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For the rug connoisseur

Woollahra has some of the best stores in Australia for contemporary and traditional rugs and as Robyn Cosgrove of Robyn Cosgrove Rugs says, “a fine rug should be the source of inspiration for the colour scheme of a room. It should be the foundation of all design work within and should speak to your senses”. Whether traditional or contemporary there are stores in Woollahra that specialise in this field.

Take a walk down Queen Street and into Ocean Street and imbue yourself in tradition and culture and learn more about the history of rug making.

If you are looking for modern design modes and trends or classics and traditional craftsmanship there is a broad spectrum of choice.

Robyn Cosgrove Rugs, on the corner of Queen and Ocean Streets, has over 25 years of experience in the selection and design of fine handmade rugs and Robyn has fostered strong and enduring relationships with ethical weaving houses around the world where skills, quality and integrity are preserved.

The Exclusive Collection at Robyn Cosgrove Rugs represents a range of contemporary designs hand knotted in Nepal from fine Tibetan wool with the addition of silk to many designs, these rugs are rich in sensitivity to the essence of the contemporary interior.

Their Nomadic range includes unique hand knots which are strong and vibrant with an earthy naivety.

The Oriental collection includes very fine hand weaves from Turkey and these classic designs reflect the artistry of the Ottoman and Egyptian empires. The antiques of tomorrow!

The Samarkand range at Robyn Cosgrove Rugs are hand knotted in Pakistan have a more casual sensuality and bring harmony and balance with their wonderful palettes and patterns within the interior environment and can maximise the visual impact and fit well within both contemporary and traditional interiors.

I&B Perryman

Walking along Queen Street you will find I & B Perryman Oriental Carpets - established in 1990, owners Ian & Belinda Perryman have been involved in the antique carpet and textile trade for twenty five years. Collecting pieces from all over the world - rugs, carpets, flat-weaves, tapestries and textiles - each piece is personally selected. They offer expert cleaning, restoration/conservation and valuation services.

Old pieces have a 'soul' not found in the mass produced pieces of today which you find in the general marketplace. The old tribal pieces particularly have a fascinating history of the people who wove them.

When decorating a room, an old carpet adds a layering which gives depth and character. Like antique furniture, old rugs have a patina; the wool acquires a special sheen and even wear enhances a design, making it crisper. All stock is personally chosen and no 'job-lot' container loads are purchased. 'Old, beautiful and interesting' is the criteria for selection, and the hardest part of the business is finding suitable stock.

Robyn Cosgrove Rugs and I & B Perryman both provide a custom-made service where any colour or design can be woven using traditional methods.

Explore the luxury and opulence of hand woven and knotted rugs when you wander through Woollahra village from Ocean Street to Oxford St. Other stores in Woollahra which carry rugs include Sally Beresford , Martyn Cook, Howell and Howell, Tibet Sydney, Ros Palmer Interiors. Orson and Blake andCambodia House also have a selection of casual runners and rugs.

Fashion in Woollahra

Woollahra is a fantastic place to see what is in fashion and to add wonderful pieces to your wardrobe. Take a stroll from Oxford Street and wander through the amazing fashion stores in Queen Street. First you will come across Lee Mathews, a contemporary Australian designer located right next door to Akira, one of Australia's best known designers: eclectic transformation of traditional ideas into very special pieces.

Next door you will find Amanda Garrett, well know for her bridal and formal dresses, including special occasion dresses that work so well for mothers of the bride.

Further down you will run into Susan Holmwood, a delightful store with feminine shirts made in Australia from the best fabrics, lots of tempting accessories and other wonderful pieces.

Tibet Sydney is THE store for textile and traditional culture groupies, look for exotic textiles, scarves and other fabulous pieces from Tibet. Body is next, a Melbourne designer, then drop in to Robert Burton's eclectic store. Diagonally across Queen Street you will find Lisa Ho's flagship store with luxurious textiles and beautiful designs. Down the road from Lisa Ho you will come across a store new to Woollahra, Flannel, a Perth based label with contemporary pieces in simple silhouettes highlighting elegant fabrics.

Dart across from Simon Johnson and you will find Niu, with the latest European designer handbags and shoes as well as sumptuous interior design accessories. Nearby are the Brunelli Cucinelli, MBC, John Cavill and Saba stores.

Credit card run out already? Oh well there is always window shopping! Don't forget your feet - Quincy has the latest from Europe in women's shoes and handbags.

Just below Halls Lane Tim O'Connor's little store is full of surprises for women and then there is the elegance of Nicola Finnetti's store.

Across the road you can explore the Orson & Blake homewares and fashion store which carries labels such as Missoni and Kenzo and specially selected individual pieces on the first floor. Cross the road again to Herringbone which has classic pieces, shirts and suiting in a spacious, elegant store.

Nearly time for a coffee. But before you head off to one of the many cafes in Woollahra just drop into Gary Castles for that last minute winter boot or amazing stilletto for that special night out.

Across Moncur Street you will find Riada and Attic in Queens Court which specialise in European labels, as does Artwear on Queen.

Next is Ruby and Min with unusual young and contemporary labels from all over, and then across Queen Street take a look in Witchery for that now look in shoes and accessories.

On the corner of Queen and Spicer Streets you will find the longest trading women's fashion store in Woollhara, Reads of Woollahra. Spend time in reads, enjoying the broad representation of the best in contemporary fashion from Australia, New Zealand and selected European labels including the quirky Odd Molly, Twinset from Italy, NTS, Trelise Cooper and much more.

You will need to relax after all that walking and shopping, so head straight to the corner of Queen and Moncur Streets and have a glass of champagne in the Woollahra Hotel Terrace!