, this is the place for you. Also a must if you need to buy a gift for the interior decor fiend in your life. Have bought both gifts and treats for myself here and it's always a shopping highlight for me. Fab stuff and helpful proprietor.

From the owner: Independent shop specialising in one off vintage painted furniture pieces, decorative antiques,…read moreinteriors & lifestyle. Frenchic Chalk Paint Stockist & tutor. Based in Parsons Street, Banbury and within Banbury Antiques Centre.

Urban Outfitters, Birmingham is on the corner of New Street / Corporation Street in a good central…read morelocation by the tram tracks. Other than having the most modern, fast and cleanest lift which I've seen in an Urban Outfitters store, it really didn't impress me as much as their Manchester and Liverpool stores. The selection was okay in general and they did have a sale section, again this was smaller than Manchester and Liverpool. The music around the store was far too loud, which again didn't seem to be a problem at their other locations. The first floor is much larger and they do have some cool, novelty items which you'd expect to find at any Urban Outfitters including a photo booth. The store cleanliness was poor with items just thrown on the floor and staff appearing to make no effort of tidying the store up. 2* - A good brand with some cool novelty items but they really do need to work on increasing standards similar to other UK stores and even going one better.

Birmingham's Urban Outfitters is a trendy place to shop…read more The fashion is a little different, new and even vintage, and they also offer home pieces such as rugs and bedding, also festival essentials, tshirts, funky caps, small gadgets for stocking fillers and so on. Whatever your looking for your bound to find it in here! This is one of my favourite places to shop, and in particular, I like the unique type of gifts that you can get, but can't purchase anywhere else. A little pricey though, and they are very friendly in here. Spaced over 2 floors, there is a lot to browse.