Since moving to Leeds, I have lived in a total of seven houses and flats. The Plant Shop has helped…read moreme in decorating them all. The first four were student accommodation so we were in definite need of some flora and fauna to disguise the mess and chaos. A stack of empty beer cans looks far more respectable with a cyclamen watching over them with an air of mature authority! The people who run the stall are helpful and knowledgeable, directing me when I have needed indoor or outdoor plants and educating me in the benefits of plant food. On asking for some plants that did not require too much care or attention, I was swiftly guided towards some hardy foliage, with a knowing look. The larger plants in particular are much cheaper than the ones of a similar size in chain stores. There is a fantastic range, which includes fresh herbs, cacti and many other leafy beauties. We got a Christmas tree with a fantastic shape and height this year, for a very reasonable fee. This stall has a gorgeous old cash till which must be an antique, an attractive feature to notice. All in all, a great place to stock up on a lovely bit of vegetation to brighten up your house.

Surrounded by so many florrists in the market, it is quite a breath of fresh air to see a stall…read morededicated entirely to plants. Selling many different types (and I do not claim to be an expert in this field) ranging from very small to medium/large plants, if you are after anything massive, you might want to go elsewhere, or ask the owner if he can get hold of what you're after. Greenery always brightens up any atmoosphere, and The Plant Shop certainly does that. If you need any plant advice, don't hesitate to ask the owner. I think I may have just saved one of my plants at home!

Pleased with the standard of quality of this furniture, which is all at competitive prices.read more

Now I'm trying to keep up with the Jones. Their house is way too impressive for my liking. So I can…read moreeither move or do up my pad. I'm guessing the first one is plain stupid (well stupid is as stupid does) so I got y sorry looking butt down to Red Brick Mill. What a pleasant find it is too. They pride themselves on some of the North's leading contemporary designers and their furniture is sheer class. They are home to 35 cutting-edge designers and there is enough inspiration to keep even my motor mouth quiet for an hour or so. If you want to jazz up your lounge, no problem. Slick and chic sofas sit along side funky tables. You'll even find plush flooring, cookware and gifts. It's quite pricey but sometimes money does buy taste and it shows here. Add to that four cafes to refresh those flagging shopping legs and it's worth a punt. A definite reason to venture into Batley and spruce up the house in your life.

I am really really looking forward to the day when I am living in my own house and I can furnish it…read morethe way I want. No landlords restricting painting, and enough space to put things that look nice and comfortable. This place on the outside just reads 'The Furniture Centre'. However, on their website they call themselves 'DFS - The Furniture Centre'. I am guessing this is so that they show up on search engines when people search for DFS Furniture, fair play to them. But they are not *the* DFS, so don't be confused between the two. Despite this they still offer a really good range of furniture, at a much cheaper price than the original DFS. Coffe tables, console tables, occasional tables, TV and media Units, storage units and book cases, tub chairs and arm chairs, dining room furniture, kitchen and bar furniture, mirrors, bedroom furniture, sofas and sofa beds can all be seen in their 4 showrooms. They also offer free delivery on purchases of over £1000.

This is a large superstore along the pedestrianised high street with loads of different varieties…read moreof furniture. Selections of various styles of beds, lamps, and curtains. Quite modern looking chairs with leather finish and contrasting fabric cushions, dining table and chair sets as well as outdoor furniture. The shop offers a small range of home office furniture, sofas and textile for various uses. All you need to a little home improvement. A delivery service is offered and there is also a comprehensive online shop.

I have to say, although having only been the once, I was instantly a fan of this fabulous shop…read more Along every wall you'll spot home made trinkets, specially crafted delights, and lovingly crafted goodies that appeal to a wide range of tastes. It's a pure treasure trove of locally crafted art work, paintings, crochet, knitting, jewellery, decorative pieces, hand bags, furniture and more. Each section has its own personality, and the shop shines as a haven of talent, made up of the various creative items displayed within. I realise this perhaps speaks to those who enjoy pretty things a little more than those who don't, but I'd whole heartedly recommend anyone wander in and take a good long browes - be it for gift shopping, inspiration, or simply to marvel at what can be created by our local talent. What's more, Fabrication hold regular classes, including sewing lessons, crochet and more. I've intended upon taking a class for some time, but haven't found the time, although I've heard some very good reports from folks I know who've partaken. Essentially, I've wanted to learn how to sew for a while, since it's one of the many talents my mother has that I didn't take advantage of whilst at home, and would love to see if I can continue the trend. I won't make a promise here in writing, but watch this space. I may be a dressmaker yet! The real lesson here? Visit this place now. Visit, get your creativity flowing, and support the local scene!

What great shop. Selling goods from local artists. I bought several cards from the hilarious…read moreRubbish Seaside section as well as a few Leeds Brudenell Social Club cards by Richard Heald. The Brudenell is one of the best music venues I have ever been to. Nice way to commemorate my love of it by framing these cards. Staff were very friendly as well. A must visit each time I am in Leeds.

Brian's is what I imagine to be a typical market florist - a stall selling a range of brightly…read morecoloured flowers emitting a gorgeous, refreshing scent into their modest surroundings. Brian's actually sells more flowers and a wider variety than most florist shops, which oddly I feel tend to be a bit minimalist flower-wise. The flowers here look happy and healthy and are affordably priced. There is a nice range to suit most tastes, though nothing particularly exotic or unusual. They also sell a small range of pretty pot plants. If you're looking for a reasonably priced gift or want to brighten up a dull room, Brian's Florist may well be worth a look.

Brian's is a lovely florists selling not only bunches of flowers but pot plants and herbs. At this…read moretime of year there are plenty of bunches of daffodils for sale and at Brian's they are market price, only £1.50 for 3 bunches, but of quality equal to any fancy shop-florists. A bunch of daffodils is a bunch of daffodils so why pay more? They have neat bunches of roses and pretty bouquets of lilies and other wonderfully colourful flowers that I don't even know the name of. Oh how out of touch we are with nature in this technological age! If you fancy a brush with nature and genuine Yorkshire folk then you can pick up pots of primroses for a mere 50p at Brian's!