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.

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.

One of the best gift shops in the hills, Mangana is like shopping in an old eccentric's house…read more These guys combine gifts and homewares with industrial and period style decorations for those with the coin to afford it. Lamps, frames, clocks and mirrors line the walls, and with so much on display you'd best watch your back to avoid breaking anything. Downstairs you'll find smaller trinkets, jewellery and even a wall full of Ugg Boots and leather hats. I stop in every time I'm in the area, even just for a browse. It's hugely popular with the weekend tourists, and more often than not, packed full of people enjoying the range.

I recently visited Mt Dandenong and accidentally stumbled into this store (okay I was curious…read morethanks to the mounds of people pilling in and out of the front doors). It was like being sucked into a time machine, and transported back into a dusty old attic that was filled to the rim of incredible individual antique items. There were compasses, telescopes, magnifiers, lamps, paintings, posters, books, sculptures, notepads, jewelry and pretty much anything you can think of. Most things were hand crafted and bronze or wooden, this is definitely a very unique and one of a kind type of place. I think I spent an hour in this shop, its not that it was a huge room (it was relatively large though), it's just that every inch of the store has something different and special that just has to be picked up and ogled at. It took a lot of effort to not buy the whole store; I ended up leaving with Dali's melting clock, which gets a lot of notice and compliments in my house.

Surround Interiors showroom is a large, trendy furniture store that stocks luxurious contemporary…read morefurniture and home accessories. It also carries a stunning range of custom lighting options and dramatic wall surface treatments so you can dress your home for success. Located conveniently on Inkerman in St Kilda hints at the unique range of customers it services: clientele who know what they want and have a distinctive style and elegance. It's definitely not enough to just walk past this store if you're in the market for furniture because they carry a wide range of pieces that are available in custom sizes and fabric options to suit your design needs. I also love the quirky accessories such as the bevelled box edge mirror, cute decorative mossy elephants, gorgeous black dyed sheep skins and an assortment of cool, graphic vases.

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!

The shopfront at this outlet is always so thoughtful and inviting. I brought a few home wares items…read morehere to decorate my nearby domain. The artificial plants, candle stands, buddha statues and money boxes are so cute; and yet these items are so simple and chic; my home is that much more inviting and brighter as a result. Every couple of weeks it appears to be the case that new stock comes in, or stock might be rotated as the shopfront changes and brings a never a dull moment type of landscape at the future end of Melbourne's Collins Street. Inside is even more inviting, and if you are someone who is into extravagance and nice items (life is short, only the best will do) then ensure that you are in a good financial position, and that your credit cards are cleared as much as possible. You will feel like your in heaven, and thus make better buying decisions and buy the right items to decorate your home. These items are timely, and paying $70 for a small buddha statue made the whole experience worth it; and as the name implies you really do feel spoilt. Its like buying a small money box for $35 to make your money feel good.

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.

Spacecraft is another of those 'lifestyle' stores that you could spend a lot of time just poking…read morearound in. Like many such stores, it's difficult to go knowing that there's something in particular you'll purchase, unless you've done your recon work. A rating / review for this place could easily end up at either end of the spectrum depending on whether they happened to have the 'thing' you were after or not. Personally, the artwork is my taste although given it's actually the byproduct of their screen printing, I find the price a little high! The organic skincare and home products are also worth a play.

I've always been a fan of graphics - large, small, twisted, complicated, simple, patterned etc. And…read moreover the years I fell in love with screen printing too because of its amazing ability for patterns to be transferred or applied to virtually any surface from fabrics to plastic to table tops. So when I stumbled upon Spacecraft in Gertrude Street one lazy afternoon, I was complete in awe. First off, there's screen printing and then there's Spacecraft - and until you actually visit this store, will you understand the beauty behind the elaborate compositions that give this store its 'wow' factor. Check out the backing cloth paintings that are complex, yet surreal and the ingenious selection of curtains, bed linen and cushions. And if that isn't enough to keep you inspired, check out the gorgeous patchwork collection that is definitely not for the faint-hearted. I absolutely love the Artplay 3D freeform model-making kit that allows you to invent your own cities from salvaged timber wooden blocks from heritage buildings. It's like lego but much cooler!