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.

If you're looking to update your furniture with high quality, stylish upgrades go to Dowd's…read more Offering all the fabrics, styles, timbers and designs of the high end stores, the prices at Dowd's are what give it the edge in the marketplace. The same items here will cost you a couple of hundred less than at other spots like Domayne or Harvey Norman, and with that olden day good old fashion service you won't find better. I just scored a new sofa set in modern heritage decal, I LOVE IT!

Furniture Galore is your number one furniture store in Melbourne for quality furniture that will…read moresuit any budget. Not only will you find an outstanding selection of the finest furniture in the country, you will find that our prices are unbeatable. We can help you make a difference in your everyday life with member-only prices on a range of products and exclusive access to home furnishing inspiration, workshops and events. We pride ourselves on offering our customers great styles at very affordable prices, with an assurance that we back our sales with a guarantee of quality and a high level of personal customer service.