Blake & Taylor

I like this increasing trend of diversification into coffee by homewares, bookshops et al. It means that if I don’t find the non-​edible product I may be looking for (whether a wedding gift or just my next read) I can always bank on getting one thing I like — coffee.
Blake & Taylor seem to specialise in new and second-​hand French provincial home wares. During a recent search for a wedding present I spied some reasonably priced white crockery which wasn’t quite special enough for the gift. I liked the look of their certified French antique cheeseboard, but at over $ 200, it was more cheddar than I could afford.
A Veneziano coffee was an investment I made in a snap. I left sipping my find, happy in the knowledge that it elevated me above the ranks of the stingy perennial browser.

Blake and Taylor sell some of the most adorable furniture and home-​wares that are either recycled or 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.

I didn’t go into this store because I wanted to buy homeware goods. I wanted to see what had become of 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 café in my face. I realized I’d become so absorbed I’d hit the base of the stairs leading to a café. Even the existence of the café 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.

This is a homeware store with a theme; everything in this place is centred on a white and neutral palette. The pleasant effect of this style hits you as soon as you enter. Here you’ll find not only new furniture but recycled pieces, all of which are top quality. I discovered some very unusual candle holders; small, circular wicker basket type things. There was plenty other unique and lovely things, but you’ll just have to pay them a visit and see for yourself.

I could easily spend a few hours and a lot of money in this gorgeous homewares store in Paddington. Full of new and recycled furniture, everyday and vintage items, jewellery and toys, there is something for everyone. There is even a coffee shop in-​store so one can take a break from the overwhelming adorableness of it all! I would say the prices are pretty fair, its far from overpriced unless you are looking at a large vintage furniture item. I love finding unusual gifts here for the hard to buy for but usually also end up with a few things for myself!