Shop precinct: Olinda, Victoria
Shop Precinct: Olinda, Victoria
Each month, Home Beautiful reveals Australia's must-visit destinations and uncover their hidden gems.
Rich colours, spring blossoms and breathtaking scenery have always enticed visitors to picture-postcard Olinda - one of the highest villages in Victoria's beautiful Dandenong Ranges, an easy day trip from Melbourne. Browse quaint boutiques with unique decor by local and global artisans and enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes - there's always something good on the menu.
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 1: Metisse
What started as a home-based interior design business for owner Lorna Jane has blossomed into a lovely collection of both vintage and contemporary French homewares. Metisse resembles a French cottage, complete with seasonal potted flowers at the front door, and stocks beautiful linen, designer cushions, vintage silverware and original artworks. An interior design service is also on offer.
Open: Tues-Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm.
Visit: Shop 8, 540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, (03) 9751 2811, metisse.com.au
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 2: Heaton & May
After years of sharing a fascination with art and design, owners Carol and Karen made the great leap together and established a delightful store dedicated to unique decor, quirky stationery and one-of-a-kind accessories. This welcoming, light-filled space showcases local artisans plus other indie-makers from around Melbourne.
Open: Mon 11am-4pm; Wed-Fri 11am-4pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm.
Visit: Shop 1, 47 Olinda-Monbulk Road, (03) 9751 0022, heatonandmay.com.au
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 3: Mangana
Housed in two of Olinda's oldest original buildings, Mangana is a cavernous emporium overflowing with a heady mix of arts and crafts-style decor and furnishings. With many years of experience, owners John and Judy stock timeless accessories from around the globe: leadlight lamps, railway clocks, hammered silver platters, Venetian masks, glittering Art Deco-inspired jewellery and even a vintage ski sleigh. Make your way to the back of the store for the larger furniture pieces such as beautiful timber consoles and classic freestanding nautical spotlights.
Open: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm.
Visit: 29-41 Olinda-Monbulk Road, (03) 9751 1780, mangana.com.au.
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 4: Herbicious Delicious
Wander up the path behind Mangana and you'll discover a culinary collaboration that is part Jamie Oliver, part Jamie Durie. Herbicious Delicious brims with every kitchenware product imaginable, plus a huge range of Herbie's Spices. Owner Sue also stocks green buys in the garden shed, such as gardening tools and handmade planter boxes in all shapes and sizes.
Open: Mon-Sun 10:30am-5pm.
Visit: Shop 3, 10 Parsons Lane, (03) 9751 0026.
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 5: Treasures Of Istanbul
Every floor and wall of this shop is layered with vivid colours, tactile textures and intricate Turkish patterns. Husband and wife team Ibrahim and Karyn carry an exotic collection of handmade floor rugs and runners, soft furnishings, ceramics and mosaic lights that sparkle like a kaleidoscope in every room of this original weatherboard house.
Open: Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.
Visit: 6 Parsons Lane, (03) 9751 1406, treasuresofistanbul.com.au.
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
Stop 6: Ranges
Famous for its open fires, homemade scones and signature mountain bread, this toasty cafe is popular with both visitors and locals alike. The menu caters for the very hungry, serving up generous burgers, but if you're just a bit peckish, the trio of dips is a must. It can get busy on weekends, so grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a latte, or a glass of Yarra Valley wine.
Open: Mon-Sun 8.30am-6pm, with dinner Tue-Sat from 5.30pm.
Visit: 5 Olinda-Monbulk Road, (03) 9751 2133, ranges.com.au.
Words: Jo McComiskey, Photography: Gorta Yuuki
Home Beautiful
