A friend who has recently returned to Melbourne after living in Perth for five years told me that she’d love to pick my brain and find out about all the cute and quirky shops I love to visit, you know, the ones in out of the way places that you accidentally stumble across because you took a wrong turn.
It gave me an idea for a new blog series – Melbourne’s Hidden Retail Gems. I’ll be sharing some of my new discoveries and long time favourite places to shop, find treasures and be inspired. It will be an eclectic collection, but the common thread will be that they are all indie storefronts run by retailers with passion for what they do. I love supporting small local businesses because they bring life to their area and create a thriving community.
To kick off the series – The Lampist in Bentleigh, a little store with a big colourful retro attitude.
Maryanne, the owner, decided that she wanted to do something she truly loved before turning 50, she’d been admiring the store front for years, and when it became available, Maryann snapped up the opportunity to open The Lampist.
As a lover of vintage fabric, I feel like a kid in a candy store, the shop is an explosion of colour and I always get major fabric envy whenever I visit.
Maryann revamps vintage or new lampshades and combines them with rewired vintage bases that she’s sourced from far and wide. She has a great eye for picking which base and which shade will work perfectly together. Custom orders are The Lampist specialty, if you have a special piece of fabric or lamp base that you need to find the perfect shade for, Maryann’s your gal.
A must visit for vintage decor lovers, whether you are into 50’s classic elegance, 60’s glamour or 70’s graphic eye popping colour (my personal preference), you’ll find that special lamp to suit your room.
There is no online shop, this place is definitely worth visiting in person.
Website: www.thelampist.com
Where: 167 Jasper Rd, Bentleigh VIC 3204
Phone: 0424272447
Opening Hours: Wed to Friday, 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm. Call other times for appointment.
Cost: $45-$500
Image credits – The Lampist facebook