Hans Wegner chair at Bo Butik.

It's fair to say Karen McCartney knows Sydney interiors shopping, and she also understands that it's foolish to shop without proper sustenance. Today she shares 5 favourite haunts, including one brand new restaurant. To see the rest of her shopping & food favourites, visit Coco Republic's Field Notes blog, and look out for your chance to win a spot at Karen's upcoming talk on interior design.



Kepos  Street Kitchen, Kepos  Street, Redfern
This relative newcomer is one of the best places I have eaten in a long time. A simple interior of timber, white metal and stripy banquettes conveys no-nonsense comfort but it is the food that way over-delivers on its promise. We ate our way through numerous dishes from a cauliflower salad (more delicious than it sounds), falafels, stuffed dates, squid ink risotto and baked Atlantic salmon. This place gets a hand on heart recommendation.



Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre, Alexandria
When I was a student in London I used to have a market stall at Camden Market. I love a jumble sale, a car boot sale, and the rummaging potential of an antique market. That is where Mitchell Road Emporium comes into play. Just down the road from bread & circus, this emporium of vintage finds delivers for the dedicated fossicker. You can lose yourself for hours amongst vintage glass, French metal chairs and tin toys. But I always end up at Brian Hoy's stand with his wonderful, mannered taste and ability to combine the grand gesture with the subtlest of detail. My last visit resulted in buying a beautiful country bowl for $30.



Koskela, Dunning Street, Rosebery
I am a big fan of the ambitious retail and restaurant project that is Koskela and Kitchen by Mike. It is the place to while away an afternoon – lunch followed by some stylish shopping, rounded off with coffee and cake. Koskela is filled with wonderful, inspiring home wares, contemporary collectable craft and the best range of beautiful utility you will see in Sydney. Once you manage to find a parking spot stay put as long as you can.



Home Furniture on Consignment (HFOC), Doody Street Alexandria
Scott and Charles are the go to guys for high-end furniture at pre-loved prices. Yes, this is up-market recycling at its very best. Fancy an Italian sofa in perfect condition but don't want to pay full retail? Then check out their ever-changing range of stock. Ex-showroom displays sit beside perfect items that their owners have decided to move on. From small ceramics to large furniture items HFOC never disappoints.



Bo Butik, Tilley Lane, French's Forest
This warehouse brimming with Danish furniture is run by the very knowledgeable Marie and Ian.  If you fancy an original teak and paper cord Hans Wegner chair, a extending dining table, a sideboard or a beautiful ceramic piece (as I did the other day) it is the place to go. They also re-upholster in fabric of your choice so you get the exact chair for your interior.  Check out the website before your trip but if Danish furniture is your thing it will be the most exciting visit you pay this year.

Visit Field Notes for the rest of Karen's favourites, plus you'll have a chance to win a spot at Karen's upcoming sessions at the Coco Republic Design School's Speaker Series on 19th and 22nd March. She'll be talking about the creative process from an editor's perspective, with lots of examples of what works in interiors, and why.