South Granville is a great area for wandering – from the edge of the Granville Bridge up to 16th, you’ll find galleries, coffee shops, shop shops and restaurants like Heirloom and West.

If you venture north of Broadway and into the adjoining side streets, you’ll discover some lovely boutiques that feature unique products – many created by local artists – in  rooms that have been lovingly curated by their owners.

Goodge Place
This artful shop on West 8th is named after a street in London, a city where one of the owners, Emily McLean, enjoyed living for years. She was inspired by the artisans and out of the way shops she saw in Europe and wanted to recreate the experience here, with a special Vancouver flare. Emily runs the store with her mother, Patricia, who also owns World Mosaic Tile, a South Granville stalwart.

•••
Örling & Wu
On 6th Avenue, you’ll find the sister store to the Örling and Wu on Water Street. Both are owned by Fredrik Örling and Julie Wu. The two met at London’s Central Saint Martin’s University whilst completing their Masters degrees. Their focus has been on handpicking items with a focus on Swedish and European design. Örling and Wu opened their South Granville store in the summer of this year. If you’re lucky, Mocha the Labradoodle will be there to greet you.

••••••

The Carriage House Consignment

Vancouver used to have so many consignment and antique stores. You could poke around for days, looking for interesting decor finds. These days, these rediscovered treasure troves are few and far between, but there is a beautifully curated example on 7th Avenue, just west of Granville. Owner Cinde Stevens – formerly a Canadian and World Synchronized Swimming champion – has hunted down beautiful furnishings, art and jewelry across a broad price range. Many of the pieces were designed right here in Vancouver. Locally shot shows – like Once upon a Time, Bates Motel and Arrow – often visit The Carriage House for sets.

Written by Elizabeth Newton
www.creatorsvancouver.com