SOUTH MAIN

Inform Interiors

50 Water St.

It’s impossible to miss Inform: the familyowned design shop takes up practically the whole block. A walk through the sweeping, multi-level showroom is like a visit to a design museum—discover global brands like Herman Miller and Vitra alongside local heroes A-N-D lighting and Christian Woo. (A thoughtful selection of books and accessories make it a top-notch gift-sourcing spot, too.) informinteriors.com

Neighbour Objects

51 Powell St.

Sister store to Neighbour and Neighbour/Woman, Neighbour Objects carries the same quiet luxury into the home goods sphere. There are a few pieces of furniture here, but beyond the big bits, you’ll find everything you need to make a house a home, from coffee-geekapproved Moccamaster brewers to sculptural Nathalee Paolinelli candleholders to confetti-patterned Fredericks and Mae chopping boards. shopneighbour.com

Resource Furniture

124 W Hastings St.

Step into the Resource showroom prepared for a magic show. The niche furniture design store specializes in modern, multifunctional and transforming furniture—bookshelves turn into queen-sized beds and compact desks expand into 12-seater dining tables. Condo dwellers, take note. resourcefurniture.com

Welcome to SoMa—home of oat milk lattes, vintage credenzas and craft beers aplenty. Step into our very own West Coast Brooklyn, where Michelin-starred restaurants meet cool local bars, and where hipsters, artists and people who have or are seriously thinking about getting a tattoo are known to congregate. The home design shops? A hub for mid-century modern and eco-conscious minimalism. And the best part: you’re always within reach of a great coffee shop, snack or post-shop patio beer.

Vancouver Special

3612 Main St.

Borrowing its name from Vancouver’s iconic ’60s and ’70s-era boxy homes, this indie design store is a modernist’s delight. Think of it as the cool cousin of Ikea that went to art school in Copenhagen. Vancouver Special is a playground of Scandi-cool, from coral Acapulco chairs to cream vintage desk lamps. Design power players like Alessi, Vitra and Muuto rub elbows with hip furniture brands like Normann Copenhagen. It’s stylishly minimal and, of course, special. shop. vanspecial.com

Nineteen Ten

4366 Main St.

This popular indie store will have you questioning the difference between a “want” and a “need.” With curated, one-of-a-kind homewares, skincare and gifts, it’s a onestop shop for that perfect locally made teak coaster set, vacuum-sealed travel tumbler or delightful greeting card. nineteenten.ca