Sydney's best design stores

Planet

Surry Hills

Planet is different to other showrooms. Forget a big open space with a single piece of furniture in the middle, this one feels like an apartment. The stock is all Australian-made (well, all but two items), and includes stationery, jewellery, leather goods, ceramics, homewares, manchester, books and furniture. The solid wood furniture is custom-designed by owner Ross Longmuir and is as affordable as it is beautiful.

Small Spaces

Redfern

Everything in this Redfern design store is handpicked for 'small spaces' and showcases practicality and simplicity in design. Convert your sofa into a bed or assemble a shelf to fit in a very tight corner thanks to Maruni, Muuto and vintage Ercol pieces. Prices from $20

Koskela

Rosebery

Located in the same warehouse that houses Kitchen by Mike, Koskela is a store that has to be seen to be believed. The industrial space showcases a mix of vintage and new furniture, lighting, homewares and toys selected by owners Russel Koskela and Sasha Titckosky, who produce the majority of furniture on- shore, and curate each space to reflect a different room in the home. Prices from $5.

Vampt Vintage Design

Surry Hills

This treasure trove is for the true design aficionado. Stocking only the cream of the mid-20th century Scandinavian design crop, the shop is host to classic designers like Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen. You won't see any reproductions on the floor, and if you can't find what your looking for, the Vampt team can source it for you for the market value. Prices from around $180 for a Parker piece.

Workshopped

Surry Hills

What started as an annual exhibition supporting emerging Australian designers has turned into a store. Its open-plan space is also used for one-off design exhibitions, and products include furniture, lighting, homewares and jewellery. The next piece you buy here could be a future Newson. Prices from $10.

Top 3 by Design

Crows Nest

No design list would be complete without mentioning this one. Stocking only the best three products in each category, Top3 was one of the first stores in Australia to recognise the need for well-designed, fun, bright and practical products for the home or office. Brands include Eva Solo, Zaha Hadid and Jasper Morrison. Prices from $9.

Orson & Blake

Surry Hills

O&B is an eclectic mix of contemporary furniture, new and classic homewares, furniture, lighting, fashion and jewellery. All furniture is for larger spaces and customised options are available. Prices from $11.

Chee Soon and Fitzgerald

Surry Hills

We love this soft furnishings and small homeware store for its bright coloured textiles from Marimekko and classically designed homewares by Georg Jensen. Prices from $10.

Spence & Lyda

Surry Hills

Located in the back streets of Surry Hills, this showroom displays only the best of Italian and German design, including Missoni Home and Autobahn. Prices from $20.

Oxford St Design Store

Darlinghurst

Selling limited edition products from artists and groups including illustrator Forgotten Fancies, letterpress collective the Hungry Workshop and object design label Page Thirty Three. There is nothing over $20