Asian discount stores are a necessary stop for canny decorators: you’ll find things here that wouldn’t look out of place in the grandest boutiques in New York or London.
You’ll dig deep for treasure, but it’s worth it. Go to areas where there is a critical mass of shops (in Sydney, Eastwood and Campsie, stand out), so you can compare and contrast. Turnover is quick: grab bargains today, because they won’t be there tomorrow.
Most of what you’ll find in $2 shops is rubbish – but 5 per cent will be pure gold – the sort of artefacts that make a home unique, and for a tiny price. Look for natural textures, muted colours and minimal decoration, but also keep an eye out for exuberant items such as pots, fans and table accessories. Keep an eye out for these 8 things:
- Discount damask, silk, linen, cotton and wool that you can use to whizz up fabulous cushions
- Woven office storage boxes and baskets
- Seagrass and rattan placemats and coasters
- Giant glass storage containers with proper seals
- Glass and stone-coloured ceramic vases
- Teapots, jugs, enamel vacuum flasks
- Glass hurricane candle shades
- Candle votives
- Vases – seek out straight-sided, squat glass designs to quirky ceramic pieces
Pick up rattan placemats that are dead ringers for designer versions.
Snaffle ceramic vases that could easily pass muster as high-end designer ones.
Look out for simple, affordable designer-look glass containers
