As an interior stylist working across styling shoots for books, brands and magazines, along with private residential clients, it’s my job to hunt out new and exciting places to shop, especially among the smaller shops.
I love small shops, independent retailers opening businesses that reflect their style and personality. These stores are often the hidden gems that I love to uncover. Small stores offer a personal touch and a refined edit, I have many of these stores in my black book to hit when required. I find they are often more specific, local and often have hard to find one of a kind items.
Discovering new exciting places to shop is one of the fun aspects of what I do, whether it’s via Instagram or word of mouth, I’m always on the hunt,finding new stores that offer a new shopping experience.
I’m excited to be involved with this year’s Shop Small movement, founded by American Express. In support of all the amazing things that small businesses do for us, the Shop Small Movement encourages people to go out there and give local small businesses what they need the most – more customers.
Did you know? At participating small businesses across the country throughout November, American Express Card Members will receive $10 credit when they spend $20 or more, up to ten times during the month.
Here I’m sharing some of my favourite small stores that I visit often. There are always more small stores to discover, so take a look at some of my favourite small businesses on my personal Shop Small map
One of my most favourite Melbourne stores, and a small store not lacking in personality. Head here to find homewares, lighting, gifts, furniture and more. A mixture of new and vintage, there is something here for everyone. When owner Orlando opened his store, I visited shortly after and we have become best of friends. He and his staff not only offer an excellent selection but also friendly service. If you’re looking for something for your home or a gift this is the place to head.
Tait offer one of the best locally made (made in Melbourne) collection of predominately outdoor furniture. Collaborating with a number of other local designers their collection is simple, modern and inspiring. Head here to sort out your outdoor space, big or small.
Super stylist and my friend Sibella Court’s store alike to other, is filled with one of a kind hand-picked items all for the home. She has an eye like no other (take a look at her books for inspiration) Her large warehouse style shop space is always packed with items large and small including artworks, hardware, furniture homewards and more, all with a found, natural point of view.
A small independent retailer but big on design, Perth’s premiere design hub for furniture, homewares, lighting and more. Located in the Perth CBD, Design Farm offers Western Australia’s leading range of design brands for the home.
The original Paddington gift shop, having recently moved to a bigger and better building, it’s a big small store and a family run business since 1968. It’s the perfect store to go for gifts, books, homewares, cards , furniture and homewares, with over 2 levels it’s a huge, big store filled with wonderful things.
A small store by name, focusing on living in small spaces, owner Sarhs’ store is light, bright and white, with a hand-picked edit of art, furniture and other decor items all designed for modest sized living.
A Bondi favourite, owner Elvie offers a colourful mix of fashion and home decor items sourced by herself from near and far. Head into this store to be transported somewhere else.
A small store with big brands, head here for a carefully curated edit of top brands such as Missoni Home, Tom Dixon, Muuto, Marrimekko and more. Offering a large collection in a small space this is the perfect store to furnish your home or find that perfect gift.
It’s no secret I love plants especially indoors plants. I love supporting local small businesses and Eco Garden Bondi offer a great election of plants, pots and gardening items. I pop in often sourcing plants here for clients, shoots and our home.
The Dea Store offers a carefully curated selection of homewares with a strong focus on table ware. Head here for interesting ceramics, glassware and all kinds of things for your table.
The original Surry Hills design store now located in the even cooler Redfern. Head here for a mix of old and new. With design classics like Marimekko and Iitala, along with an extensive fabric selection loads of gifts and homewares.
Head into these stores today! I would love to hear about your favourite small interior store too – feel free to tag me and #ShopSmallAU on Instagram !
Click here to see my Shop Small Map and some of my favourite Small stores