Last month I shared my ideas on places to shop if you are decorating your home on a tight budget. Shopping off the beaten track is a great concept if you have the time and if that’s what that your budget dictates. For the majority of people though, we lead busy lives, our time is precious and we do have the freedom to spend a little more money on pieces for our homes. This month, I want to add a little balance to the equation and highlight places to shop that offer fantastic choice without the run around.
EMPIRE, 521 Beaufort Street, Highgate WA 6063, Phone 9228 1022
Having been around for many years, Empire is a Perth shopping institution. It’s a store that invites you not only to appreciate beautiful products but also to buy into a lifestyle ideal. Empire’s trendy gallery houses a beautifully chosen collection of designer products and statement furniture pieces that blend the exotic, rustic and industrial with their characteristic sublime bohemian modern twist. (AND they’re opening a new ‘boys bits’ accessories department very soon!)
DOMAIN GALLERY, 381 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9443 7555
Domain Gallery takes contemporary lifestyle boutique culture to the masses. It’s one of Perth’s largest showrooms offering something for just about everyone. They house a massive, ever changing collection of quality furniture, soft furnishings and accessories with a popular ‘bling’ edge. From streamlined contemporary, chic traditional, right through to a touch of the more rustic and exotic. It’s a popular place to shop so there’s always something new arriving in store.
BAY LEATHER REPUBLIC, 501 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9445 2155
A relative new-comer to Perth, Bay Leather Republic brings a tailored contemporary edge. It’s an exciting store that blends traditional, studio warehouse and international design aesthetics. While focusing mainly on furniture of medium to larger scales, they also have plenty of interesting major accessories to back up their look. Their unique collections explore well defined forms and textures, quality craftsmanship and a range of finishes that you don’t see elsewhere.
CONTEMPO COLLECTION, 22 King Edward Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9443 5439
As the name suggests, Contempo offer a range of contemporary furniture. What sets them apart is a glamorous international aesthetic that blends pure forms with functionality and a very sleek modern edge. Their showroom houses a collection of high quality modern classic replica pieces set alongside well known international brands from Italy, Spain, New Zealand and beyond. A definite must visit for those with architecturally designed homes and apartments.
SAMSARA FURNITURE & HOMEWARES, 4/505 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9242 8977
Samsara offers a relaxed mix of eastern culture and contemporary lifestyle pieces. Their showroom blends the characteristic warmth of handmade timber pieces from a variety of backgrounds with sympathetically themed accessories. Rather than just one culture it’s a melting pot of different oriental styles which creates a clever broad appeal. You can find anything ranging from the simple and understated, right through to unique elaborate rustic treasures.
ARCHIPELAGO LIVING, 488 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9288 8100
Archipelago has a broad appeal and offers a variety of furniture, homewares and accessories. They stock an eclectic range of looks centering on pared back contemporary styling blended with European, Asian and rustic influences. Solid timbers, generous sizes and pleasant subtle detail feature heavily in their collections. It’s also worth mentioning that they stock a substantial collection of quality casual outdoor furniture.
HARVEY NORMAN, 475 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017, Phone 9441 1100
As obvious as it may seem, many people still forget that Harvey Norman have a huge selection of furniture, accessories and homewares throughout several departments. It’s such a big store that they offer ranges at many different price levels, not to mention the added bonus of long payment terms if that appeals. Looking through their showroom you’ll see that it’s home to a huge variety of looks, from ultra traditional to clean and contemporary.
CHINTA DESIGNS, 189 Colin Place, West Perth WA 6005, Phone 9481 1356
While this store is small, it definitely deserves a mention. Chinta showcases a gorgeous collection of all things beautiful out of Bali. They offer a range of carefully chosen pieces that blend artisan craftsmanship with contemporary styling. Their ever changing range includes unique items made from natural timbers, cast and hand carved stone, displayed with unusual accessories, jewellery and fashion to complete their sensory boutique resort vibe.
I hope you all enjoy getting out and supporting these and other businesses but remember if it all gets too much, you can always get a decorator in to help. I’ve added heaps more images for this article on the Matt Tucker Interiors Facebook page, so check them out too.
Matt Tucker, www.matttuckerinteriors.com.au
