This store has been here for ages! Country Theme sell some pretty cool stuff, quite a mix too. The…read moreday I went in last they had a funky outdoor table and bench that was made from various different colours of wood planks and a 70's styled swivel chair with matching foot stool that was covered in grey fabric with different coloured buttons in the back. Yes some of the furniture is country themed, but there are also some arty or quirky pieces and home decor items. Price wise, the range is from $6 for a Turkish water glass to $1,000 upwards for furniture. If you're after a store that is different from the norm to furnish your house, this is one of the best Auckland has to offer I reckon.

The Studio of Tableware is a business that has been in and around Mt Eden for over 30 years…read more Specialising in a variety of different fine china, glassware, vases, cutlery and other kitchen-related paraphernalia, it is one of those shops that make you wish you could win Lotto just so you could buy everything in store! The Studio of Tableware is a favourite for brides-to-be when it comes to choosing the pattern for their dinnersets and general gifts, but it's a great place to find presents that are just a little bit special for anyone! The Studio also stock fabulous cookware - dinner dishes, platters, casserole dishes, serving dishes, soup terrines - all the big names of the china world can be found here. Whether you like the simple yet classic whites or something more heavily patterned and ornate, The Studio of Tableware is the place to go. With prices ranging from quite affordable to the hideously expensive, no matter your budget you'll be able to find something special here!

Nood is located in the new Apex shopping precinct opposite Sylvia Park. Its a fairly new…read moreestablishment and out of habit I always like to visit if I'm the area. What makes Nood so interesting is that they have a lot of very different products at different price points. From novelty mini books and plush toys to very expensive duvets, Nood certainly doesn't put itself under one umbrella. The Apex store is very big and split in two and red and black are the dominant colours in here- I love the decor in here. On one side you have a lot of bedding, room furniture, knick knacks, clocks; on the other is kitchenware (I love their stuff on this side!) and a few bargain items too. Their high end items are great to look at; there have been a few clocks I've definitely been eyeing up! But a lot of their products are hugely design-based and really seem like one of a kind/limited edition type stuff. On the other end of the spectrum they've got some affordable items, particularly their glasses and other kitchenware, and their sales are always worth making time for. I only own one item from Nood and its this awesome bullet cocktail shaker- since I received it as a gift I've been looking for a few more things to add to my Nood collection!

ZABOL - four stars,but only just... A unique store I have…read morevisited a few times. Each time I am instantly drawn in by the shop window items, middle eastern treasures of brass ornaments and detailed exotic rugs, beautiful and traditional. Although the venue is small they also stock some traditional pottery with unique geometric designs, also stunning in my opinion. Think Moroccan. Lanterns, jewellery, a few bits and pieces but mostly rugs/kilims, which was my particular purchase aim. I have honestly however walked out empty handed each time, they are far beyond my price range. I will consider this a high end art gallery I guess, beautiful items to be admired only. They have an amusing sign on the front door regarding the opening hours. Lets just say their hours of trade are 'subject to change' regularly, and I can attest that this is very true! Weekdays are likely to be between noon till 5pm, but no guarantee's they will actually be there either. RING first! They are also happy to have you come visit/buy outside of these times but once again call and ask. They staff are very friendly and happy to help where they can.

Walking into this store is like stepping into the bedroom of your dreams. Harrowset Hall is has…read morenarrow spaces between beautifully dressed beds with stunning duvets, quilts, blankets and hand embroidered throws, so many cushions and plump pillows. French armoires are open displaying more bedding and down the back of the store there are plush organic cotton towels from Portugal and bed linen, 500 plus count sheets made from Egyptian cotton. All of the beautiful French furniture in store is available for sale so you can recreate Parisian sleeping bliss in your own bedroom.

Earlier this week I popped into Country Road in Mt Eden for the first time to check out their…read morefurnishings and furniture, particularly lamps and cushions. They had ample of both, along with anything else you might like to spruce up your bedroom, lounge room or kitchen with. The showroom is very big, with technically three levels. Lots of very beautiful timber furniture that distracted me, and I particularly liked the black and white fabric dining chairs that were on sale, eight for $800, very nice, but not what I was after. The cushions started off at $30 but most were quite pricey. Lamps, plenty of those too but none jumped out at me enough to purchase today. The name 'Country Road' will probably conjure up images of old fashioned 'country' style decor, but I found that most of these items were modern looking, with a few 'urban' pieces here and there. The lovely sales lady I encountered goes by the name Faye, she was chatty, smiley and willing to help if needed, was a warm welcome overall.

This is one of my favorite stores to visit for interior inspiration. Tesori has elegant products…read moredirectly imported from Europe hand selected by the owners and the store layout and window displays are like something out of an interiors magazine. Tesori has beautiful accent pieces from chandeliers to vases as well as mirrors and art work. There is a large range of kitchen staples such as glass storage jars and an outdoor area which has vintage looking lanterns and other interesting pieces. There is always something new in store so best to check in often as there are small quantities or often one off pieces that may be gone if you don't snap them up straight away.

My wife and I have enjoyed many lovely hours wondering through this store and we have brought some…read morebeautiful French antiques and other very unique pieces which has added that extra special something to our home. The store owners are friendly, helpful and offer excellent advice. This is our favourite store!

You always feel good about buying stuff from here. You know that by doing so you help support…read morevillages of people in third world countries whose standard of living is improved by you being a Trade Aid customer. The prices are very reasonable too. They sell a wide range of items from woven baskets and kids toys to bedding and food, the dried mango and papaya is seriously good! The soaps which come from India are really good, many scents and one of the few places to find neem soap which is really good for your skin which is what I come here for all the time. The staff here are very friendly too.

Love love love Trade Aid stores. It is a business / organisation that helps those which provide the…read moregoods. It is an ideal shopping scenario, not only can you purchase amazing and non-expensive items, but a massive chunk of the proceeds go to the people who helped make them, and others. Trade Aid deals with several products, from candles, chocolates and teas, to blankets, jewellery and pillows. You can also purchase stationary and musical instruments, it really is an all out there kind of store. And everything is absolutely authentic, which is wonderful. This particular Trade Aid store is quite on the smaller side of things, but they still offer a lot of great things for purchase, I particularly like their collection of candles and scarves here. The staff are also very friendly here, and are always up for a chat, especially when you ask them about the organisations they help, and the places they've traveled to, to find the goods, it makes for a very interesting story.