Francophiles, be warned. This boutique is an utter explosion of Parisian inspired home decor and…read moreaccessories to love. Walk inside to high ceilings and low-set chandeliers garnished with crystals and brass trim. The store is a massive collection of decor for all rooms in the home, and fixtures both big and small. Tables and chairs, place settings, dishes, wine holders, umbrella bins, candelabras, lamps, bath salts, soaps-- the list doesn't end. The store's vast collection of material goods is unified under a gorgeous Baroque inspired esthetic. The store is well laid out; however, it seems impossible to take it all in during one visit. There is an overwhelming abundance of things to look at, but an obvious eye for detail and decadence. Affiliated with Abby's Fabric Shop, the store also contains plentiful fabric spools to allude luxury. Bellissimo is rich and a gorgeous spot to explore. Prices are heavy, so I will continue to daydream for now. But with the fantasy selection of pretty things, I shall encourage my Parisian cliché with visits to Bellissimo Boutique.

What a charming find! Whether you are decorating your own place or hunting for a unique house…read morewarming gift for someone, Bellissimo is the place to visit. Situated on Agricola in the middle of interior designers, antique dealers and architects and specialty lighting experts, it certainly is the crowning jewel. No matter what you're looking for from European antiques, fabrics for draperies and furniture, rugs, candles and every other kind of decorating accessories to make your house/apartment/condo truly - HOME. It's the perfect place to shop for house warming gifts and even smaller "Hostess" gifts - the ones that say you actually put time and thought into it. ...not just another bottle of wine or bunch of flowers. Everything from handcrafted candles and soaps to picture frames and other unique one of a kind items to be treasured.

If ever there was a business that had a sign that read "Buyer Beware' this is the business. My…read morewife asked me to shop for a gift for some friends. I chose an item, checked out, and proceeded to take it home. Well, as luck would have it my wife felt it was not what we should give, so I went back to Thornbloom and requested a refund. This was all of two hours after my initial purchase. At this point the clerk a said that the item was 'seasonal' and could not be returned. She then pushed aside a box that half covered an 8X10 sign taped to the counter that indicated that no returns of 'seasonal' merchandise would be considered. I had not been informed verbally of this policy when I checked out, nor did the receipt I was given state that the sale was Final. The half covered sign constituted notice, and I had not seen it when checking out earlier that day. So clearly Thornblooms had covered themselves legally, but they obviously failed Business Ethics 101. Now, many stores have this policy at this time of the year, but they display it clearly and usually mark the receipts as a Final Sale - not Thornblooms. I guess they feel they are above such common courtesy. I will donate the item to the Mission Mart at Bayers Lake and hopefully they will get a few bucks for it and that will go to a good cause - Souls Harbour. As for me, I will avoid this business as I would avoid the plague. I prefer to deal with people who actually run their business in an ethical manner.

I have never written an online review but the service I received at this store was so terrible, I…read morehad to write something. I ordered an item online for a holiday gift at the price posted online of $215. My order was processed and I received a confirmation email. When I called them just a few minutes later to find out some details about the item, I was told by the sales agent (Martha) that the item I was calling about was in fact definitely in stock, but not at the $215 price tag. Instead it was actually $515 (!!!). A few minutes after my call the item mysteriously disappeared from their website and I was told that they don't see that item at that price. At the request of Martha, I provided screen captures of my confirmed order, detailing the item that was bought, and the price at which it was purchased. At that point I was told to call the owner Debbie. Not only did Debbie refuse to honour the price at which I was able to place my order, she was completely rude and unapologetic, and kept saying repeatedly and alternately that: 1. "We don't have the item in the colour you ordered it in" 2. "We don't have that item in the store at that price" 3. "We are not obliged to honour prices on our website"!!!! This, despite the fact that the original person I spoke with had the item in her hand. I'm not sure how they've stayed in business as long as they have. If they had made even a tiny effort to keep me as a customer or extend any courtesy, I would have understood that mistakes happen. However, given that they would not own up to their mistake, confess that this was entirely their fault and gave me terrible excuses to avoid honouring the price that was on their website, has left me with a very bad experience.

This shop is about antique and restorations of larger furnishings. Tables, armours, clocks, lamps…read moreand pieces to make an impact. There's an antique phonograph in the back. For me? I wish. The store is a double isle of content with minimal trinkets and lots of grande. Its a solid enough spot for a look if you're furniture shopping. The owner of the store was friendly enough, displaying some dry humor as he encouraged my sister and I towards the rifles. (encased in glass) Although there wasn't anything that sparked my interest for the time being, I see this as a worthy pit stop for the vintage shopper and those looking for furniture with Victorian flare.

For collectors and acquirers alike - this North End ensemble of furnishings is stuffy and serious,…read morewhile managing to be elegant and royal at the same time. This antique shop isn't of the trinket variety, instead carrying large furniture pieces and lamps, with some china and decor sprinkled in the mix. I've never been offered a salutation on my handful of visits to this shop, but I browse nonetheless, ignoring the fact that I am perpetually ignored. Today I eyed a marvelous brass and crystal candelabra, wearing a $495 price tag as well as a few rich and gorgeous bureaus. There are pieces dating back to the 1920s, perfectly restored with care, precision and expertise. The store proprietor, Jim McLellan has been working in the restoration business for some 25 years now, so brings much experience to the art of refurbishing antique goods. A fine place to duck into if you're on the hunt for some fancy home furnishings.

If I had endless amounts of money, I'd buy all of my home decor here. It's pricey, but everything…read moreis well-designed and perfectly curated for modern tastes. If my home could look like the interior of the Independent Mercantile, I'd be happy. I love the furniture, but I almost love the knick knacks even more. Door knobs, door knockers, candles, some makeup, cards, beard care kits...if you're a young professional I bet you'll find something you'll like in this store. I've got my eye on the cotton curtains they sell (at least I hope they still sell them! They did one of the last times I was in) in particular. They're beautiful designed and because they're cotton they'll last forever. *thumbs up* If you like the vibes of Biscuit General Store, you'll like the Independent Mercantile. They're very similar aesthetics, though this shop focuses on the home rather than fashion. (I think they have the same owner? Not 100% sure on that one though) Oh, they have a sale section in the back - make sure you check it out for good deals!

I love this store, in fact it is probably one of my favourites in the HRM…read more It is a combination of cute trinkets, practical housewares and personal hygiene products. Everywhere you turn there's some unique item that catches your eye. I particularly love their selection of cruelty-free beauty products by companies like Pacifica and the eco conscious products in store. The downside is the cost for me. Eco products tend to costs a ridiculous fortune. Regardless, I love this store and think it's simply adorable.

Norman Flynn showcases a sweeping fusion of original lighting designs in his North End Halifax…read morestore. There is a clear vision here and a heavy dosage of innovation and "outside the box" creations. It is apparent that Flynn bares no boundaries to the concept of light, and it speaks through his unprecedented collection. With a careful eye for presentation, the store's esthetic is crisp, monochromatic and minimalist. It is a well constructed space that provides an open concept, yet the element of surprise with wall spacing and little nooks. The experience reads more as a visit to a large-scale gallery or museum -- one of a kind looks and true artistry to awe over. Every design was completely different and heavily inspired. Flynn exudes versatility in form, texture, material and scale to give each piece of work its own identity. Truly innovative- this place was inspiring.

Norman Flynn Designs is like walking into a Gallery…read more It is breathtaking, the magnificent lighting they have displayed. Some of them are truly like pieces of art. The show room is very elegant. I was in awe looking around. A very nice gentleman came out and spoke with me, telling me they have only been involved in the lighting for about three years. The interior design, far longer. They have been written up in two local magazines here in 2007, En Route Magazine and Lifestyle Maritimes. I would say, judging by the lighting and decor, this would not be a place where if you have to ask, "How Much" you should venture. Other than to dream and plan for your future purchases. If you are looking for top quality design, fresh ideas, and unique fixtures, this would be your stop.

This store doesn't only carry quilts, although it does have some very nice ones hanging from the…read morewalls. I went here for the duvets/comforters. Compared to Sears, Quilts etc. has a higher quality, lower priced, and intensely more easily navigated selection, so shopping here instead was an obvious decision. I needed something for my new twin bed, and with the friendly help of the sales lady, I ended up with the student special on sale - only 30 bucks for a microfibre comforter. The outside was polyester, but I had a cotton cover to put over it anyway. There were lots of other duvets of various price and quality hanging from the walls, so you could actually feel what you were getting. I know I'll come back here when I can afford something a little more pricey to sleep under.

I love this small but mighty store. It's very well stocked with duvets, blankets and throws, sheet…read moresets, etc. in all kinds of colours, patterns, and styles. It also has a cute selection of children's blankets, bathrobes, slippers, stuffed toys and more. Their minky berber throws (velour-like material on one side, white, fluffy, soft-as-a-cloud lining on the other) are perfect for snuggling under while watching tv or getting lost in a good book. And they are SO warm, it's wonderful, especially if you're someone who's always cold, like me. I have been in this store quite a few times over the past year, and have always found the staff to be very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Their prices are also quite affordable compared to the competition, and they tend to have a lot of sales, especially around the holidays, so they can be a good place to pick up some Christmas gifts.

A wonder-filled chock-a-block antique store with unexpected treasures. Prices were very fair.read more

Love this little north end shop. Owner is fair, honest and super knowledgeable. I've found some…read moregreat deals at Hayes.

If you're looking to get good customer service, DO NOT go to this store. I recently was shopping…read morefor a new bedspread/duvet and a new set of sheets. I spotted this store and thought it would be a good idea to have a look. When I walked in, I had an older lady approach me. She seemed so helpful and eager to sell me their product. I wasn't 100% sure that what I was buying was what I was looking for. Anyways, I bought it and regreated it right away. I felt I spent too much money on it and wasn't sure I liked the pattern up against my wall when I got home. Anyways, apparently their return policy is 7 days because on the 8th day, I tried to return this (never used) and I was shut down. They literally hung up on me when I called. I was devistated by the lack of customer service. It was almost as if she was just looking for my sale....once she got it, I didn't matter. I will never shop this store again!

I have been shopping at this store for many years now and have bought bedding, curtians and even…read morepicked out some of their material and had them make curtians for me. I have always received the best service, best quality of material as well. They have been very upfront with me about their return policy so it encouraged me to take the goods home to make sure I'm happy with it and at times I have had to return or exchange things and they have always been great. I'm moving again this weekend and will head there in the next day or so and finish my new home with their stuff!!