Unearth Brisbane’s hottest homewares trail in a day
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Looking for a souvenir that'll stand the test of time on your shelf? Skip the knick-knacks and kitchy tourist shops, and find something more unique to take home with you.
If you're a serious shopper, this guide to Brisbane's homewares shopping trail is for you. From local boutiques and antique halls to one-of-a-kind designers, get ready to snap up luxurious homewares or quirky pieces worthy of stuffing into your checked luggage.
Paddington Precinct
Home to cute Queenslanders, independent boutiques, oodles of cafes and unique homewares stores, it pays to start your day in Paddington. You'll find some of Brisbane's best breakfast spots right here, so settle in at Kettle & Tin, Chapter IV or Anouk to fuel up.
9.30am: Blake & Taylor
Photo by @blakeandtaylorbyellie
Once the original Paddington butcher, and now a 1890’s renovated, mural-covered homestead, Blake & Taylor screams elegance and sophistication. .
These days the shop dices up meaty gems of a different kind, including recycled and new furniture, homewares, leather goodies and clothing, all coated in country charm - and everything you need for a DIY project, down to the paint.
10.00am: Empire Revival
Photo by @empire.revival
Drive or wander up trendy Latrobe Terrace and discover antique and vintage utopia at Empire Revival, formerly known as Paddington Antiques Centre. You'll find everything from furniture to homewares to jewellery and fashion inside this heritage-listed art deco theatre.
Rummage for lights of every shape, size and colour; commission a custom fabric lampshade; or plan next weekend’s dress-up party in an old retro vintage dress. It's a true treasure trove.
Inside Empire Revival you'll find Sachs and Cornish, selling antique, vintage and new fabrics as well as ready made and custom made lampshades and cushions.
10.45am: Green Tangerine
Right next door is Green Tangerine, a beautifully-curated boutique that's made a name for itself thanks to its range of Australian-made homegoods and accessories. If you're looking for the perfect on-trend gift, design-forward vases, planters and dining ware, this is for you.
Got a little extra time in Paddington? Stop in at Sheets on the Line and The Gentleman's Apartment.
Fortitude Valley
Jump in the car, bypass the CBD, and within 15 minutes you’ll be launching yourself into trendy Fortitude Valley, lined with bustling bars, restaurants and nightclubs; and designer-clad James Street shopping precinct for high-end retail therapy at its best.
11.30am: St Barts
Photo by @stbartsstores
Anchor the car and picture yourself stepping off a superyacht on the warm Caribbean Coast. This homely space showcases bohemian luxe goodies curated from global travels - so if you're style is a little bit eclectic, a little bit beach house, this is one store you need to visit.
12.00pm: Jardan
Close by on James Street, family-owned Jardan offers handcrafted, contemporary furniture and homewares that look like a work of modern art. Best yet, sustainability is at the core of their values - the company has achieved Australia’s highest possible environmental rating.
12.30pm: Coco Republic
Photo by @lamericano_bne
One of Australia's leading furniture and design brands, Coco Republic is a name you'll probably know. But there's one more reason to time your visit here for lunch: L'Americano Espresso Bar. This chic cafe tucked into Brisbane's showroom is the perfect pitstop on your homewares shopping itinerary. Take a breather, devour freshly made pasta and sandwiches over a glass of wine, and then get ready for a post-lunch peruse.
1.30pm: Matt Blatt
Step inside this edgy urban warehouse for a punch-in-face of striking colours. Stroll through high-end replica dining room displays, racks of fun cushion slips, and quirky ornaments such as a life-size horse and Aztec cow horns every teenage girl must have on her wall.
2.15pm: Anna Spiro Design
Before making tracks to Brisbane’s southside, you have to take a little detour to New Farm to Anna Spiro Design. This interior designer and creative director is the flair behind some of the city's most show-stopping restaurants (as well as some holiday-envy-inducing resorts), but you can get a piece of the bold-print action right here. That might be a statement lamp or her coffee table book Absolutely Beautiful Things, which will make the perfect gift for someone wanting to spruce up their home.
Brisbane's south
Finish the day south-side in antique heaven, strolling through the industrial sheds filled with goodies and trendy cafes.
3.30pm: Camp Hill Antique Centre
This is one place you might get lost in, unintentionally. The thought of Brisbane’s largest antique store might be daunting, but you can always take 10 minutes out in the Tart Cafe to replenish. Then just put one foot in front of the other and in no time you’ll be wandering through the 70-odd dealers, gathering vintage radios, unique buttons, 1920s servingware, oddities and treasures you can add some DIY flair to yourself.
Once your shopping day is done, you're just a short scoot from local favourites like Cinco Bistro, Maude, Perch'd or California Native. Otherwise, head back into the city and get ready to dine the night away.
