Northlight Design

Northlight is a fascinating shop just to browse around, and great if you’re looking for an intriguing gift, especially for a style-​conscious fella. I’ve received and given a few presents from there and they always go down a treat, especially when used to brighten up a gloomy student room. They have a selection of almost painfully elegant home furnishings, including cushions, throws, candles, decorative items They also sell crockery and other kitchenware as well as picnic bags and hand-​made kids’ toys. There are some quirky items of jewellery in a cabinet at the side, and lovely children’s mobiles dangling from the ceiling. This is all crammed into a tiny shop (don’t take a large bag with you!) with very friendly staff. I am so tempted by their lovely fruit bowls, sigh.
It really isn’t cheap, by the way, but if you are looking to treat someone (including yourself) then it is a great place to find an unusual present.

A nice change from Ikea: this home store specialises in ranges of lighting and bits and bobs for the home. I don’t own a house, but I still find the range of lamps, lightshades and quirky lampstands really intriguing. It’s best to go in with an open mind and let yourself be drawn to something, rather than going in with a set idea of what you want.
There are lots of things under the rather vague category of ‘soft furnishings’, which can range from bags to trays to ornaments. The general trend is colourful and contemporary, with the odd squirt of quirkiness. It’s a bit different from the nearby antique shops, but it works.
The items seem like good quality and the staff are helpful. Prices are reasonable and all in all it’s worth a visit if you’re into that sort of thing. Personally, I find it interesting, but can’t quite get excited about lighting and soft furnishings. I guess you’ve got to do it at some point though, and you could do a lot worse than starting here.