Shopping precinct: Mount Hawthorn, WA
This once-sleepy Perth suburb is bursting into life. New boutique shops and eateries are establishing themselves alongside a strong existing community, creating a buzzy, family-focused vibe. Ditch the car and make a day of it by taking a stroll along the long, central high street, with a nature trail park nearby, and enjoy the warm, neighbourly atmosphere of this child-friendly urban village. Do explore its laneways and The Mezz shopping mall on your travels.
STOP 1 | Scandinavian Wallpaper & Décor
This seriously beautiful space, with its vast and diverse range of textured and organic-look wallpaper, will take your breath away. Owner Lollo Jansson is passionate about her trade, importing papers from her beloved native Sweden and offering a custom printing service (samples can be sent all over Australia). Entering her showroom and seeing what’s on display will rewrite your views on wallpaper being a ‘traditional’ form of decorating.
Must-have: ‘Concrete Cire’ in CC8016G by Tres Tintas (below left), $121/sqm.
Open: Mon-Thu, 9am-4pm; Fri, 9am-1pm; Sat, 10am-1pm.
Visit: 376D Oxford Street, (08) 9444 2717.
Bookmark: wallpaperdecor.com.au.
STOP 2 | Bites By D
Pop in to this wonderful cafe/patisserie or book in for high tea – either will let you experience the epicurean delights on offer. Test your tastebuds with European-influenced pastries and savouries with a balanced palate of subtle flavours. If you’re planning a celebration or a special treat, Bites By D offers a great space for large parties for high tea, beautifully served in elegant surrounds resplendent with twinkling chandeliers and crisp table linens.
Must-try: Toffee crunch eclair filled with salted-caramel crème pâtissière.
Open: Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 10am-3pm.
Visit: 147 Scarborough Beach Road, (08) 9444 7712.
Bookmark: bitesbyd.com.au.
TOP 3 | Olive & Coco
This store represents a life change for two longstanding friends, Lynne and Leisa, who swapped their jobs in the corporate world for a retail outlet selling beautiful homewares and fashion. The pair offers varied goods, insisting on great service and a collection that is inspired by their respective travels. Browse around this generous shop for a pretty and on-trend assemblage of mango wood tablewares, ceramics, Urban Road textiles and Losari macramé cushions and throws.
Must-have: Eb & Ive’s Loveshack ‘Mezza’ bowls (below left), $49.99/small, $69.95/large.
Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Thu, 9am-6pm.
Visit: Shop 5-6, The Mezz, 148 Scarborough Beach Road, (08) 9444 4141.
Bookmark: olivecoco.com.au.
STOP 4 | Paper Fusion
A whimsical shop that sells beautifully made paper decorations and stationery items. Baskets are piled high with gorgeous bits and pieces, such as letter stamps, bamboo partyware, cotton reels and paper wrap that will fire your imagination with possibilities. If you want that personalised touch, this is the go-to place for your wedding or special event – or simply if you have a love of paper.
Must-have: Unique cards are handmade in-store or sourced globally. Foiling and watercolour designs are specialities.
Open: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm; Sat, 9.30am-3pm.
Visit: 176a Scarborough Beach Road, (08) 9443 2052.
Bookmark: paperfusion.com.au.
STOP 5 | Henry & Oliver Co
Cleverly packed into this shop are five main zones dedicated to the Hamptons look, with furniture and accessories that speak to this elegant, east-coast American style. Walk through to discover different rooms, including living and dining, stocked with pieces in the washed and painted timber and blue-and-white or sea-green schemes of classic beach-style living. Elaine Ellis launched this shop last year and also offers custom upholstery designed in-house and made locally, as well as a styling service.
Must-have: Ginger jar $189/50cm tall.
Open: Mon-Thu & Sat, 9.30am-4.30pm; Fri, 9.30am-4pm.
Visit: Shop 6, 160 Scarborough Beach Road, (08) 9444 8838.
Bookmark: henryandoliverco.com.
While you're there...
A little under four kilometres, the loop walk around Lake Monger to the south-east offers views of the city and a bevy of black swans and other waterbirds. Marked around this pretty reserve’s perimeter are play areas, a nature trail and picnic grounds. In the neighbouring suburb of North Perth is the must-visit Hobart Deli at 45 Hobart Street. Dine on a tantalising array of fresh food for breakfast and lunch, or peruse cookbooks and gift cards while you wait for your barista coffee. Next door, Urban Soul Living (urbansoulliving.com.au) celebrates a love of global roaming. Find throws and other pieces sourced by the owner from artisans in Tanzania, inky ceramics from Yuniko Studio and handmade textiles by Madam Bukeshla.
