Known as one of Melbourne’s most shoppable spots, the idyllic inner-city suburb of Armadale is located seven kilometres – and one short tram ride – south-east of the city’s CBD. It boasts a chic range of interior and high-end fashion stores, an abundance of gourmet eateries and a number of antique stores and art galleries.
Take an exploratory stroll with us...
1. House Of Orange
House of Orange is the brainchild of Hans and Ursula van Schoonhoven who, after running an auction house left the Netherlands to put down roots in Melbourne, where Ursula grew up with her Finnish/Dutch parents. It was there Ursula and Hans created a furniture business with the emphasis being on clean, custom Dutch design at an affordable price.
The furniture side of the business has been going from strength to strength, so the couple added homewares to the mix a few years ago when they became the exclusive distributors of Dutch brand, HK Living.
Visit: 917 High Street, (03) 9500 9991
Must-haves: ‘Frankie’ bunk bed, from $1890; HK Living ‘Kyoto’ ceramics, from $10.95 for a small bowl.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm; Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 11am-4pm.
Follow: @houseoforange
“We knew we had something that simply wasn’t out there yet,”
Ursula van Schoonhoven
2. Fenton & Fenton
Walking into Fenton & Fenton, you can understand why the much-loved homewares store is renowned for its kaleidoscope of colours, texture and pattern.
Founder Lucy Fenton, who was inspired to open the store after a spontaneous trip to India, offers a shopping experience that pushes the boundaries.
When Fenton & Fenton opened more than 10 years ago, Lucy’s vision was to create a place that didn’t limit itself to selling one-of-a-kind period furniture, but pieces that are sourced locally as well as abroad, which could sit together in a way that hadn’t been done before.
Visit: 471 High Street, (03) 9533 2323
Must-haves: ‘DJA’ lounge chair, $2100; Basil Bangs outdoor cushion in Wildflowers by Leah Bartholomew, $75
Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5.30pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm.
Follow: @fenton_and_fenton
3. Fjord + Co
Opened in September 2017, Fjord + Co is a collaboration between two friends, Anna Lofts and Tina Richards. The duo has created a place where attention is on handcrafted and artisanal pieces, which are showcased in their beautiful store.
“Our focus is on bringing together an irresistible edit of lovingly made homewares from around the globe, showing how they work well with our Australian lifestyle”
Tina Richards
4. Well Placed
After owning her first successful business, Cool Cactus for a few years, Naomi Burd was looking for something to extend her creativity. That’s when she came up with the concept for Well Placed – a shop where you can find unique display, storage, organisational pieces and accessories.
Visit: 6a Barkly Avenue, 0478 117 241
Must-haves: Mifuko baskets, from $48
Open: Mon, 10am-5pm; Tues, closed; Weds-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, closed
Follow: @wellplaced
5. Moby 3143
With Christina Higgins’ background in catering and front-of-house service, and Steven Svensen’s 15 years’ experience as a chef, the childhood friends decided to combine their talents and open the doors to Moby 3143.
The pair has created a lightfilled and sophisticated space – inspired by its ’70s shell – which is warm and inviting.
“We wanted everyone to feel comfortable in the space,” says Christina. And just like its interiors, the food offerings have something for everyone. “It’s about having food that speaks for itself through the flavour.”
“Our food is all about being clean and simple, but with a bit of flair”
Christina Higgins
VISIT: 1150 High Street, (03) 9509 2710
Must-haves: Fried chicken bao, $23; duck & waffle, $23.
Open: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-4pm; Sat and Sun, 7.30am-4pm
Follow: @moby3143
4. Zia Rina's Cucina
Classic Italian flavours are king at Zia Rina's Cucina. Indulge in the seasonal menu featuring delicious pasta, such as the ricotta and snow pea tendril ravioli, tantalising antipasti such as the salmon crudo or treat your sweet tooth to wattleseed cannoli with whipped ricotta and yarra valley cherries.
Visit: 857 High St.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Armadale certainly isn’t short of fabulous eating options. Fancy treating yourself to some R&R after a hard day of shopping? Then head to Willow Urban Retreat. This beautifully designed slice of relaxation is sprawled across two buildings and offers an array of self-care options, as well as a health-focused cafe.
For something a little bit upmarket, head to Amaru – an intimate 34-seater restaurant offering delicious contemporary Australian fare.
Need to recharge between outlets? Head to Wine1160, which offers an impressive wine list, delicious tasting menus and even wine flights.
Visit: 1160 High St, (03) 9509 9153
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