Remember the days when there was no Pottery Barn, no Restoration Hardware, no Crate & Barrel and no West Elm? Where ever did we shop for furniture in Vancouver? (Ikea, I think.)

Vancouver is now home to a number of small boutique-style furniture stores that sell beautiful wares. Perhaps more importantly, these shops are fronted by personable staff (in many cases the owners) who are more than willing to help you with your product and design needs.  If you’re in the market for something to spruce up your home this spring, here are some of my must-shops.

THE CROSS

This recently expanded store on Homer and Davie is now 8,000 feet of gorgeous. Stop at The Cross for beautiful bed and table linens, throw pillows and furniture, not to mention the city’s best selection of Moroccan poofs. (See mine below.)  Co-owners Darci Ilich and Stephanie Vogler also offer interior design services and an extensive online catalogue. Follow The Cross on Instagram for a regular dose of inspiration.

EAST INDIA CARPETS

This Vancouver mainstay is the place to go for luxury rugs and carpets. (They’ve been in the business since 1948!) Indian, Tibetan, silk, shag, jute, wool… the selection is vast. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at East India, consider a custom rug.  I’m currently consulting with them about replacing this tired runner with something lighter and punchier.  I have to go custom because of the length of the hallway.

MINT

Mint Interiors is actually two shops, one on the corner of 2^nd and Fir and the other half a block up. The former mainly carries smaller pieces include tableware, throws, cushions and other design-forward knickknacks, including many pieces from Jonathan Adler. The larger store is home to a well-curated selection of furniture. I recently purchased this leather chair after coveting it for more than a year. It was time it came home with me. 

PARLIAMENT

Nestled among the touristy shops of Water Street in Gastown, Parliament is a great source for modern furnishings and accessories.  Prices are relatively reasonable and I always find something cheap and cheerful that will inject colour into my predominantly neutral home palate, like this turquoise bowl.  Plus, I love their owl logo.  Owls are pretty common these days, but I swear I saw it here first. 

PERIDOT

Think white, light and yes, somewhat girly.  Tucked away on West 14^th off of Granville, if I’m looking for something specific, Peridot is my first stop.  I love the selection in store and shop owner, Leah Balderson, is my home decor secret weapon.   She has great style, sticks to my budget and is wonderful at sourcing out specific pieces.  She came to the rescue when I searched high and low for a glass chandelier. 

PROVIDE

High-end chachkie heaven. Provide carries many beautiful ceramics, glass ware, artwork and jewelry by local designer Shereen de Rousseau.  I bought a gorgeous painting from local artist David Burns here and it’s a great source for gifts, including ones for myself, like this turquoise, green and dark blue vase that I’ve had for years.  The rich hues still put a smile on my face.  

Do you have a favourite decor store that I’ve missed, either in Vancouver or elsewhere? I’d love to hear about it!