As someone who lives in an apartment, it's not often you'll see me in a shop that devotes itself to…read moreoutdoor living. My Secret Garden in Teneriffe is the exception. The shop is treasure chest full of beautiful things for your garden, balcony, outdoor table as well as lovely art and gifts. I recently ducked in to buy a friend a wedding present and was highly successful in buying a unique gift that I was sure they could cherish for a long time. But it's possible to buy for yourself (even if you live in an apartment) with items such as pot plants which sit over a balcony railing, candles, deck chairs and hammocks. The owner Rick who mans the shop is friendly and always willing to chat. It's obvious that he is passionate about creating comfortable spaces and an urban oasis for us Brisbane dwellers. My Secret Garden is a treat of a shop whether you're shopping for yourself or not. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Teneriffe!

What better way to escape the heat of summer than to drop into what has to be the coolest…read more(temperature cool and awesome-cool) boutique outdoor living store in the inner-north. You feel like you've reached the inner-sanctum of serenity as you're greeted by the sounds of chilled out meditation music blended with the gentle gurgling of splashing water. Bliss? Yes. Dark wooden shelves are adorned with outdoor table decorations - from scented candles, to table cloths and an assortment of cups, saucers, cutlery and iced tea pitchers. The middle of the shop features outdoor furniture draped in bright cushions, towels and lamps. And of course, discounted, high-quality Christmas decorations and oversized deer (why not?). A perfect place to unwind and begin hoarding those decorations for your garden which you know you'll have to have once you step foot into this oasis of calm.

Belle Pot is a little kitchenware store, stocking anything and everything you need to add a splash…read moreof colour to the most important room in your house. The carefully arranged shelves reach all the way to the ceiling, towering over you full of utensils you never knew you needed but are sure to make life ever so much easier. Clocks adorn the walls as a variety of kettles jostle for space below. The completely open front of the store is partially obscured by a display of unusually designed plates and other crockery. My favourite thing they stocked were the water bottles, which may sound strange, if you don't know me. I carry a water bottle with me everywhere, something which has led to a great deal of lighthearted teasing on the part of my friends. Belle Pot had a display of a few different brands out the front, so I amused myself for a while deciding whether it was time for a new faithful friend. This is the perfect place to go if you're in the market to revamp your kitchen.

I thought Belle Pot was overpriced the first time I visited and there are some prices I wouldn't…read morepay for goods, but on the other hand, there's always some little enticing thing on the table out front to hook me when I'm walking by to lunch. The man who runs the store is always keen to help; I like to have a bit more of a browse before I commit, but like all tiny stores, we're very aware of each other's presence as soon as I go near the place. I've bought stable trays, tea cups, a knife, and some pretty glasses. No doubt I'll go back for more.

A tiny little nook of a shop but full of myriad surprises, (m)art is associated with the acclaimed…read moreArtisan Gallery in the Fortitude Valley. As you survey the intriguing range of jewellery, ceramics and other one-off pieces, you get the feeling that you've walked into a modern art museum (though on a small scale), the difference being that you can buy the artworks and take them home with you. The prices aren't cheap, as you'd expect for works of such quality. I've noticed some lovely bespoke ceramic cups and bowls going for $66 each, which I would happily buy for a wedding present or for my home. However, a series of commonplace objects encased in rectangular prism made of resin (the only I can remember was a dead bee) going for $220 each seemed a bit rich to me. Perhaps there's some special reason unbeknownst to a layperson such as myself for their seemingly exorbitant procetags.

(m)art design store has got to be one of my favourite shops in South Bank! This design space, come…read morejewellar, come book store, come gift shop is a mixture of different artist's work and boasts some gorgeous things. The design of the store itself is fantastic, and is one of the first things to catch the eye of people passing by. All of the shelves and display tops are made with upturned takeaway coffee cups. It adds a completely new dimension to your average shopping experience and really gives it the feel of an art gallery. Sure, the prices in (m)art aren't exactly cheap, but be careful to keep in mind that the work on display is primarily by local artists (and let's face it, us creative types are hard-pressed earning a crust). For this reason, I would say that the prices are fair. Next time you're in South Bank, make sure you head in to (m)art for a browse. It's the perfect place to buy a gift for someone who has everything, or even for a wedding present. Plus, it's always great to support local and emerging artists.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the door to this heavenly store was the divine smell…read more Hundreds of intoxicating candle aromas blended together cannot fail to impress your nose. I think that my obsession with lovely smelling items is a little more intense than most people's, so I absolutely loved this store. Candle Wick House stock the biggest range of candles I've ever seen, from tiny tea lights to monster-sized candles that would live to see many blackouts. They sell a variety of brands, including the Yankee Candle range, the Australian Ocean Collection, candles by Jelly Belly, and many more. Each of these brands offers many possibilities; you can imagine just how many different fragrances there are. For example, there are the more traditional smells such as sandalwood and lavender vanilla, but there are also blueberry scone, Farmer's market and almond cookie. As well as this, there are many other beautiful smelling options such as reed diffusers. I loved the design and feel of this shop; it felt soothing and cosy while the interior design was beautiful. I didn't buy anything but as I write this I cannot remember why not.

Walking into this shop is like Charlie walking into the Chocolate factory, but with candles instead…read moreof chocolate. Sure, call in if you need candles and gifts, but I would recommend even just going for the experience. The colours, smells and gorgeous decorations all mix together into a wonderland for your senses. Daina is more than happy for you to pick up and touch and smell various candles and diffusers and obviously passionate about the customer experience in the store. I love the Jelly Bean diffusers and the vast range of scents. Being Christmas time, Christmas decorations surrounded the windows and I cannot describe how intricate and well crafted these things are. I always have a great time browsing here and walk out feeling like I've been to a beauty spa.

It's hard for Urban Treats to compete in a homemaker centre containing big names such as Domayne,…read moreHarvey Norman and Far Pavillions. This smaller showroom is still worth checking out for indoor dining and coffee table options. On first appearance it looks like a suburban home ware store with candles and lanterns and generic sculptures. This is because given the size of the shop, stocking home ware and furnishings would make more sense. However this store is definitely catering for furniture with some funky chairs, low coffee tables, book shelves and even some eight seater dining table options. It's cramped but tasteful and definitely worth a browse if you're nesting it up in your first home.

We loved this furniture store".....Sadly, this business is no longer in Fortitude Valley…read moreHomemaker...... anyone know if they are still trading at a new location or under a new name?

I didn't go into this store because I wanted to buy homeware goods. I wanted to see what had become…read moreof this building - or rather, house. The structure has struck me as beautiful for years; when I was a child, this house was literally my dream house. I visited this "house" today. Because I wasn't intending to buy anything I looked at it all without worrying about price tags (though when I did glimpse a few it confirmed my suspicions: expensive). I felt like I could therefore just enjoy the store as an experience, because the homeware items, toys and antiques here are really quite quirky. I wandered about, absorbed in what felt like looking at art, and suddenly there was a bustling cafe in my face. I realized I'd become so absorbed I'd hit the base of the stairs leading to a cafe. Even the existence of the cafe seemed other-worldly; you don't see many coffee shops inside homeware stores. Unsurprisingly, I got lost on the way out. (Partly the result of embarrassment over having almost fallen onto stairs, partly because the place is quite maze-y.) A lovely staff member approached me, comprehended my dilemma and helped me. She also laughed at my self-deprecatory jokes, which is obviously the most important thing.

Blake and Taylor sell some of the most adorable furniture and home-wares that are either recycled…read moreor new pieces with a vintage edge. This store is not cheap but the merchandising and make a fun experience. This is the sort of store I can imagine myself shopping in if I ever become a 'lady who lunches' so I could invite my friends over for tea and show off my Blake and Taylor furniture. A lot of the things sold here have a vintage look that somehow manages to look modern. I think painting everything white and keeping everything free from too much embellishment is what makes things look chic rather than look like something your grandma would have in her guest room. I found the most amazing vanity at this store. It was all white with a huge round mirror and there was a cute little stool to go with it. It was adorable but at $350, I really did not need it (who really NEEDS a vanity anyway). Blake and Taylor is a treat to visit. Even if you are not a "lady who lunches" yet, it is a nice store to walk around and look at all the pretty things.

You know a place is going to be good when it catches your eye as you have a casual breakfast. I…read morealready have pretty high expectations of Wilston, simply because I've heard countless enthusiastic rants about how spectacular it is. Abode impressed me more than other homeware stores because rather than just sticking to your run of the mill selection, this place is a treasure trove if really lovely and special things. It's very sophisticated and yet equally accessible, with nothing tacky in sight. Being slightly obsessive compulsive, I greatly appreciated the fact that everything was colour coordinated, and Abode's layout of its wares blended so well from one section to another. I was particularly delighted by the high quality leather bags and the fuzzy wall paintings that greet you as you walk in. And forget conventional air fresheners for cars, at Abode they are called car aromatherapy accessories. Brilliant. This place is the perfect blend of cute, quaint, and cultured, and I zeroed in very quickly on a Grace Kelly book I saw in a far corner. But there are other books too and handmade cards that would impress any stern mother-in-law. Plus a truly gorgeous set of tree-shaped earrings that I couldn't pull away from. I walked out with far too much but with an immensely satisfied feeling. Classic Wilston, always producing a charming little place that not many people are aware of, but that everyone should know about.

Make no mistake, Abode and Bod is a homewares store- the nose Knows. Even if the smell of scented…read morecandles hits you upon entry, it's not overpowering. It makes the perfect introduction. Aesthetically, looking at the goods in the store is like a massage for the eyes. Items are organized into certain colour tones and pallets. It may look a little chaotic but there's a beauty to this madness. Cooling hues of grays blend into warm earth textures that then flow to vibrant greens and fresh blues surrounding a table with red themed objects. Due to this arrangement, as you follow the colour swatches around the room, you are able to gain an idea of what will work in your own home. So if you're looking for a few pieces to bring a room together the organisation in Abode has made it easy for you to find something for your aesthetic. Besides to the typical homeware apparel Abode also has a wide range of items that would make great presents for a loved one or gifts for yourself. This eclectic treasure trove has everything from eco-friendly jewelry, casual ladies clothing to interesting books for coffee tables. The thing that I liked about shopping here was that the staff weren't pressure sellers, they just let me drift through and dig around until I found what I was looking for. If I had a question they were really helpful. Abode is a homely store with an eclectic and suburban arts feel to it, go visit.

On boxing day my son and I walked into Mott and Mulberry Brisbane the costumer sales agent gave us…read moreassistance on other shops as we could not find what we were searching for we ended up back at this store because of the great service from Helen and because of her great service the first time returned back within the hour and found something else suitable as a gift and Helen wrapp3d both purchases quick efficiently and presented so beautifully. Because of Helen this shop is highly recommended great gifts excellent service outstanding and so personal thank you Helen for making that morning before our flight so much ease in shopping for gifts. We Wil definitely be returning everytime we visit Brisbane airport as we are now locals who relocated from Perth.

This shop is a gem! It is filled with beautiful gifts and homewares from Australia and abroad…read more Beautiful baby gifts and a great selection of cards. I recommend you check it out if you are looking for a special gift for someone - or even yourself! :) I stumbled across this shop while hunting for a particular gift book. Ellen went out of her way to search the store and when they were out of stock called her supplier. The supplier then hand delivered the book to the store. Ellen made our day with her attention and generosity. I will definitely be visiting again when back home in Australia. Thank you so much!